62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival 2025

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural event held in Hilo, Hawaiʻi each spring, featuring Hawaiian culture and a premier hula competition. The Festival is a domestic non-profit organization registered with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of commerce and Consumer Affairs.

The Hawai’i Island Chamber of Commerce began the festival in 1963, and the private Merrie Monarch Festival community organization took on the responsibilities of running the event five years after. The central purpose of the Festival is the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture.

Sunday  April 20

Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration)

9:00 a.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

Free admission to watch performances by our local hālau.

Monday  April 21

Free Mid-day Entertainment

Daily (Monday through Friday) 12 & 1 p.m.

Entertainment at:
12:00 p.m. The Grand Naniloa Hotel
1:00 p.m. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Live Music at Big Island Coffee Roasters

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Live music featuring Lullaby in Birdland at Big Island Coffee Roasters on 76 Kalanianaole St

Tuesday  April 22

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

Daily (Tuesday through Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“The Merrie Monarch: a legacy of ‘Ōiwi Persistence, Resistance, and Sovereignty” Pop-up Exhibit at the UH Hilo Mookini Library

Hilo Hula Tuesdays by Destination Hilo

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Mo’oheau Park Bandstand

Free admission to watch performances by our local hālau. Alu Like’s Hālau Ke Ola Pono No Na Kūpuna

Waiolama Speaker Series: Ku’ualoha Ho’omanawanui 

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At the UH Hilo Campus Center Room 301

Free Mid-day Entertainment

Daily (Monday through Friday) 12 & 1 p.m.

Entertainment at:
12:00 p.m. The Grand Naniloa Hotel
1:00 p.m. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Talk & Sip Mamaki Talk 

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Big Island Coffee Roasters

Free workshop, RSVP required

Espresso Martini Workshop

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Big Island Coffee Roasters

Learn how to make espresso martinis! $20 event registration fee

Hula is Life

5 p.m.

Celebrate the season of mele manaka- Hilo style! at Nani Mau Gardens

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani Merrie Monarch Mākeke

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani Merrie Monarch Mākeke at the UH Hilo Campus Center Plaza

Wednesday April 23

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

Daily (Tuesday through Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“The Merrie Monarch: a legacy of ‘Ōiwi Persistence, Resistance, and Sovereignty” Pop-up Exhibit at the UH Hilo Mookini Library

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Hula ‘Auana Workshop with Kumu Ka’ea Lyons at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

Live Music at Big Island Coffee Roasters

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Live music featuring Lullaby in Birdland at Big Island Coffee Roasters on 76 Kalanianaole St

Kupu Nā ʻŌpio

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join us for 4 days of FREE programming at Hilo Palace Theater. Each day celebrates the beauty of Hilo with live performances and presentations by Hilo’s own

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Come Make Lei at the UH Hilo Mookini Library Lānai

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani: He Ki’i, He Aka: Reawakening Hula Ki’i in Shadow and Light

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

At the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

Hilo Hula by Destination Hilo

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Mo’oheau Park Bandstand

Ben Ka’ili and Friends special – Music & hula

Free Mid-day Entertainment

Daily (Monday through Friday) 12 & 1 p.m.

Entertainment at:
12:00 p.m. The Grand Naniloa Hotel
1:00 p.m. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Waiolama Speaker Series: Ku’ualoha Ho’omanawanui 

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At the UH Hilo Campus Center Room 301

Hōʻike Performances

6:00 p.m. at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

An exhibition night of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific. The performances are free to the public, no tickets required.

Merrie Monarch Craft Fair

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Free admission! 

Mākeke Naniloa

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hilo Naniloa Hotel

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly, local vendors, entertainment, free workshops, and giveaways! 

Manono Street Marketplace Merrie Monarch Market

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Manono Marketplace

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly! 

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.

Pualu Hawaii Mele Manaka Mākeke

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hilo Daijingu

Get ready to shop, celebrate, and support local! 

Thursday  April 24

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

Daily (Tuesday through Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“The Merrie Monarch: a legacy of ‘Ōiwi Persistence, Resistance, and Sovereignty” Pop-up Exhibit at the UH Hilo Mookini Library

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lei workshop at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

Pae Aku Nā Wa’a

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join us for 4 days of FREE programming at Hilo Palace Theater. Each day celebrates the beauty of Hilo with live performances and presentations by Hilo’s own

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Various events at the UH Hilo Campus Center 

Free Mid-day Entertainment

Daily (Monday through Friday) 12 & 1 p.m.

Entertainment at:
12:00 p.m. The Grand Naniloa Hotel
1:00 p.m. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Miss Aloha Hula

6:00 p.m. at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Hālau hula perform modern style dances, followed by an awards presentation for all group winners.

