Eo e Emalani i Alaka‘i 2019

By Léo Azambuja

16- Queen Emma, portrayed by Lesah Gail Noelani Vierra Merritt, flanked by her lady in waiting, Kawaiokanaio Vierra and her kaluahi, Norman Hookano

The 31^st annual Emalani Festival Kaua‘i, Eo e Emalani i Alaka‘i, at Koke‘e State Park Oct. 12 celebrated the beloved Queen Emma and her 1871 journey from Lawa‘i Valley to Kilohana Lookout in Koke‘e.

Each year, this free event attracts several hula halau from Hawai‘i and beyond, and each halau perform for about 20 minutes for the queen, portrayed this year by Lesah Gail Noelani Vierra Merritt. Hundreds came to Koke‘e to enjoy the festival. There were also many vendors and a local food booth.

Eo e Emalani i Alaka‘i is hosted by Hui o Laka and funded partly by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, along with many community partners and businesses.

Queen Emma, portrayed by Lesah Gail Noelani Vierra Merritt

Sashamon

Joe Celona and Jenny Allen

Kim Rodgers, left, with Heather Abbey-Tonneson and daughters Willow (reading) and Kailani Tonneson

Megan Zareba, left, and Julia Diegmann

Carol Manoi, left, and Kawahani Kaui

Shirley Simbre-Medeiros

Left to right, Rita Peters, Linda Oshiro and Wendy Woods

Left to right, Kealoha Takahashi, Joanne Watanabe, Patsy Nitta, Renee Takahashi, Cyd Arrington and Carolyn Newcomb

Lisa Johnston, left, and Beverly Johnston

Jill Marie Landies, left, and Irene Myiashiro

Left to right, Elizabeth Piccard, Lori Lei and Natalie Kozerski

Risa Clemmons, left, and Rita Peeters

Left to right, Bright Krinsky, Jessa Hurst and Jesse Brown

Katie Cannon and Jessie Brown

Noelani Murray, left, and Rebekah Magers

Malia Locey

Anne Frederick

Noelani Sing