Double scoops of hula are on the program starting at 6 tonight during the Halau Mohala 'Ilima Holomua Ka No'eau concert at Hawai'i Theatre.

Scoop 1: Kumu hula Mapuana de Silva will present her annual sneak preview of the halau's Merrie Monarch presentation.

The second "scoop" of the evening will be the premier performance of Mapu's Men. After 33 years of teaching graceful ladies, age 4 to ageless, de Silva presents her new class of 15 kane dancers.

As always, Kumu Mapuana says there are surprises in store. Musicians Manu Boyd, Glenn Smith, Keala Chock, Chad Takatsugi and Kale Hannas will play for the 2009 Merrie Monarch ladies and the various halau classes. The program will include the return hula presentation by the class of nine boys.

De Silva holds the record for the most consecutive years of Merrie Monarch Hula Festival performances. The 2009 Festival with be the 31st year of participation for the dancers of Halau Mohala 'Ilima.