Entertainment

The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival concluded Saturday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo with ‘auana (modern hula) performances from 20 hālau across the state of Hawai‘i and California.

The parade is a cherished tradition that celebrates Hawaiian culture, the art of hula and the rich heritage of Hilo town. 

Before the final night of competition begins, however, there’s plenty of craft fairs, markets and other events that continue throughout Hilo in case you haven’t had a chance to check any out yet.

The soloists were scored by seven judges who looked at their kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) performances and critiqued them in various areas.

But before the “Super Bowl of Hula” gets underway at 6 p.m. today with the individual contest for the coveted title, be sure to check out all the events and activities happening throughout Hilo in celebration of hula and all things Hawaiian.

The Merrie Monarch Festival’s Hōʻike Night served as a reminder of the enduring power of dance to express identity and connect with others through performances from Hawaiʻi, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and California.

Didn’t get tickets to the Merrie Monarch Festival competitions? Looking for something different to do this weekend? The Big Island has you covered.

Before donning your Aloha wear best or that new designer outfit to show off at tonight’s Hōʻike, check out some of the other events happening throughout Hilo during festival week.

The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Craft Fair kicks off on Wednesday and ends on Saturday. Vendors will be located at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium & Butler Buildings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

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.