Merrie Monarch Festival
April in Hawaii is a locals and tourists' favorite, as guests visiting the island will get to experience beautiful weather, lower airfares, and fun upcoming events such as the well-known Merrie Monarch Festival!
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a free, non-profit organization honoring the legacy of King David Kalakaua, a fun-loving king who truly took pride in believing in the Hawaiian culture and traditions, including the craft of art, music, medicine, and dance.
King David is known as the last king and the second-to-last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. The name 'Merrie Monarch' was inspired by the king's love for music, parties, fire dances, and delicious food and drinks. King David is remembered for bringing pride back to the Hawaiian people after being suppressed for many years.
As April quickly approaches, the locals are beginning their quest to set up for the 55th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, a weeklong celebration filled with music, Hula shows, dance competitions, a Hawaiian arts fair, and a grand parade to celebrate the loving memory of King David La'amea Kalakaua.
History of the Merrie Monarch Festival
To help you understand a little more about the Merrie Monarch Festival, we will give you a quick history lesson!
Photo courtesy of our favorite Big Island videographers and photographers, Techy3 Design Studios.
In 1963, the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, began to struggle economically due to the devastation of the tsunami and the decline of sugar plantations. The Merrie Monarch Festival was created to honor what the king believed, boost Hawaii's economy through tourism, and educate locals and tourists about Hawaiian culture. The festival looked to strengthen Hawaii's people through art, music, and literature practices and to ensure the vibrancy of the Hawaiian culture for future generations.
When Does the Merrie Monarch Festival Take Place
This one-week festival takes place in April. The festival starts with a Ho'olaule'a (celebration) and a free local halau (hula group) performance at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, HI.
Photo courtesy of our favorite Big Island videographers and photographers, Techy3 Design Studios
On the following Monday through Friday, there will be free entertainment at the Grand Naniloa Hotel starting at noon, followed by more exciting events and entertainment at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 1 p.m.
The Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, also held at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, is an annual favorite featuring local artists, crafters, and entertainment. Guests can start off their stay on the island by exploring the Hawaiian Arts Fair, where you can find fun, handcrafted souvenirs or a beautiful art painting for your home.
After the art fair, experience the wonderful Ho'ike Performances at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium. At this exhibition, you will enjoy a night of Hula and dance influenced by cultures across the Pacific.
The next day, the doors to the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium will open to host the annual Miss Aloha Hula, where guests from all over watch the top individual hula dancers from each halau compete for the title of Miss Aloha Hula of 2018 and the contestants performing the hula kahiko, hula'auana and oli (chant).
The next day, Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium also hosts the Group Hula Kahiko. The groups perform an ancient dance style and the group Hula' Auana. Awards will also be presented to the winners on this day.
Finally, if you are looking for a fun event for the entire family, check out the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade! The parade starts in the morning and travels through the heart of downtown Hilo. During this year's parade performance, there will be 800 marchers, 50 vehicles, two floats and five bands!
If you are traveling to the Big Island in April, see if you can get tickets to The Merrie Monarch Festival.
Better yet, plan your getaway to a luxurious Big Island vacation rental with Exotic Estates. Then, get over to Hilo and soak in the beautiful traditions, culture, and music of the Hawaiian people and the people of the Pacific.
