It’s a spring night in Hilo, Hawaii. Lei-Ann and her hula sisters are about to take the stage at the 1986 Merrie Monarch Festival. They’ve been practicing for months. But the gods have other plans.

Thank you, Lei-Ann, for sharing your story with us. The 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival is days away -- this Sunday April 5! 

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Clay Xavier, scouted by Ixchel Lopez, artwork by Teo Ducot.

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