The Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 returns to Hilo, Hawaii, from April 20 to 26, bringing a vivid celebration of Hawaiian culture and tradition. This week-long event honors King David Kalākaua’s legacy through stirring hula performances, crafts, music, and community gatherings.
From the lively Hoʻolauleʻa festivities at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium to the drama of the Miss Aloha Hula competition and the grand Royal Parade through downtown Hilo, every moment bursts with color, rhythm, and deep respect for heritage. The festival continues to be the premier platform showcasing the spirit and artistry of Hawai‘i’s people, weaving ancient chants and dances into a vibrant story that unfolds each spring.
Whether you’re drawn to the powerful rhythms of hula kahiko or the graceful moves of hula ʻauana, Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 promises a rich cultural experience that celebrates both tradition and community pride.
The Rich History and Cultural Significance of the Merrie Monarch Festival
Every year, the Merrie Monarch Festival brings the islands—and the world—together to celebrate Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and arts. But this event didn’t start as the grand festival we know today. It began humbly as a community effort to heal after hard times and has grown into a powerful symbol of Hawaiian heritage. Understanding the festival’s roots helps us appreciate not just the performances but the spirit bound to each step danced on that stage.
Founding of the Festival and Early Years
The Merrie Monarch Festival first took shape in 1964, in Hilo on Hawai‘i Island. After the devastating tsunami in 1960 disabblethe local economy, community leaders sought ways to lift spirits and rebuild. The sugar plantations, the backbone of the island’s economy, were in decline. Local officials, led by Hawai‘i County Chairwoman Helene Hale and others like George Nāpōpe, organized the festival as a way to bring people together and attract visitors.
This early version of the festival focused on celebrations reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian festivities but with a community twist. Events included a King Kalākaua look-alike contest and a coronation ceremony—a nod to the “Merrie Monarch” himself. Alongside these, there were local music performances, arts and crafts displays, and cultural demonstrations. The festival was a warm spark in a tough time, but attendance and enthusiasm started to dwindle by the late 1960s.
Everything changed with the arrival of Dottie Thompson in 1971. She refocused the festival toward Hawaiian cultural revitalization, especially around hula, to align with the growing Hawaiian Renaissance—a movement to restore pride, language, and traditions. It was then that hula competitions were introduced, setting the stage for the festival’s future as the world’s premier hula event.
King David Kalākaua’s Legacy and The Festival’s Mission
King David Kalākaua, the last reigning monarch of Hawai‘i, is known as the “Merrie Monarch” because of his joyful support for Hawaiian arts and culture during the late 19th century. His reign marked a powerful Hawaiian cultural revival. Kalākaua famously said, “Hula is the language of the heart,” highlighting the dance as a sacred expression of history, genealogy, and spirituality, especially since Hawaiians did not have a written language at that time.
During a period when missionary influence had suppressed many native traditions, Kalākaua threw open the doors by restoring hula’s place in Hawaiian society. He incorporated hula into official ceremonies, such as his coronation and national holidays, sending a clear message that Hawaiian customs matter deeply.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is built on his vision. It goes beyond entertainment to serve as a living school for hula, Hawaiian language, and ancient traditions. The mission is clear: preserve, honor, and promote cultural practices. Every chant, costume, and gesture performed at the festival echoes Kalākaua’s commitment to keeping Hawaiian stories and arts vibrant for generations.
Growth into a World-Renowned Celebration
What began as a local community event has blossomed into a week-long celebration that draws worldwide attention. Since 1971, the festival has included a formal hula competition, quickly gaining prestige as schools (hālau) from all over Hawai‘i and abroad travel to compete and exhibit their mastery.
Over the years, the festival has expanded its schedule with multiple nights of performances, cultural fairs, parades, and exhibitions. Men joined the hula competitions starting in 1976, broadening the scope of expression and honoring traditional hula kahiko styles passed down through generations.
Television broadcasts starting in the early 1980s, and more recently live streaming, have put the Merrie Monarch Festival on the global stage. In recent years, viewers from over 140 countries and thousands of cities tune in, making it the largest and most important showcase of Hawaiian culture worldwide.
The Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 continues this proud tradition. It remains much more than a show. It’s a gathering of aloha, a deep connection to the past, and a vibrant celebration of native Hawaiian identity unfolding in the present.
