The Performances
Hula Kahiko
The ka'i or entrance begins the hālau's performance. Performers will enter the stage dancing to a mele that honors the deities of hula or elements of nature or reflect the theme of the competition mele.

The ka'i will segue into the mele selected or composed by the Kumu Hula. Judges will observe how the performers carry themselves throughout the dance, their posture and how well they move with precision as well as energy and grace.

The group must dance as one. Body and facial expressions must reflect the lyrics chanted by the Ho'opa'a. The dancers' hand movements will be judged according to how well they express the thoughts and emotions evoked by the mele. Feet movements must be as well executed as the hand gestures.

Finally the ho'i or exit will consist of a chant honoring the hula deities or a newly composed chant that reflects the period up to and including 1863. Absolutely forbidden is for the hālau to sing its hālau chant while exiting. No We Be on stage, but sing your hearts out, AHA, when you're pau the ho'i!

Hula 'Auana
The ka'i in the 'auana portion may consist of the first verse of the hula mele or another chant. The performance begins as soon as the first dancer sets foot on the stage and begins singing or dancing or, if there is a narrator, when the narrator begins to speak.

As in the kahiko category, posture and precision of the 'olapa will be carefully observed by the judges throughout the performance. Body and hand movements must express the thoughts and feelings of the mele as the lyrical poem unfolds through the Ho'opa'a chanting. The mele must be entirely in Hawaiian. Feet must step in time to the beat of the ipu heke or pahu.

Finally, the ho'i allows the judges to see how the 'olapa exits as they dance and end the performance. The performance is considered completed when the last dancer leaves the stage or when the music ends. The judges record their evaluation and opinions before the next hālau enters the stage

'Olelo Hawai'i Puzzle