The 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival

March 31 - April 6, 2024

Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration)

9:00 a.m., Sunday, March 31st
at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Free admission to watch performances by our local hālau.

Free Mid-day Entertainment

Daily (Monday through Friday)

Entertainment at the Grand Naniloa Hotel (12 p.m.),

and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (1 p.m.).

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday,
April 3rd through Friday, April 5th 

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6th
at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.

Hōʻike Performances

6:00 pm, Wednesday, April 3rd
at the 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.

Miss Aloha Hula

6:00 pm, Thursday, April 4th
at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula with contestants performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chant).

Group Hula Kahiko

6:00 pm, Friday, April 5th 
at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Hālau hula perform ancient style dances.

Group Hula ʻAuana & Awards

6:00 pm, Saturday, April 6th 
at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Hālau hula perform modern style dances, followed by an awards presentation for all group winners.

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade

10:30 am, Saturday, April 6th
through downtown Hilo

One of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi St. (Kilauea Ave. — Keawe St. — Waiānuenue Ave. — Kamehameha Ave.).