Highlights and Events of Merrie Monarch Festival 2025
The Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 offers a full week of unforgettable cultural celebrations, giving visitors a front-row seat to Hawaiian tradition, artistry, and storytelling. From April 20 to 26, the festival pulses with energy as it unfolds across Hilo, featuring lively performances, intimate workshops, and colorful public gatherings. Each day invites you to connect with Hawaiian culture in a unique way—whether through dance, crafts, or music.
The Opening Ho‘olaule‘a and Daily Hula Performances
The festival kicks off with the Ho‘olaule‘a at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium on Sunday morning, April 20th. This free event is a joyful gathering where local hālau hula (dance schools) take the stage, sharing a rich variety of performances that honor the pulse of Hawaiian tradition. Expect vibrant costumes, resonant chants, and powerful movements that set the tone for the week.
Throughout the festival, daily midday hula shows happen at iconic Hilo spots like the Grand Naniloa Hotel and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. These performances offer a relaxed way to enjoy hula in an open, welcoming environment. Visitors can sit back and absorb the grace and rhythm of Hawaiian melodies and dance, deepening their connection to the island spirit.
The Prestigious Hula Competitions
At the heart of Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 are the intense three-day hula competitions, held at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium. These contests feature both hula kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) styles, with group and solo performances judged meticulously by kumu hula and cultural experts.
Top hālau from across Hawai‘i and the mainland U.S. bring their best, presenting dances that are more than just entertainment—they are living stories brought to life. Each gesture and chant carries layers of meaning, honoring genealogies, legends, and historical events with striking artistry and precision.
The three-day span divides with kahiko performances first, showing ancient chants and dances steeped in tradition, followed by ‘auana, which incorporates contemporary music and movements. The festival’s judging honors authenticity, execution, and the power of storytelling. It’s a showcase of skill and heart, where culture is both preserved and celebrated.
Miss Aloha Hula Pageant
A festival highlight, the Miss Aloha Hula pageant is a solo contest steeped in tradition and grace. Contestants perform kahiko, ‘auana, and oli (chants) that reveal the depth of their cultural knowledge and expressive ability.
Judges look beyond technique to assess poise, elegance, and the contestant’s ability to embody the spirit of Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories). This pageant is more than a competition; it’s a vibrant expression of personal and cultural identity that shines a light on hula’s sacred roots.
The Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair and Cultural Workshops
Running alongside the performances is the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, spanning several days at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Local artists and craftspeople present traditional and contemporary Hawaiian arts—from intricate wood carvings to beautiful lauhala weaving.
The Arts Fair includes hands-on workshops that invite visitors to try their hand at making lei, weaving, or learning about Hawaiian chants and history. These sessions offer a deeper dive into the traditions behind the crafts and arts, making culture tangible and accessible.
Whether you’re curious about technique or simply want to connect with local artisans, the fair is a rich space for learning and appreciation.
Royal Parade and Ho‘ike Night Exhibitions
The grand Royal Parade marches through downtown Hilo on April 26, wrapping up the festival with a burst of color and community spirit. Hālau hula, the royal court, and island groups come together in a lively procession that brings Hawaiian heritage into the streets in a vivid display of pride and aloha.
Just before the parade, Ho‘ike Night at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium showcases a dazzling exhibition of indigenous arts. This event goes beyond Hawaii’s shores, featuring performances from Pacific Island cultures in a celebration of shared traditions and dance forms. It’s a collective honoring of roots, unity, and cultural expression.
Together, these events offer a grand finale that leaves everyone feeling connected to the past, grounded in the present, and hopeful for the future of Hawaiian culture.
Continuing the Legacy: The Festival’s Impact and Cultural Preservation
The Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 is more than a stunning showcase of hula and Hawaiian traditions. It stands as a living bridge connecting past and present, keeping Native Hawaiian culture alive and thriving. The festival’s impact reaches far beyond dance performances—it shapes cultural identity, education, and community pride on local and global stages.
At the heart of this celebration are the kumu hula and cultural leaders who safeguard the authenticity of hula and Hawaiian practices. Alongside them, educational programs and community events provide spaces to learn and participate, while the festival’s growing worldwide audience reveals its role in uniting indigenous voices and celebrating resilience. Together, these aspects form the foundation of the Merrie Monarch Festival’s lasting influence.
Role of Kumu Hula and Cultural Leaders
Kumu hula, or master hula teachers, carry the responsibility of protecting the spirit and traditions of hula. Their role goes beyond choreographing dances; they serve as cultural historians, educators, and guardians of protocol. At Merrie Monarch Festival 2025, these respected kumu and cultural leaders shape the event’s direction, especially through their critical role as judges.
