Merrie Monarch 2010 Winner Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem
April 10, 2010 by Jerry Reth · Leave a Comment
Merrie Monarch 2010 Winner Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem – Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem of O’ahu’s Halau Hule ‘O Jamuela won the Miss Aloha Hula 2010 competition. Hirao-Solem is 24 years old, and has been dancing with Halau Hulu O Kamuela for four years now. She was able to score points with the judges that earned her the victory throughout her demonstration. Herkahiko’s number about Queen Emma’s travels to Kaua’i, in addition to a more modern demonstration on Diamond Head was able to earn Hirao-Solem 1,082 points.
In addition to Hirao-Solem, her teacher was very pleased with the victory as well. When she was asked how it felt to see a student of hers win the competition, she responded by saying “I means the world to me, actually. Mika is a very, very sweet girl and she works very, very hard. She loves the hula so much.”
Taysha-LeiK. De Sa, who competed for Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua finished in second place, only 8 points off of the pace with 1074. The individual who finished in third place was Mahina Macfarlane who competed for Ka La ‘Onohi Mai O Ha’eha’e, and finished just one point shy of second place with 1073 points. The individual who finished in fourth place was Oralani Koa who danced for Keali’i Reichel’s Kealaokamaile with 1069 points.
The Merrie Monarch 2010 announced the winner of the Miss Aloha Hula winner on Thursday night in front of a large audience. The dedication displayed by the individuals who are able to win these competitions is astounding, and the training regime is often likened to that of a professional athlete.
