Hilo on the Big Island will once again become the hula capital of the world next week with the return of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival. The 62nd installment of the weeklong celebration of everything hula and Hawaiian runs from Easter Sunday, April 20, through April 26 this year.

Hilo will be the epicenter of all things hula and Hawaiian as the annual Merrie Monarch Festival — the weeklong celebration of island culture — returns for its 62nd year.

The county and its community partners are hosting events in Hilo, Kea‘au and Pāhala, with the first one this Sunday, and invite the everyone to come have an egg-cellent time in celebration of the season.

From looking for a job in the health care sector to wanting to relax with some jazz and blues played by a Grammy Signature School band, and a ton of stuff in between, you shouldn’t have any problem finding something to keep you occupied — at least for an hour or 2 — during the next week.

There’s once again some great events and activities happening around the Big Island during the upcoming week — and even further out. Be sure to check all of them out now!

There’s once again a rich and great mix of interesting and engaging events that should get your toes tapping, your body moving and your brain working.

8 dancers from Hawai’i Irish Dance and 7 flaggers from Scully’s Pub in Waiki’i had the luck of the Irish on their side, being one of several groups from around the globe — including cast of ‘Riverdance 30’ — to be featured during special episode of RTE Ireland’s ‘The Late, Late Show.’

Take a dive under the sea and catch ‘The Little Mermaid’ during its opening weekend at the historic Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo or check out they myriad other events and activities happening around the Big Island during the next several days. There’s sure to be something that will float everybody’s boat, from tadpoles to even the most seasoned of groupers.

This enchanting Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre production of the timeless beloved Disney classic — which opens this weekend for a 3-week extended run — promises to bring the tale of mermaid princess Ariel and her underwater adventures to life with breathtaking performances, stunning visuals and unforgettable music.

Whether it’s dancing, fashion, live music or even gaming, there’s something happening on the Big Island during the next week we’re sure anyone can enjoy. Check out the top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Started by the nonprofit Ke Kai Ala Foundation, the festival has given $1.8 million to community groups over the 30 years the event has been hosted.

Many of the events and activities around the Big Island during the next week will focus on tradition, talent and taddies. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do now!

The Instagram post by actress China McClain was taken down by midday March 3 after garnering tens of thousands of reactions and more than 2,000 comments, many of which pleading for the video to be removed and an apology for potential cultural insensitivity.

Even the most stalwart non-artsy type will have their interest piqued by the events on this week’s top 10 things to do around the island. Check them out right now!

Flight of Aloha will finally become a reality opening March 1 on the Big Island at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort.

Who ever said life on the Big Island was boring? This is another one of those weeks that takes somewhat of a more, shall we say, eclectic turn as far as things to do around the island. We’re sure you can find something that will pique your interest.

The proclamation honors the late Bob Marley’s incredible musical legacy and his 80th birthday. Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green signed the document surrounded by members of Marley’s ‘ohana, including his sons Julian and Ky-Mani.

National Engineers Week will be celebrated next week with the theme “Design Your Future,” which is a recognition of the limitless possibilities in engineering.

Cupid makes his rounds this weekend, and there is a variety of events around the Big Island to help the cherub of love hit his target so you score a bull’s-eye with your special someone. If you’re not feeling the love, don’t fret. There also are other events where Cupid’s arrow won’t necessarily fly.

Love is in the air on the Big Island. Several of this week’s top 10 things to do already are Valentine’s Day-related, but we’re giving you a few early date ideas in case you want to plan ahead and make reservations to surprise your sweetie. Lovers of culture and history, conservation and the environment, community and music have plenty of options, too, this week.