Ka'i:
The chant or mele used for dancers to enter on to the performance area.  The kahiko chant used for the ka‘i should honor the deities of the hula, the theme of the competition mele and/or the elements of nature.  Newly composed chants are encouraged but should reflect the time period appropriate to the hula and function of the ka’i.  Mele chosen for the hula ‘auana ka’i shall also reflect the theme of the chosen competition mele.

Interpretation:
This category is the expression of the song or chant through hula.  English language hymns that have been translated into Hawaiian for any hula kahiko performance are not allowed.

Expression:
Expression will be judged on facial and body movements appropriate for the hula.

Posture:
The posture or carriage of the performers’ body throughout the performance will be judged.

Precision:
The accuracy of group dancing together with precision on movements of hands and feet.  Soloist are not judged in this category.

Hand Gestures:
The accuracy of group dancing together with precision on movements of hands and feet.  Soloist are not judged in this category.

Feet Movements/Body Movements:
The accuracy of group dancing together with precision on movements of hands and feet.  Soloist are not judged in this category.

Ho'i:
The chant or mele used for dancers to exit off the performance area.  The kahiko chant used for the ho‘i should honor the deities of the hula, the theme of the competition mele and/or the elements of nature.  Newly composed chants are encouraged but should reflect the time period appropriate to the hula and function of ho‘i.  Mele chosen for the Hula ‘auana ho’i must be appropriate to the Chosen Mele Selection.

Costumes:
Appropriate to mele presentation hula kahiko or ‘auana.

Adornments:
Appropriate to mele presentation hula kahiko or ‘auana.

Grooming:
Neatness in presentation of clothing, hair, costumes, and leis.

Overall Performance:
Culmination of the whole presentation as one unit and as a soloist in hula kahiko and hula ‘auana that captures the essence of the chosen mele or chant selction.

JUDGES

Nalani Kanakaole

Charles Kaupu

Sonny Ching

Keala Ching

Haouli Akaka