Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo)

The heart of hula and Hawaiian culture on the island of Hawaiʻi

Every spring, the town of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi becomes the cultural center of the Hawaiian Islands. The Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo) Big Island is more than an event. It is a living celebration of hula, language, music, history, and the enduring spirit of Hawaiian traditions. For one unforgettable week, performers, cultural practitioners, and visitors from around the world gather to honor the art of hula at its highest level.

Set against the lush rainforests and dramatic coastline of East Hawaiʻi, the festival offers an immersive way to experience the Big Island beyond beaches and resorts. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Polynesian culture or a curious first-time visitor, the Merrie Monarch Festival delivers elegance, storytelling, and powerful emotional connection.

Understanding the Meaning Behind the Merrie Monarch Festival

Who was the Merrie Monarch

The festival is named in honor of King David Kalākaua, the last reigning king of Hawaiʻi. Kalākaua earned the nickname “The Merrie Monarch” because of his love for music, dance, and celebration. During a time when hula was discouraged, he supported its revival, ensuring its survival for future generations.

By celebrating his legacy, the Merrie Monarch Festival represents cultural preservation and pride. It honors not only hula as a performance art, but also hula as ceremony, storytelling, and spiritual expression.

Why Hilo is the festival home

Hilo’s connection to tradition, community, and nature makes it the ideal host. Unlike resort-focused destinations, Hilo offers authentic local character. Landmarks such as Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Downtown Hilo place visitors in direct contact with the living culture of the Big Island.

When the Merrie Monarch Festival Takes Place

Confirmed annual schedule

The Merrie Monarch Festival is held annually during the week following Easter, typically in April.

For recent editions, the confirmed festival dates follow this structure:

• Sunday to Saturday, the week after Easter
• Competitive hula events take place Wednesday through Saturday
• Non-competitive events begin earlier in the week

For example, the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival is scheduled for April 20 to April 26, 2025, following the official Easter calendar.

Dates remain consistent year to year with slight calendar shifts, making April planning reliable for travelers.

Where Events Are Held in Hilo

Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

The centerpiece of the Merrie Monarch Festival is Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, located in Hilo. This venue hosts all competitive hula performances and ceremonial presentations. The stadium is named for revered Hawaiian kumu hula and scholar Edith Kanakaʻole, adding deeper meaning to each performance inside its walls.

Additional festival locations

Throughout the week, related events and exhibitions occur around Hilo, including:

• Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium for art shows and demonstrations
• Downtown Hilo and Banyan Drive for parades and community events
• Local hotels and cultural centers for workshops and gatherings

A Look at Festival Highlights

World-class hula competitions

At the heart of the Merrie Monarch Festival are its prestigious hula competitions. These performances are considered the highest honor in hula and require years of preparation.

Competitive categories typically include:

• Wahine Kahiko and Kāne Kahiko for ancient style hula
• Wahine ʻAuana and Kāne ʻAuana for modern style hula
• Miss Aloha Hula, a solo competition showcasing excellence in chant, dance, and presence
• Group competitions judged by respected kumu hula

Each performance is rooted in research, genealogy, chant, and protocol. The result is storytelling through movement that feels both powerful and intimate.

The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade

Held in Downtown Hilo, the Royal Parade is a much-loved public event. Participants include hālau hula, community organizations, and cultural groups, all dressed in colorful attire. The parade attracts thousands of spectators and reflects the festival’s welcoming community spirit.

Hawaiian arts, crafts, and exhibits

Throughout the week, visitors can explore Hawaiian arts and crafts fairs featuring lauhala weaving, lei making, wood carving, and traditional instruments. These exhibits provide context for the performances and allow visitors to connect directly with cultural practitioners.

Cultural Importance for Hawaiʻi and Beyond

Preserving language and history

Chants, called oli, are performed in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language. The festival has played a key role in language revitalization by encouraging learning, use, and respect for Hawaiian words, genealogy, and oral history.

Honoring lineage and protocol

Every hālau hula participating must honor strict protocol. From costuming to choreography, elements are reviewed for cultural accuracy. This commitment ensures the festival remains a trusted cultural authority rather than entertainment alone.

Ticket Prices and Attendance Information

Competitive event ticket pricing

Tickets for competitive nights are limited and highly sought after. Pricing varies by seating location and performance night, but typical ranges include:

• Upper bowl seating approximately USD 12 to 20
• Lower bowl seating approximately USD 40 to 100

Tickets are sold through official festival channels and often sell out quickly. Non-competitive events such as the parade and some exhibitions are free to the public.

Watching from afar

For those unable to attend in person, televised broadcasts and livestreams are often made available through local Hawaiian media partners, expanding global access to the festival.

Tips for Visiting the Big Island During Merrie Monarch Week

Book early

Accommodations in Hilo fill up months in advance. Popular areas include Banyan Drive, Downtown Hilo, and the nearby Hamakua Coast. Vacation rentals and small hotels book especially fast during festival week.

Respect cultural etiquette

Photography rules vary by event. Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully, avoid flash photography, and follow guidelines set by organizers. Understanding that hula is cultural practice, not spectacle, enhances the experience for everyone.

What to wear

Hilo weather can include rain, so light layers and comfortable shoes are important. Stadium events are casual but respectful attire is encouraged.

Exploring Hilo and the Big Island Beyond the Festival

Natural attractions nearby

Between festival events, visitors often explore:

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• Akaka Falls State Park
• Keaukaha Beach Park
• The farmers markets and local eateries of Hilo

These experiences complement the cultural depth of the Merrie Monarch Festival and provide a well-rounded island visit.

Why the Merrie Monarch Festival Remains Unmatched

The Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo) Big Island stands as the ultimate celebration of hula anywhere in the world. It is a moment when the past and present meet through movement, chant, and living culture. For those seeking authenticity, connection, and deep respect for tradition, this festival offers something rare and unforgettable.

Experiencing Merrie Monarch in Hilo means witnessing Hawaiian culture at its highest expression. Plan the journey, arrive with respect, and allow the stories of the island to unfold through every step of hula.

Verified Information at glance

• Event Name: Merrie Monarch Festival
• Location: Hilo, Big Island of Hawaiʻi
• Primary Venue: Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium
• Event Category: Cultural Festival and Hula Competition
• Typically Held: April, the week following Easter
• Confirmed Dates Example: April 20 to April 26, 2025
• Competitive Event Days: Wednesday through Saturday
• Ticket Pricing: Approximately USD 12 to 100 depending on seating and event night
• Major Events: Hula competitions, Miss Aloha Hula, Royal Parade, cultural exhibitions
• Audience: Cultural travelers, hula practitioners, families, international visitors

Dates, ticket availability, and pricing are confirmed annually and may change slightly year to year. Visitors should verify current details through official Merrie Monarch Festival channels before planning travel.