Predictably, the skies opened up and the ua is coming down in sheets as we go into intermission during the Merrie Monarch Festival's Miss Aloha Hula competition.

A winner will be named tonight and, after the completion of the hula kahiko performances, the place is buzzing with speculation. But we'll all have to wait and see.

Also predictably, the place erupted in shrieks when the late Rae Fonseca's contestant came out. The chanters and the contestant, however, maintained a very restrained and dignified are with now outward show of emotion that wasn't germane to the dance.

As usual, certain trends have emerged: earth-toned costuming, lots of wrapping and draping and layering in fabrics that ranged from muslin to silk, songs about strong women (queens and chiefesses) and lots of up and down movement from noho (on the knees) to very erect and regal moves.