Merrie Monarch Festival

The renowned Merrie Monarch Festival was held April 9-15 on the Island of Hawai’i. The week-long event features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a non-profit organization that honors the legacy of King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of cultural traditions, native language, and arts. Kalākaua was elected king of the Hawaiian Nation in 1874 and reigned until his passing in 1891. He was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance. Through this hula competition, thousands of people in the islands and throughout the world partake in the authentic history and culture of Hawai’i.

Merrie Monarch Festival 2023 Results: Oʻahu hālau wins overall; Maui hālau takes kāne title : Maui Now