Hula festival · Hilo, Big Island · From 6 PM

Merrie Monarch Festival

Name: Merrie Monarch Festival
Start: 2026-04-05T18:00:00-10:00
Location: Merrie Monarch Festival

Hosted by Merrie Monarch Festival

Dates

Sunday, April 5, 2026From 6 PM Monday, April 6, 2026From 6 PM Tuesday, April 7, 2026From 6 PM Wednesday, April 8, 2026From 6 PM Thursday, April 9, 2026From 6 PM Friday, April 10, 2026From 6 PM Saturday, April 11, 2026From 6 PM

The Merrie Monarch Festival is the world's most prestigious hula competition — a week-long celebration in Hilo honoring King David Kalākaua, who revived hula in the 19th century. It pairs a free hōʻike exhibition night, the Miss Aloha Hula solo competition, and group kahiko and ʻauana competition nights with a 150+ artisan craft fair and a royal parade through downtown Hilo. Hālau from across Hawaiʻi and the continental U.S. compete before an internationally broadcast audience.

Food & vendors: Invitational Hawaiian arts fair with 150+ artisans (Hawaiian arts, crafts, local products) plus entertainment; food available at the fair.

Parking & access: Most activities are free; the three-night hula competition requires tickets ($30–$55), mail-in request only for 2026. The royal parade through downtown Hilo on the final Saturday brings road closures and Hele-On reroutes.

About hula festivals

Hula festivals bring together hālau (hula schools) for performance, competition, and celebration of Hawaiian culture.

Read the full hula festival guide

Source: Official Merrie Monarch site (2026 festival, tickets, and craft-fair pages). Bon dance dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.