Streaming Hawaiʻi Videos: Kamehameha Song Contest

Theme: Na Mele No Na Ali'i- Songs for Ali'i
Features a documentary on the background and history of Kamehameha Schools. Opening chant (oli), He Mele Aloha no Kamehameha, by High Chiefess Ululani.
1984 vol. 1
1984 vol. 2
1984 vol. 3

Theme: Na Mele No Na Kane a me Na Wahine - Songs for Men and Women
The 1985 theme presents songs about loved ones, flower lei and features a story about two Parker Ranch Cowboys who represented Hawai'i in a rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
1985 vol. 1 (63 minutes, digitized from UMatic)
1985 vol. 2 (52 minutes, digitized from UMatic)

Theme: Himeni - Songs that honor hymns of Hawai'i.
Hō'ike Theme: 'Ekolu Mea Nui (Three Little Things - Faith, Hope and Love)
Pictured: The class of 1989 performing "He Ho'omaika'i" as part of a co-ed performance.
1986 vol. 1 (63 minutes, digitized from UMatic)
1986 vol. 2 (46 minutes, digitized from UMatic)

Theme: Nā Mele 'O Pauahi A Me Kamehameha
Hō'ike Theme: Tribute to King Kamehameha the Great and Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop
Pictured: An oli (chant) is performed during the hō'ike to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
Notes: Centennial celebration of the Kamehameha Schools. Includes a short documentary about Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and the founding the Kamehameha Schools.

1987 vol. 1 (56 minutes, digitized from UMatic)
1987 vol. 2 (60 minutes, digitized from UMatic)
1987 vol. 3 (33 minutes, digitized from UMatic)

Theme: E Lei Ho'i E Lili'ulani Ē - Commemorating the 150th birthday of Queen Lili'uokalani
Hō'ike Theme: Ka Ho'olina: The Legacy; Re-creating a welcoming ceremony similar to that Queen Lili'uokalani would have received during her travels throughout the country.
Pictured: Lead by Lehua Martinez, the women of the Class of 1988 perform the mele "Kaulana Na Pua".
1988 (130 minutes, digitized from VHS)

Theme: Ka Holoholo 'Ana - Travel
Hō'ike Theme: Ancient Polynesian Travels.
Pictured: Fay Fitzgerald as she leads the Senior Class of 1989 in performing "He Aloha No 'O Honolulu.
Notes: This year's song contest was dedicated to Richard Lyman, Jr (1903-1988). He was the longtime President of the Board of Trustees for Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate. Includes a tribute to his life.
1989 (124 minutes, digitized from VHS)

Theme: Ka Ua Me Ka Makani - The Rain and the Wind
Hō'ike Theme: The relationship between the wind and rain and how united they bring life to the earth.
Pictured: The women of the senior Class of 1990 as they perform "Rain Tuahine O Manoa", which tells the story of the rain that falls in Manoa. They are directed by Warnette Lina Naipo.
Notes: Includes a segment describing the importance that rain and wind had to the ancient Hawaiians, the role that they hold in Hawaiian stories and the importance in the names of these elements.
1990 (137 minutes, digitized from VHS)

Theme: Charles E. King: Hawaiian Melodies
Hō'ike Theme: The news of King Kalakāua's death after it reached Hawai'i.
Pictured: The men of the junior Class of 1992 as they perform "'Eleu Mikimiki". They are directed by Kinohi Gomes.
Notes: Includes a short documentary about the life of musician and songwriter Charles E. King.
1991 (146 minutes, digitized from VHS)

Theme: Na Kai 'Ewalu: The Islands of Hawai'i.
Hō'ike Theme: Ku'u 'Āna Aloha: A visual and emotional tour of the islands.
Pictured: The women of the senior Class of 1992 as they perform "Nā Kuahiwi 'Elima". They are directed by Juliet Robinson.
1992 (120 minutes, digitized from VHS)

Theme: I mua e nā Poki'i("Onwards, young brothers!"): A reflection of loyalty that Hawaiians feel towards their homeland.
Hō'ike Theme: E Ola Mau e ka Lāhui: Honoring Queen Lili'uokalani on the 100 year anniversary of the Overthrow.
Pictured: Snowbird Bento leads the men and women of the senior Class of 1993 in singing "Hawai'i Loa".
Notes: The preview video includes a documentary about the challenges Native Hawaiians faced from the 18th to the 20th century.
1993 Preview (31 minutes, digitized from VHS)
1993 (140 minutes, digitized from VHS)

Theme: Ka Lei - The Lei
Hō'ike Theme: A grandmother describes various leis and their meaning from stories passed down through her family.
Pictured: Monte M. McComber II leads the senior Class of 1994 in performing "Lei Liko Lehua".
Notes: The preview video includes a documentary about the lei and its role and meaning in Hawaiian culture.
1994 Preview (25 minutes, digitized from VHS)
1994 (123 minutes, digitized from VHS)

Theme: Nā Wāhine Haku Mele: Celebrating Women in Hawaiian History. All songs performed for the competition were written by Hawaiian women.
Hō'ike Theme: Ke Kūlana Wāhine Kau Kehakeha: Featuring matriarchs of Hawaiian history and mythology.
Pictured: The men of the sophomore Class of 1997 as they perform "'Āinahau", originally written by Princess Likelike.
Notes: Part 1 includes a documentary featuring Mae Loebenstein, Snowbird Bento, Varoa Tiki (S.K. Piliwale), Lani Ma'a Lapilio, Kauanoe Kamanā and Lokelani Lindsey.
1995, Volume 1 (99 minutes, digitized from VHS)
1995, Volume 2 (60 minutes, digitized from VHS)