Merrie Monarch Craft Fair

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Free admission! 

Manono Street Marketplace Merrie Monarch Market

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Manono Marketplace

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly! 

Mākeke Naniloa

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hilo Naniloa Hotel

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly, local vendors, entertainment, free workshops, and giveaways! 

Mele Manaka Community Fair

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the SCP Hilo Hotel.

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly, local vendors, entertainment, free workshops, and giveaways! 

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.

32nd Annual Hawaii Arts, Crafts & Food Festival

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Nani Mau Gardens

Free admission!

Mele Manaka Mākeke

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Arc of Hilo

 Free Admission!

Prince Kuhio Plaza Merrie Monarch Market

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Prince Kuhio Plaza

Free admission!

Pualu Hawaii Mele Manaka Mākeke

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hilo Daijingu

Get ready to shop, celebrate, and support local! 

Kāko’o Hawaii Merrie Monarch Market

10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Sangha Hall

Free admission!

Friday  April 25

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

Daily (Tuesday through Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“The Merrie Monarch: a legacy of ‘Ōiwi Persistence, Resistance, and Sovereignty” Pop-up Exhibit at the UH Hilo Mookini Library

Live Music at Big Island Coffee Roasters

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Live music featuring Ku’ulei Music at Big Island Coffee Roasters on 76 Kalanianaole St

UH Hilo Kahikuonālani

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Merrie Monarch Throwbacks at the UH Hilo Mookini Library Lānai

Kūkulu Mauna Kea

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join us for 4 days of FREE programming at Hilo Palace Theater. Each day celebrates the beauty of Hilo with live performances and presentations by Hilo’s own

Free Mid-day Entertainment

Daily (Monday through Friday) 12 & 1 p.m.

Entertainment at:
12:00 p.m. The Grand Naniloa Hotel
1:00 p.m. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Group Hula Kahiko

6:00 p.m. at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Hālau hula perform ancient style dances.

Merrie Monarch Craft Fair

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Free admission! 

Manono Street Marketplace Merrie Monarch Market

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Manono Marketplace

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly! 

Mākeke Naniloa

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hilo Naniloa Hotel

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly, local vendors, entertainment, free workshops, and giveaways! 

Mele Manaka Community Fair

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the SCP Hilo Hotel.

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly, local vendors, entertainment, free workshops, and giveaways! 

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.

32nd Annual Hawaii Arts, Crafts & Food Festival

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Nani Mau Gardens

Free admission!

Mele Manaka Mākeke

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Arc of Hilo

 

Ho’ohua Hawaii

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kawili Business Center 315 E. Kawili St.

 

Prince Kuhio Plaza Merrie Monarch Market

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Prince Kuhio Plaza

Free admission!

Pualu Hawaii Mele Manaka Mākeke

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hilo Daijingu

Get ready to shop, celebrate, and support local! 

Kāko’o Hawaii Merrie Monarch Market

10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Sangha Hall

Free admission!

Saturday  April 26

Nā Lei Aloha ʻĀina

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join us for 4 days of FREE programming at Hilo Palace Theater. Each day celebrates the beauty of Hilo with live performances and presentations by Hilo’s own

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade

10:30 a.m. through downtown Hilo

One of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi St. (Kilauea Ave. — Keawe St. — Waiānuenue Ave. — Kamehameha Ave.).

Pro Coffee Brewing Workshop

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Big Island Coffee Roasters

Learn how to brew coffee like the pros! Free admission, RSVP required. 

Group Hula ʻAuana & Awards

6:00 p.m. at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

Hālau hula perform modern style dances, followed by an awards presentation for all group winners.

Merrie Monarch Craft Fair

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Free admission! 

Kāko’o Hawaii Merrie Monarch Market

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sangha Hall

Free admission!

Mākeke Naniloa

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hilo Naniloa Hotel

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly, local vendors, entertainment, free workshops, and giveaways! 

Mele Manaka Community Fair

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the SCP Hilo Hotel.

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly, local vendors, entertainment, free workshops, and giveaways! 

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.

32nd Annual Hawaii Arts, Crafts & Food Festival

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Nani Mau Gardens

Free admission!

Ho’ohua Hawaii

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kawili Business Center 315 E. Kawili St.

 

Prince Kuhio Plaza Merrie Monarch Market

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Prince Kuhio Plaza

Free admission!

Nā Lei Aloha ʻĀina

Daily (Wednesday to Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hilo Daijingu

Get ready to shop, celebrate, and support local! 

Manono Street Marketplace Merrie Monarch Market

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Manono Marketplace

Free admission, ‘ohana friendly!