The 61st annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival was last week with the annual competition Thursday through Saturday. Hālau from across the state and California were invited to perform.

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala was awarded second place overall at the prestigious hula competition held in Hilo on the Big Island.

The hālau’s score was 1,201.

Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai Lopes is the fourth Miss Aloha winner in the past 4 consecutive years for hula hālau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe and the second daughter of the group’s nā kumu hula.

Under the direction of Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes from Halau ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, from Pū‘ahu‘ula, Ko‘olaupoko, O‘ahu, the winner received an overall score of 1,164. She also captured the Hawaiian Language award.

The prequel to the festival’s 3 days of hula competition, which kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday with the individual Miss Aloha Hula contest, also celebrated Native Hawaiian culture by honoring 40 years of efforts by ‘Aha Pūnana Leo to revitalize and normalize ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). The festival also collected donations to help recovery efforts in Lāhainā, Maui, after a deadly wildfire devastated the community in August 2023.

“Everyone wants to look their best at the festival,” said Nita Pilago of Wahine Toa.

To kōkua (help) the people from West Maui, many of whom lost loved ones, their homes or both, the Merrie Monarch organizers decided to allow free admission to this year’s Hō’ike Night at Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium tonight, with the option to donate to the Lāhainā community at the door.

The County of Hawaiʻi has entered into a partnership with Hawaiian Airlines and Big Island Candies to provide complimentary shuttle service during the celebrated Merrie Monarch Festival. The initiative aims to enhance the experience for both residents and visitors shopping at the Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair, offering convenient transportation between key locations […]

The fair starts at 9 a.m. and goes till 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, with free admission.

The stand evolved from current owner Lana Haasenritter’s grandmother Rebecca Tim Sing’s endeavors in the early 1940s selling lei made with flowers from her own Keaukaha yard, draped over her arms, to Lurline Cruise Line passengers as they disembarked at the Port of Hilo. She passed on her talents to her children and grandchildren, who continue to teach the next generation the art of making lei.

Hula still connects people today to the foundation of Hawaiian knowledge and culture. It is a vehicle for historical and social commentary and passing down stories and information.

Get ready, world. The festival that celebrates everything hula and Hawaiian returns to Hilo on the Big Island from March 31 through April 6.

Cast your today to keep the Big Island festival that celebrates hula and everything Hawaiian atop the leaderboard. Voting ends March 18.

Twenty-two hālau hula are participating this year. Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett, is the only Big Island group participating in this year’s competition.

The men were found squatting at a closed business on Hualani Street.

Hawai‘i police are investigating a break-in at the Merrie Monarch Festival office in Hilo where several items were stolen, including replicas of King David Kalākaua medals.

From April 9-15, the sleepy town of Hilo came alive as the world celebrated the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival. Which event won our Big Island Poll?

From the Hoʻolauleʻa and opening ceremonies on Easter Sunday to the Hōʻike, Miss Aloha Hula, group hula competition, the arts and crafts fair and everything else, what was your favorite part of the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival?

This year marks the full return of the annual event since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the competition in 2020 and forced gathering restrictions in 2021 and 2022.