APRIL 4 UPDATE: Merrie Monarch Arts Fair, Hōʻike Performances, ‘Imiloa Programs 

https://www.facebook.com/BigIslandNow/videos/1614457621965114/

Check back for more video and photo updates as events progress.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

Wednesday through Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, April, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium
An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters and entertainment

KAPA Radio Schedule
9 a.m.: Kumu Hula Kaui Dalire
10 a.m.: Kaumakaiwa and Kekuhi (musician and hālau)
11 a.m.: Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

KAPA Radio personality Darde Gamayo interviews Paula Fuga, April 4, 2018, during the 55th Merrie Monach Festival’s mid-day entertainment segment at the Grand Naniloa.

Merrie Monarch Free Mid-Day Entertainment
Monday through Friday, April 2–6
Entertainment at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, noon.
Entertainment at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 1 p.m.

Merrie Monarch free mid-day entertainment at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, noon.

Merrie Monarch free mid-day entertainment at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 1 p.m.

Merrie Monarch free mid-day entertainment at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 1 p.m.

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center Cultural Enrichment Programming

The opening day of events at ‘Imiloa, starting on Wednesday, April 4, showcases Kumu Puanani Alama, the gracious matriarch of the hula world. Kumu Alama began her life in hula at a young age and has never looked back. At 87-years old, she has surpassed seven decades of teaching, a record previously held by her sister, Leilani Alama (1925-2014). Join Hula Preservation Society for this special time with the last living judge from the very first Merrie Monarch Festival competition.

The afternoon session on April 4 at 1 p.m. will feature hula and mele by Hālau Hula I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo, Ke Kula o Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u. They will share the mele lyrics ‘Ua Malu Kou Aupuni e ka Lani, ʻAʻohe Kupuʻeu, Nāna e ʻAʻe—these lyrics honor Luka Keʻelikōlani, the great granddaughter of Kamehameha I, who was a steadfast advocate of the Hawaiian language and who served as governor of Hawaiʻi Island for nearly twenty years in the 19th century. It is through hula, research and learning mele (songs) from mentors that the students of Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo have been able to connect with their moʻolelo (story) to ensure these messages live on into perpetuity.

Pre-sale tickets for each Cultural Enrichment Program at ‘Imiloa are $10 ($8 for ‘Imiloa members.) Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at ‘Imiloa’s front desk, or over the phone by calling (808) 932-8901. A limited supply of tickets will be available for purchase on the day of each event for $15.

Hōʻike Performances
Wednesday, April 4, 6 p.m.
Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium
An exhibition night of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific
The performances are free to the public; no tickets required

Before noon on Wednesday, April 4, hula lovers started lining up for the evening’s Hōʻike performances at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.

TOMORROW, Thursday, April 5

Merrie Monarch Free Mid-Day Entertainment
Monday through Friday, April 2–6
Entertainment at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, noon
Entertainment at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 1 p.m.

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center cultural enrichment programming.
Wednesday –Friday, April 4–6

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair
Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, April, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

Miss Aloha Hula
Thursday, April 5, 6 p.m.
Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium
Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula with contestants performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chant)

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair: Jeff and Wendy Gomes from Hawaii Bookmarks.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair: At least 75 craft fair attendees were in line at the Wahine Toa booth at about 10 a.m. on April 4. PC: BIN

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair: Craft fair parking is already scarce at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. April 4, 2018, 9:30 a.m. PC: BIN

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, Wednesday–Friday, April 4–6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.