Miss Aloha Hula 2024: Ka'ōnohi Lopes Continues her Family Legacy

• Posted on 3 April 2024
• By Luana Zablan & PC: Merrie Monarch Festival
• 0

Hulo! Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai Lopes is the second daughter of Kumu Hula, Keawe and Tracie Lopes of Ka lā ʻōnohi mai o haʻehaʻe. She is the fourth consecutive winner of her Halau.

He Lanakila 'oia!

Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai Lopes

Hula flows through the veins! Nearly 30 years after her mother, Tracie Lopes became Miss Aloha Hula 1994 and two years after her sister Pi'ikea received the same title. Kaʻōnohi continues in her family's legacy after competing and winning against 13 talented contestants. Raised within a lineage renowned for its dedication to preserving and evolving these cultural practices, Kaʻōnohi has been profoundly influenced by her family's expertise and passion. Her mother's mastery in hula, her father's musical accomplishments, and her family's commitment to the Hawaiian language have collectively shaped her artistic expression. As a performer, Kaʻōnohi  seamlessly integrates these elements, offering a compelling portrayal of her heritage that honors and revitalizes the traditions of her ancestors, while also contributing to the ongoing cultural dialogue.

For 12 years, Lehua Jewelers has been a part of the legacy of awarding Miss Aloha Hula winners with a custom-made 14K 15mm hand-engraved Hawaiian Heirloom bracelet for the past nine years. We all anticipate what this year's Miss Aloha Hula bracelet will look like.

Check out Kaʻōnohiʻs performances at the Merrie Monarch Festival 

“Aia Ka Lani Kua Ka‘a I Luna,” this mele hula ‘olapa venerates the peaceful abode of royalty nestled safe beside the sacred pool of Anianiku. The heavenly insignia of the ‘onohi fortifies a bond in memorial, while the pinohu spreads over the ocean reassuring the hope of its vast extent. The puana says, “This is a place protected by royalty, a heaven on earth.”