KUPE ‘E (WRIST AND ANKLE LEI) These are often made from ti leaf or palapalai ferns.

LEI A‘I (NECK LEI)Many halau make their lei the day before a perfor-mance out of forest plants, and some even gather the materials themselves.

LEI PO‘O (HEAD LEI)This lei is made of palapalai ferns and red and yellow lehua. The lei po‘o should be worn level, parallel to the floor.

C O S T U M E G U I D E

MARTHA HERNANDEZ / MHERNANDEZ@STAR-ADVERTISER

Dressing for kahiko, or ancient-style hula, is done in a set order from head to toe, as a dancer prepares to enter the spiritual realm of hula.

The adornments — lei on her head, neck, wrists and ankles, are considered the kinolau, or earthly manifestations of the gods,

according to kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine. Costumes are consid-ered part of the overall performance at Merrie Monarch Festival competitions. This illustration was inspired by a Star-Advertiser

photograph of 1999 Miss Aloha Hula Keolalaulani Dalire.

PA‘U SKIRTSkirts are made traditionally of tapa (pounded bark), sometimes ti leaf (at least 100) or more commonly several yards of a natural fabric, fastened at the side with a braided cord and often deco-rated with geometric patterns.