Hula festival · Hilo, Big Island
Merrie Monarch Festival 2026
Hosted by Merrie Monarch Festival
- When
- Apr 5–11, 2026From 6 PM
- Where
- Hilo, Big IslandGet directions
- Host
- Merrie Monarch Festival
Sources
Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go. Historical dates reflect advertised schedules; a past date alone does not confirm the event took place.
7 dates
Dates
What to expect
Founded in 1963 and reframed in 1968, the Merrie Monarch Festival is the world's most prestigious hula competition, celebrating Hawaiian culture and honoring King Kalākaua. The festival features both hula kahiko (ancient) and hula ʻauana (modern) competition divisions, an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, and cultural performances.
Plan your visit
- 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.
Farmers markets this weekend
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Merrie Monarch Festival, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
About hula festivals
Hula festivals bring together hālau (hula schools) for performance, competition, and celebration of Hawaiian culture.
What’s worth a trip this weekend
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.