Merrie Monarch Festival Starts Tomorrow

A kane or men’s halau performs in a previous kahiko competition.

The week-long Merrie Monarch Festival starts tomorrow, Sunday, April 16, and runs through  April  22, 2017.

The week-long festival features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, hula shows and a grand parade through Hilo town.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a nonprofit organization that honors the legacy left by King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of our traditions, native language and arts.

EVENT LOCATIONS

Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium
350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo

Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium
323 Manono St., Hilo

EVENT SCHEDULE

Sunday, April 16, 9 a.m.
Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration)
Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium
Free admission to watch performances by our local hālau.

Daily (Monday through Friday)
Free Mid-day Entertainment
Entertainment at the Hilo Naniloa Hotel at noon
Entertainment at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 1 p.m.

Wednesday, April 19, through Friday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair
An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.
Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

Wednesday, April 19, 6 p.m. 
Hōʻike Performances
An exhibition night of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific. The performances are free to the public, no tickets required.
Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Thursday, April 20, 6 p.m.
Miss Aloha Hula
Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula with contestants performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chanting).
Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Friday, April 21, 6 p.m.
Group Hula Kahiko
Hālau hula perform ancient style dances.
Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Saturday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.
Merrie Monarch Royal Parade
One of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi Street and winds through downtown Hilo (Kilauea Avenue, Keawe Street, Waiānuenue Avenue, Kamehameha Avenue).

Saturday, April 22, 6 p.m.
Group Hula ʻAuana & Awards
Hālau hula perform modern style dances with an awards presentation for all group winners.
Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium