Hawaii: Merrie Monarch Festival celebrates hula, modern and ancient
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The hula, one of Hawaii’s best known cultural traditions, will take center stage when the Merrie Monarch Festival returns April 20-26 to the Big Island.
The festival is named for King David Kalakaua, a 19th century Hawaiian leader whose nickname, the Merrie Monarch, stemmed from his passion for music and dance.
Hilo, on the Big Island, is the host city for the 51-year-old weeklong celebration of ancient and modern hula dancing. The list of activities begins with a performance by local hula dancers on the morning of April 20.
Hula and folk dances from throughout the Pacific will be showcased on the evening of April 23. Activities on April 25 include a performance of ancient-style dances.
The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade will wind through downtown Hilo beginning at 10:30 a.m. April 26.
These activities and most of the others are free of charge, but tickets are required for the hula competition April 24-26. They must be ordered by mail.
Info: (808) 935-9168
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