Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 in Hawaii

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture, history, and traditions, showcasing the essence of the Aloha spirit. Held annually in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, this week-long event is world-renowned, particularly for its hula competitions, which bring together the best dancers and performers from across the islands. Visitors are immersed in the rich heritage of Hawaii, experiencing everything from ancient chants and traditional dances to contemporary expressions of the hula art form. Beyond the stage, the festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with the heart of Hawaiian culture.

King David Kalakaua Heritage

King David Kalakaua, who reigned in Hawaii for 20 years until 1891, was one of the most popular local rulers, devoted to local culture and traditions like the hula dance. That's why he was called the Merrie Monarch. He started a campaign to revive local customs, which were suppressed by Christian missionaries. A festival to honor the memory of the king is held every April .

Location

The festival takes place in the picturesque town of Hilo, known for its lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant local community. Most of the events, including the famed hula competitions, are held at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium, a venue steeped in cultural significance. The festival transforms Hilo into a bustling hub of activity, with events spilling over into parks, streets, and community spaces throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of Hilo’s natural surroundings while taking part in this cultural extravaganza.

Festival's Highlights

The Merrie Monarch Festival offers a packed schedule of events that celebrate Hawaii’s rich traditions. The hula competitions are the centerpiece, featuring awe-inspiring performances in both the ancient kahiko and modern ‘auana styles. These contests are not only a display of skill and artistry but also a deep expression of storytelling and cultural pride.

In addition to the competitions, the festival hosts a lively craft fair where artisans showcase handmade goods, from traditional Hawaiian jewelry and clothing to intricate featherwork and carved wood items. Visitors can also attend cultural demonstrations, workshops, and lectures that delve into the history and significance of hula and other Hawaiian practices.

Festival's Schedule

The first 4 days of the Merrie Monarch Festival consist of non–competitive events. These include free concerts and performances by halau (dancers) as well as an arts and crafts fair. The most popular non–competitive event is the Merrie Monarch Parade, which takes place on Saturday morning. The event features dozens of floats, dancers, and marching bands. The grand parade through downtown Hilo is the culmination of the festival.

Hula competition takes place on the fifth day of the festival at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multipurpose Stadium in Hoʻolulu Park. Hula dancers perform both individually and in groups, with seven-minute intervals. A special competition showcases individual female dancers that compete for the title of Miss Aloha Hula. They dance in a modern style(hula ʻauana) and traditional (hula kahiko). The first winner of this competition in 1971 was Aloha Dalire, a legendary kumu hula, and hula dancer. Group hula kahiko competition features the male and the female division. The last day is marked by a competition of group hula ʻauana - modern style hula.

Tickets

While the majority of activities at the festival are free and open to the public, you'll still need tickets to get into the Hula competition. General admission tickets start at $30 per person for two nights. Reserved seating options are worth a bit more–from $40 for the cheapest one and to $55 for the most expensive. You'll also need to fill a form on the event's official website to purchase tickets.