The Merrie Monarch Festival is a prestigious week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture, culminating in a renowned hula competition held annually in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Established in 1964, the festival honors King David Kalākaua, affectionately known as the "Merrie Monarch," who was instrumental in reviving Hawaiian cultural practices, including hula, during his reign from 1874 to 1891.
Origins and Evolution
Initially conceived by Helene Hale, then Executive Officer of Hawaii County, the festival aimed to boost the island's economy following the decline of the sugar industry. The first Merrie Monarch Festival featured various events such as a King Kalākaua beard look-alike contest, barbershop quartet performances, and a recreation of the king's coronation.
By 1968, the festival's popularity had waned. Dottie Thompson took over as executive director and, alongside kumu hula George Naʻope, reoriented the festival to focus on traditional Hawaiian culture, particularly hula. In 1971, they introduced the first hula competition, featuring nine female hālau (hula schools). The inaugural Miss Hula title was awarded to Aloha Wong . In 1976, the competition expanded to include male dancers.
Competition Structure
The hula competition spans three nights:
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Thursday: Miss Aloha Hula – solo female dancers perform both traditional (kahiko) and modern (‘auana) hula.
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Friday: Hula Kahiko – group performances of ancient hula, characterized by traditional chants and attire.
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Saturday: Hula ‘Auana – group performances of modern hula, incorporating contemporary music and choreography.
Cultural Significance
The Merrie Monarch Festival has played a pivotal role in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance, fostering a resurgence of interest in traditional practices and language. It serves as a platform for hālau to present meticulously prepared performances that reflect deep cultural knowledge and artistic excellence. The festival's emphasis on authenticity and tradition has elevated it to the status of the world's premier hula competition.
Through its commitment to cultural preservation and education, the Merrie Monarch Festival continues to honor King Kalākaua's legacy, ensuring that the art of hula and Hawaiian traditions thrive for future generations.
The week long event features the prestigious hula competition, Hawaiian arts fair, hula shows, and a grand parade through downtown Hilo. The hula competition, held at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, showcases both traditional (kahiko) and modern ('auana) styles, attracting hālau hula (hula schools) from across Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Beyond the performances, the festival includes cultural demonstrations, art exhibitions, and workshops, offering attendees an immersive experience into Hawaiian heritage. The Merrie Monarch Festival not only celebrates the art of hula but also serves as a beacon for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.
For those unable to attend in person, the hula competition will be livestreamed for free on the Hawaii News Now website, allowing audiences worldwide to partake in this cultural celebration.
To learn more about the festival, its history, and schedule, visit the official Merrie Monarch Festival website: merriemonarch.com.
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Give me a call at 808.938.3910 or email me if you are interested in learning more about the festival or anything in general about life on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Attribution: ChatGPT article sourced on 4/25/2025
