Entertainment
Art exhibit explores Mauna Loa as more than a geological structure
“36 Views of Mauna Loa” uses a diverse range of art mediums to explore the volcano and will be on display at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center until Friday, June 12.
Polynesian Voyaging Society honors 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage
A series of storytelling, educational initiatives, musical performances and fundraising efforts throughout this year will reflect on the legacy of the voyage and its enduring impact.
Big Island’s Rhoda Magbitang tests her creativity on national TV’s ‘Top Chef’
The executive chef at the Mauna Lani resort’s CanoeHouse is taking on one of the biggest creative challenges of her career as she competes with other high-level chefs in Season 23 of the popular national television show.
Big Island state Rep. Jeanné Kapela co-hosts this year’s 17th annual Art at the Capitol
The free, family-friendly event is open to the public and celebrates local art, performances and culture; this year’s theme is “Urban Canvases; Culture in Motion.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Sights and pageantry of 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Royal Parade
SunRa Adziyaomamawu, a senior at Connections Public Charter School in Hilo, photographs the sights and pageantry of the parade that marched through downtown Hilo on Saturday morning, April 11, 2026.
Kings’ Shops culinary event raises thousands for Waikōloa conservation initiative
A culinary fundraiser on Hawaiʻi Island raised about $20,000 to benefit the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative.
From humble slices or cuts to global culinary sensation, don’t miss ‘The Story of Poke’
No matter which way you make it — with Hawaiian salt, shoyu, mayonnaise or whatever, even if it’s not with tuna — the classic raw fish dish is spreading Hawaiian culture and aloha around the world; learn more in a 30-minute documentary debuting Sunday, April 12, on Spectrum OC16 Channel 16.
‘It’s a revival’: Merrie Monarch group contest begins with beloved hula kahiko night
Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo was packed as 29 groups of kāne (men) and wāhine (women) from 19 hula hālau performed hula kahiko to share the moʻolelo of Hawaiʻi with all in attendance.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 10-16: Truly Royal Parade, hula kahiko, Puna Chocolate Spring Festival and much more
There are plenty of activities and events happening around the island during the next week, and not all of them are related to Merrie Monarch Week. Check out the top 10 things to do now!
GALLERY: Hoʻike sets the tone of celebration, reverence for the Merrie Monarch Festival
Captivating performances from kāne celebrate 50 years of history at the Merrie Monarch Hoʻike.
Living celebration of Hawaiian art, culture and community: Official Merrie Monarch arts, crafts fair about much more than simple commerce
“It’s a place where you can watch a kapa demonstration, see live performances from local hālau and connect with the people behind the art,” said fair co-chairpersons Taylor Escalona and Kegan Miura. “The artisans and volunteers who return year-after-year are truly the heartbeat of this event, and that aloha spirit is something you really can’t replicate anywhere else.”
Sound Bytes: Synchronous swimming (with robots); behind the Hawaiʻi Glider Challenge
The exciting work of flying robots underwater takes science, teamwork and flexibility.
46th U.S. Senior Open qualifying conducted at The Village Course in Waikōloa
Four U.S. golfers and one from Japan shoot out the rest of the 28-golfer field at the Big Island course to advance to final qualifying round at a site to be determined on the mainland.
Don’t miss Merrie Mele Happy Hour live in The Rainbow Room at The Booch Bar in Hilo
Be sure to add theses special Hawaiian music performances to your Merrie Monarch Week itinerary, which fit perfectly into a week the celebrates all things Hawaiian.
Hilo Aloha celebrates culture, creativity, community during Merrie Monarch Week
New weeklong gathering at historic Hilo Palace Theater will feature workshops, live performances, mākeke and community event.
Information you need to know about the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival — and more
Hilo on the Big Island once again becomes the hula capital of the world this week with the return of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival; the 63rd installment of the weeklong celebration of everything hula and Hawaiian runs from Easter Sunday, April 5, through April 11 this year.
63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival official schedule and Miss Aloha Hula contestants, participating hālau hula
Annual Hoʻolauleʻa kicks off the weeklong celebration of everything Hawaiian at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 5, with competition in the ‘Super Bowl’ of hula beginning Thursday, April 9, with Miss Aloha Hula contest.
RESCHEDULED: Ka Lani Kauikeaouli Festival pushed back because of impact from kona lows
The festival, now scheduled for May 9 in Keauhou marks 25 years of honoring Kamehameha III, a visionary leader and his enduring influence on education and Hawaiʻi.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 3-9: 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival, Easter brunch, Waikōloa’s Egghunt and more
Next week is a big one for the Big Island. It’s Merrie Monarch time, celebrating all things Hawaiian. plus, it’s Easter Weekend. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
WATCH: NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission set to blast off for historic trip
Launch window opens at 12:24 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time — in less than T-minus 30 minutes now — for the first crewed flight in more than 50 years to blast off on a path toward the moon.
