Hawaii’s cultural calendar is in full swing with the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicking off in Hilo, bringing together dancers, artists, and communities to celebrate hula and Hawaiian traditions. This much‑anticipated event officially began on Sunday, April 5, 2026, with a colorful Hoʻolauleʻa (community celebration) at the Afook‑Chinen Civic Auditorium, featuring hundreds of hula performances and chants welcoming attendees to a week of cultural festivities.
A Week of Traditions and Celebration
The Merrie Monarch Festival has long been recognized as the premier cultural event in Hawaii, honoring the legacy of King David Kalākaua—known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his support of the arts and Hawaiian cultural revival. This year’s festival continues that legacy with events that highlight both kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) hula, showcasing the depth and diversity of this cherished art form.
Throughout the week, visitors and residents can enjoy:
Ho‘olauleʻa festivities: The opening event brings together hālau (hula schools), dancers of all ages, and cultural practitioners for a vibrant start to the festival with free performances and traditional presentations.
Hawaiian arts & crafts fair: Local artisans display traditional crafts and artworks at the Afook‑Chinen Civic Auditorium and Butler Buildings, offering unique cultural experiences and gifts.
Hōʻike Night: A free mid‑week exhibition featuring hula and folk dances from across the Pacific, celebrating connections between Hawaiian culture and broader indigenous traditions.
Three days of hula competition: From April 9–11, 19 hālau will perform in group competitions, while individual dancers vie for the prestigious Miss Aloha Hula title, highlighting both traditional and contemporary hula forms.
What Makes Merrie Monarch Special
The Merrie Monarch Festival isn’t just a series of performances—it’s a deeply rooted celebration of Hawaiian identity, language, and history. Each year, hula schools from Hawai‘i’s islands (and beyond) come to Hilo to honor the dance’s spiritual and cultural importance. The event draws local families, cultural practitioners, and global viewers alike, especially through livestreams and broadcasts that make the festival accessible beyond the island.
For locals and visitors alike, this festival offers a rare opportunity to witness hula in its most authentic form—right in the heart of Hilo, where culture, tradition, and community come together in a weeklong expression of aloha.
