It was the first Miss Aloha Hula win for Hālau Hi’iakaināmakalehua, which opened its doors in 2008.

Saturday’s main events include the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade, the final day of the Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair, and the Hula ‘Auana Competition.

Delicious, fun snacks await you at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

A total of 29 performances will take place on Friday night at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium, which includes last year’s Wahine, or female, winner, Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela.

Along with the Miss Aloha Hula event, the popular Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair continues at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Wednesday signals the opening of the Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair, as well as live hula performances at the Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium.

The 53rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival is about to get underway in Hilo.

Traffic will flow in the makai, or northerly direction, only on Kalanikoa Street between Pi’ilani Street and Kuawa Street during the festival.

Judges for the 2016 Merrie Monarch festival include Keith Awai, Ed Collier, Ainsley Halemanu, Lahela Kaʻahui, Etua Lopes, Piʻilani Lua, and Holoua Stender.

Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration) Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium Sunday, March 31 9:00 a.m. Free admission to watch performances by our local hālau Beard and Barbershop Quartet Contest Mo’oheau Park Bandstand Monday April 1- Tuesday April 2 Free Mid-day Entertainment Daily (Monday through Friday) entertainment: Hawaiʻi Naniloa Volcanoes Resort (12 p.m.) Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (1 p.m.) Native Hawaiian […]

The Merrie Monarch is dedicated to the memory of King David Kalakaua, also known as the Merrie Monarch. When coming to the throne in 1874, he was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance.

After suffering the after effects of the 1960 tsunami that hit Hilo town, many were weary on how to create new and greater interest in the Hilo area.