From ʻŌlapa to Aloaliʻi

What the Merrie Monarch Festival and its stage represent isn’t lost on her. Loo recalled the words of her Kumu Hula Nālani Kanakaʻole Zane, whose legacy continues to permeate the festival: “She would remind us that this is the biggest stage for hula; an opportunity to share our language, culture, and dance in excellence. It’s an example of Hawaiian excellence at its highest level.”

Loo shared that each year, Aunty Nālani would require her dancers to watch the festival, whether in the stadium or at home. The hālau would come together the following week to reflect on what was demonstrated on stage. For her hālau, the lessons extended beyond competition, offering a chance to learn and grow from others’ commitment to excellence in their craft. For Loo, these insights extend beyond the stage, guiding how she strives to fulfill the role of Mōʻī Wahine at the festival this year.

While she admits she will miss dancing alongside her hālau this year, her approach to Merrie Monarch remains the same. “Even though I’m serving in a different capacity this year, I’m still treating it the same way. It’s important to me to show up with the same intention and dedication to excellence, and appreciation for the process,” Loo explained.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of this year is that Loo won’t experience it alone. Her 14-year-old daughter, Kaʻilimehana, will serve alongside her as an ukali aliʻi, or lady-in-waiting.

“Kaʻili has attended every Merrie Monarch Hōʻike since she was born. This is an opportunity for her to be a part of something that has been so foundational in my life, and we get to do it together.”

Alongside her royal duties, which are entirely voluntary, Loo continues her work at UH Hilo. Kīpuka has long been connected to the festival, with former director Gail Makuakāne-Lundin (featured in video below) coordinating festival ushers for 26 years and building connections between UH Hilo and the broader community through the existing Merrie Monarch events. That legacy continues today through Kīpuka’s student peer mentors and staff, who participate in various ways throughout the festival, including this year’s “Waihona Lole Swap,” which allowed students to trade previously worn outfits just in time to have fresh festival fits for Merrie Monarch week. Across campus, UH Hilo community members as a whole can be seen embracing the collective kuleana of hoʻokipa.