Hōʻike Night Returns to Stage as Merrie Monarch Festival is Now Underway

A limited live audience returned to the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium Wednesday for the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival’s Hōʻike night.

After two years of health restrictions due to the pandemic, the festival has returned to near full force. The craft fair is sprawled out around Hilo Town for shopping, Hoike night welcomed back a live audience after two years of no spectators.

As in past tradition, the royal court opened Wednesday night’s event. Hālau O Kekuhi performed an ancient hula or kahiko.

And tonight, the Miss Aloha Hula competition will kick off the Merrie Monarch Hula Competition at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium. The competition starts at 6 p.m. The event can be streamed online at hawaiinewsnow.com/merriemonarch/.