For Miss Aloha Hula contestant Anela U’ilani Tanigawa, one of the most significant parts of the hula is understanding the meanings behind her performances.

“I think that’s one of the most important parts. Focus on the ‘ike (knowledge or understanding) behind the hula and the reasoning. That’s my thing. I enjoy reading and looking into (the chants). That’s one of the most important parts of what we do.”

Tanigawa’s passion for hula and understanding it goes hand in hand with her current work as a graduate student in Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is a teaching assistant for longtime professor Jon Osorio. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies and a certificate in ethnic studies.

“She is focused, passionate and sees hula as a practice, not a hobby,” said Tanigawa’s kumu hula, Napua Greig of Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka of Kula. “She understands the kuleana of a hula practitioner and has patterned her life’s work to uplift the lahui (nation, people).

Tanigawa has danced for Greig for 18 years, since she was 5 years old. She will take the stage tonight for the soloist title at the Merrie Monarch festival on the Big Island.

For her kahiko hula (traditional) performance, the 23-year-old Makawao resident will dance to “Nanimauloa.”

The chant was written shortly after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and is a reflection of the mindset of the Hawaiian ancestors, Greig said. Nani maui loa means everlasting beauty, in which the beauty of the kingdom and the Hawaiian people are everlasting.

She will be adorned by the red lehua and yellow ilima blossoms for the kahiko.

For her ‘auana hula (modern), Tanigawa will dance to “Ke Aloha O Kaua,” which talks about “the love that we share.”

It discusses the workings of love but also the kuleana or responsibility of love.

Tanigawa will wear a gold-colored skirt and beige top.

She said both songs resonate with her.

“It makes it easy to dance when you are inspired by really amazing mele. Especially with my kahiko, it piques my interest as a graduate student.”

Tanigawa said that “Nanimauloa” shows a different facet of the Hawaiian people.

“They weren’t plagued by this. They weren’t overwhelmed and plagued by the overthrow. They saw the beauty and trusted it would return.”

Tanigawa is a 2010 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Maui and is classmates with fellow Miss Aloha Hula contestant, Kelsey Marie Ku’ulei Miliama Haina Galago, from another Maui halau.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for both of us,” Tanigawa said.

In high school, the two girls also did their senior project together, which was setting up a health fair.

Last week, Tanigawa was busy preparing for tonight.

“I don’t know if I’m as much nervous as excited. . . . I’m honored, and I hope to make people proud. I’m just overwhelmed by the love and support that I’ve been shown. I’m surprised I’m not more nervous.”

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.