Pū‘ulu Koa will be critiqued on the following points:
MELE (Chant):
Appropriateness of poetic text for competition
Mastery of poetic text (words)
LEO (Voice):
Chant style complements mele
Mastery of style
Enunciation appropriate to chant style
Voice quality
Tempo (pace of chanting)
Phrasing and rhythm
Expression
KINO (Body):
Movements must be recognized and accepted movements from lua, hula, or traditional Hawaiian culture.
Appearance (Grooming, attire and adornments must be appropriate).
Appropriate eye and facial expressions including proper demeanor. Must demonstrate at least 3 different traditional styles of footwork.
PRECISION:
Although we are not looking for Merrie Monarch like precision, participants must move in unison and in a general organized manner. However, displays of individual personalities are welcome and encouraged.
MANA:
The energy that is created by the presentation and flows to the spectators and judges must be positive. The energy must reflect the Koa virtues of Aloha (love & compassion), Koa (valiant & courage), Lōkahi (unity & peace), Kupa‘a (firm & loyal), and Mana (power & authority).
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS (optional):
Proper use of musical instruments, instruments must be of the ancient type, e.g., pahu, ipu, etc.
MEA KAUA (optional):
Proper and accurate use of mea kaua, must be accurate reproductions.
TIME REQUIREMENTS:
Ha‘a Koa: 60 – 90 sec. (60 sec. recommended)
OVERALL PERFORMANCE:
Total overall impression of presentation, visual that was seen, words that were heard, mana that was felt.
KAPU:
- No abbreviated forms of a traditional dance, i.e., cannot cut-up an existing work to make the time requirement
- No negative chants, chants are to be positive in nature and not disrespect a person, group, place, or time.
- No negative or degrading gestures
DEDUCTION OF POINTS:
Points may be deducted for the following:
- Going over 90 seconds.
- Breaking a kapu