QUEEN EMMA HULA FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 2012

Eo e ‘Emalani i Alaka’i Festival

OCTOBER 2012

Queen ‘Emalani is still revered throughout Hawaii because she loved her people and unlike many who rule from Oahu, she actually visited the other islands to see the people.  Queen Emma spent quite a lot of time on Kauai, arriving by boat, and had a home in Lawai.  In 1871 she chose to adventure up to Waimea Canyon with a guide and a huge entourage that included chanters and hula dancers.  She and some of the others were on horseback, others walked, visiting sacred sites and along the canyon.  They rested in Kanaloahuluhulu (caw-nah low-ah hoo-loo hoo-loo) Meadow and then went again by horseback into the rainforest and then making the difficult trek across the wetlands known today as the Alaka’i Swamp, stopping to rest and dance before spending the night near the lookout or kilohana.

Since 1989 a very special event has taken place each October in the meadow just beyond the Kokee Museum.  Hula dance troupes are invited (not a competition) to perform for the Queen.  The Queen is chosen some weeks ahead and it is an honor and privilege.  The first time I attended I was expecting an excellent show beginning with the arrival of the Queen on horseback.  She did ride in as did her attendant and they were seated in a tent prepared to give shade and comfort.  The first troupe entered and brought gifts and then performed.  I was in tears witnessing the loving dance given to and received by the queen; and she was The Queen.  The dancers would then back away into the trees and the next troupe would perform.

Many festivals later I was brought to tears again this year by the sincerity of all concerned.  The music begins at 10am with the Queen due at noon. 

 Ukelele Club:  Patsy Sheehan, Alan Faye, Dotty Perry

Falsetto wonder: Nick Costello

            As the hour approaches, the people line up to watch and photograph the entry of the Queen across the meadow.

Queen's tent - rain or shine she will be protected

This year it is a scorcher in the sun,

other years we have watched in ankle deep rain, even under the trees!

 Queen Emma arrives

The Queen is giddy with her entrance and is walking to her tent with her attendant and guide

In a flash, she is caught by the emotion of actually being The Queen

            I’m not sure why this year was so poignant.  It seemed nearly every kumu and performer was feeling the emotion, the privilege to perform for the beloved and wise embodiment of royal lineage, of great mana.

Respect

&

Honor

Love

&

Sincerity

Ipu drummers - experienced or new, serious about the art, especially after today

Gifts were received by the attendant and set aside for the Queen

Two parts of the same halau performing both seated and standing styles

Maka has officially filled the 'shoes' of the kumu before him

Maka Herrod and the kapuna dancers backing the soloist

Honoring generations

More gifts given with respect & humility - qualities of hula 

 KANE 

The men of hula (caw-neh)

Chanting from the heart, friend of the forest and the Queen

A mixture of Victorian and traditional elements

Queen Emma was a Victorian monarch after all

Pu niu - coconut drum

Attached to the knee and played while dancing in a seated position

Marsha Ericson looks on - head of Kokee Museum, Hui O Laka, etc.

responsible for all events, she is the Queen of Kokee

behind the Queen are the covered poles indicating this area is Kapu - do not pass

the upright leaf and feather Kahilis indicate royalty

Performances continued all afternoon

Traditional rattle with small gourd containing either dried seeds or small pebbles, 

kapa cloth top with feathers

Another group wearing Kauai Island color: purple, with meile leis

dancing for their Queen