Now accepting nominations and applications
Deadline 30 July 2021
Mōʻī o nā Pua (Floral Queen) –
The kuleana of the Floral Queen is to reign over the Lei Day festivities, participate in protocols, direct the giving of awards, dance hula at the festival, preside over the Poi Supper and Floral Ball fundraisers, participate in other fundraisers, and help to promote the festival throughout the year of her reign. The Floral Queen should have skill in the arts of lei making and of hula, and be knowledgeable in Hawaiian Culture.
Kāhili Bearer of the Mōʻī o nā Pua –
The kuleana of the Floral Queen’s Kāhili Bearer is to accompany the Floral Queen as she fulfills her duties at the festival and through the year of her reign. The Kāhili Bearer shall observe the queen, and if she needs a glass of water or some such, shall signal to one of the kōkua to bring it. The Kāhili Bearer shall study Floral Court protocols, and assure that those who come into the presence of the Mōʻī o nā Pua shall treat her with respect, and that no one crosses directly behind her or steps on her holokū.
Kuhina Nui –
The Kuhina Nui is selected from those who have previously served as Floral Queen. The responsibilities of the Kuhina Nui include advising and assisting the Floral Queen in the fulfillment of her duties. Should the Floral Queen be unable to fulfill her duties, the Kuhina Nui shall assist in the fulfillment of those duties.
Floral Guard –
The Floral Guard is an honor guard which serves and protects the Floral Queen and her court.
Island Representatives –
Island Representatives may be male or female. The representatives shall be able to make lei poʻo and lei ʻāʻī, and dance a hula kahiko and a hula ʻauana for the island they represent. The hula shall include kaʻi, hula, and hoʻi. People who are interested in participating but do not have the required skills may attend training sessions to learn.
In addition to making their lei and dancing their island hula, the Island Representatives shall participate in the festival protocols, participate in festival fundraisers and promotional activities during the year of their term, and assist in teaching the next year’s representatives. Representatives shall be knowledgable regarding their chosen island. Because of the large number of islands, no one representative should be overtaxed with too many events.
Representatives may participate as many years as they wish, but shall represent a different island each time.
To apply:
1) Write a one page essay on the island of your choice, and include why you wish to represent it.
2) Submit a video of yourself making the style of lei you intend to wear. Please explain your ʻike regarding the lei as you make it. If the material you plan to use is not available at the time you make your video, you may use a substitute material for the video. Please explain the substitute, and what you will use for Lei Day. Upload to Youtube or Vimeo.
3) Submit a video of yourself dancing the hula you will share. Include kaʻi and hoʻi, and explain your ʻike for the set. Upload to Youtube or Vimeo.
4) In the event of a tie between two people who wish to represent the same island, the person with the closer moʻokūʻauhau may be selected.
5) All submissions become the property of the He Moʻolelo Kō ka Lei / Hilo Lei Day Festival, and may be added to the website and/or used for educational and promotional purposes to further program goals. You will retain usage rights to your material.
- Hawaiʻi –
- Maui –
- Kahoʻolawe –
- Lānaʻi –
- Molokaʻi –
- Oʻahu –
- Kauai –
- Niʻihau –
- Lehua –
- Kaʻula –
- Nihoa –
- Mokumanamana –
- Kānemilohaʻi –
- Pūhāhonu –
- Nalukākala –
- Kauō –
- Papaāpoho –
- Holoikauaua –
- Pihemanu –
- Mokupāpapa –
Crafters
We are looking for people to demonstrate different traditional Hawaiian crafts, and traditional crafts of the many ethnic groups which have emigrated to Hawaiʻi, especially Hilo. Send inquiries to info@LeiDay.org.
- Lei makers –
- Kapa makers –
- Quilters –
- Various practitioners of traditional crafts introduced to Hawaiʻi
- ???
Historic Figures
Those portraying historic figures should be knowledgeable of the people and time they portray, able to talk with the public about the era and the individual, and respond to questions while remaining in character. We are open to the possibility of other characters being portrayed. In he event of more than one person applying for a role, if all other skills and attributes are equal, the role shall be played by the person more physically resembling the person portrayed. Send inquiries to info@LeiDay.org.
- Kalākaua –
- Kapiʻolani –
- Liliʻuokalani –
- Likelike –
- Leleiohoku –
- Kaʻiulani –
- Ululani –
- Keʻelikōlani –
- Spencer’s Invincibles –
- Fisherman
- Taro farmer
- ???
Creatures
Various native and legendary beings/creatures are welcome!
If you do not see anyone/anything you would like to portray, let us know! We are open to suggestions!
Participants should be willing to be interviewed on video for archival and promotional purposes.
Now accepting nominations for 2022 Hilo Lei Day Festival Floral Court
Contact the festival organizers at Info @ LeiDay.org or leave message at 1(707)203-2882.