#61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival

Merrie Monarch Ho‘ike Night more than simple showcase of hula, folk dance

The prequel to the festival’s 3 days of hula competition, which kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday with the individual Miss Aloha Hula contest, also celebrated Native Hawaiian culture by honoring 40 years of efforts by ‘Aha Pūnana Leo to revitalize and normalize ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). The festival also collected donations to help recovery efforts in Lāhainā, Maui, after a deadly wildfire devastated the community in August 2023.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for week of April 4-10: Merrie Monarch Festival continues; several other events abound

The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair continues today through Saturday. The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade is Saturday. Here’s all the details.

‘Hula is life’: Uniquely Hawaiian dance plays important role in perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture

Hula still connects people today to the foundation of Hawaiian knowledge and culture. It is a vehicle for historical and social commentary and passing down stories and information.

What you need to know about the 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival

Get ready, world. The festival that celebrates everything hula and Hawaiian returns to Hilo on the Big Island from March 31 through April 6.