Merrie Monarch Festival Events: March 30

Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium. Photo by Josh Pacheco

Merrie Monarch Festival week kicks into high gear on Wednesday, sending thousands to the Ho’olulu Complex in Hilo.

The Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair officially opens at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and runs through Saturday. Many crowd the Civic to view and observe all of the artistic offerings and take in some live entertainment.

Also kicking off on Wednesday is the first major event to be held inside the Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium. Hō’ike night brings thousands to the venue, waiting in long lines with the hopes of getting in for the only free night of the week.

Wednesday, March 30

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, held at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

10 a.m. – Hawaiian lecture at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

11 a.m. – Performance by Ben Kaili and Band at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

12 p.m. – Performance by Hālau Nā Lei Hiwahiwa ‘O Ku’ualoha, under the direction of Sammye Ku’ualoha Wong, at the Hilo Naniloa Hotel

1 p.m. – Hawaiian performance at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

1 p.m. – Performance by Hālau O Kawānanakoa, under the direction of Alberta Nicolas, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Hō’ike – Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium

6 p.m. – Royal Court entrance

6:15 p.m. – National Anthem and Hawai’i Ponoʻī, performed by Meleana Manuel

6:25 p.m. – Pule by Kahu Brian Boshard

6:30 p.m. – Hālau O Kekuhi, under the direction of Nālani Kanaka’ole

6:50 p.m. – Hawaiian Cultural Center Taiwwan, led by Ann Fan, Rara Tian, and Ching Yu

7:30 p.m. – Nonosina, under the direction of Tiana and Mevina Luifau

8:30 p.m. – Te Kapa Haka O Te Whānau A Apanui, led by Rikirangi Gage, Hone Wharepapa, Tamati Waaka, and Puao Whauwhau