Judging focuses on several key criteria:
- Authenticity: Performances must faithfully reflect ancient chants, gestures, and stories. Judges look for deep respect to kahiko (traditional) customs.
- Choreography: Each movement carries meaning, so dances must flow naturally and thoughtfully, matching both the mele (song) and ‘oli (chant).
- Cultural adherence: Costumes, language, and rituals must honor Hawaiian traditions without compromise or dilution.
Kumu hula engage in a formal process called ‘uniki, a ceremony that passes down knowledge and authority to new teachers. This ensures that teachings follow a lineage anchored in Hawaiian history. Without their expert guidance, the festival would struggle to maintain its cultural integrity. These leaders also mentor younger generations, fostering confidence in young dancers and connecting them to their ancestry.
Many kumu emphasize that hula is more than performance; it is an expression of identity and history. They steer the festival away from competition’s flashy side, focusing instead on hula’s true purpose: carrying aloha and memory through movement.
Educational Programs and Community Engagements
Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 expands its cultural reach with educational programs designed to engage and inspire the community. Hosted primarily at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and surrounding venues, these workshops, exhibits, and speaker events invite people to learn about Hawaiian culture, arts, language, and history in hands-on, accessible ways.
Highlights include:
- Lei-making workshops: Guests can create their own lei while learning about the significance of each flower and leaf used.
- Chanting and hula classes: Led by Hawaiian scholars and kumu hula, these sessions teach basics of Hawaiian language and traditional movement.
- Cultural exhibits: Displays on the festival’s history, King Kalākaua’s legacy, and Hawaiian material arts offer rich context for visitors.
- Speaker panels and presentations: Experts share stories about Hawaiian mo‘olelo (history), environmental stewardship, and the connection between the land and culture.
The University campus becomes a vibrant learning hub, offering free events and shuttle services for easy access. Nearby cultural centers like the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center join in with interactive programs, blending indigenous knowledge and scientific exploration. These efforts aim to strengthen community bonds and encourage deeper understanding of Hawaiian values.
Through this active participation, visitors don’t just observe—they experience heritage firsthand. This hands-on approach keeps traditions alive and encourages new generations to take pride in their roots.
Global Reach and Symbolism of Indigenous Resilience
While Merrie Monarch Festival’s core is Hawaiian culture, its influence has grown into a global platform for indigenous identity and solidarity. Each year, dancers, artists, scholars, and spectators from across the world gather or tune in to witness the power of Native Hawaiian expression.
The festival has become a beacon that celebrates the survival and resurgence of cultural practices that once faced near extinction. It shows how traditions can withstand time and outside pressures with care and passion.
- International participants and viewers: Dancers travel from the U.S. mainland, other Hawaiian islands, and beyond, while online live streams bring the festival to thousands of homes worldwide.
- Cultural exchanges: Festival events often include guest performances and collaborations with other Pacific Island communities—such as Tahitians, Samoans, and Māori—creating a shared space for indigenous arts.
- Symbol of resilience: Merrie Monarch showcases how indigenous voices rise through celebration, not just protest. It highlights pride in identity while nurturing relationships across cultures.
In this way, the festival connects Hawaiian narratives to broader stories of indigenous perseverance. It bridges islands and continents, reminding us all of the importance of honoring tradition in a changing world.
Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 stands as a powerful reminder: culture is alive because people keep it breathing. It’s not locked away in a museum but danced, sung, taught, and shared—leaving a trail of aloha for anyone willing to join in.
Conclusion
Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 shines as a powerful beacon of Hawaiian culture, inviting everyone to witness the living spirit of aloha through dance, chant, and artistry. It is more than a festival—it is a vital, breathing celebration that keeps the language of the heart alive. As hālau from Hawai‘i and beyond gather in Hilo, they carry forward King Kalākaua’s legacy with each graceful movement and heartfelt chant.
This festival offers a deep connection to the past while inspiring the next generation to uphold and honor Hawaiian heritage. Whether attending in person or tuning in from afar, joining Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 means taking part in a timeless tradition that strengthens community and identity.
As the festival steps into the future, it remains a steady source of pride and cultural preservation. It reminds us all that Hawai‘i’s rich stories and dances will continue to thrive, passed from one generation to the next with aloha and respect.
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