Community, Culture & Art, Education, Hawaiian Culture, Island Youth, Music

Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 By Bianca Moragne

2014 May Day Highlights

Each year, schools around the island celebrate May Day, known as Lei Day in Hawaii. Students at each school are selected for the royal court to represent every island, and perform songs and dances for family and friends. Here, we represent each celebration that’s taken place over the past three weeks.

Kualapu`u School keiki hula danced in honor of Hawaii’s beloved chiefs during the May Day celebration, which featured live entertainment from Darren Benitez. Photo by Bianca Moragne

MHS’ royal court, led by Queen Lucy Wilhelm and King Robert Onofrio draped in blue, performed a joyful hula dance to “Kamehameha Trilogy” during the festivities. Photo by Bianca Moragne.

Kilohana Elementary students danced in celebration of the “kaloe kanu o ka `aina” or native of the land from generations back, in a colorful performance. Photo by Bianca Moragne.

The keiki kane of Maunaloa’s court pose before the festivities begin. The school celebrated continuing to thrive with community support, even after the Department of Education proposed its shutdown several years ago. Photo by Catherine Cluett.

Maunaloa School’s May Day Queen Leah DeMello danced to “The Prayer” by Ho`okena. Photo by Catherine Cluett.

The Royal Court of Molokai Middle School prepares for their entrance into the ceremony held in the Barn, which featured live music with special, award-winning guest Napua Greig. Photo by Catherine Cluett.

The 3rd grade class at Kaunakakai Elementary School performed “Malama the Wai” while playing ukuleles at the school’s May Day celebration. This was the last of the May Day celebrations across the island. Photo by Bianca Moragne.