World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch Festival)
Get ready for an exciting week of vibrant culture and stunning performances! World Hula Week, also known as the Merrie Monarch Festival, lights up Hawaii at the end of March and early April.
Drive tourism and experiential spending during Merrie Monarch Festival week by positioning Hawaiian cultural immersion, artisan shopping, and authentic cuisine as must-do travel moments.
- 'Learn 3 Hula Moves Before You Go' — TikTok/Instagram Reels teaching beginner hula steps to build anticipation
- Festival Food Guide: Poi, Poke & Haupia — partner with food bloggers to showcase traditional Hawaiian dishes available during the week
- Shop Local: Handmade Hawaiian Crafts & Jewelry — highlight artisan vendors at the Invitational Arts Fair for retail/e-commerce tie-ins
- Merrie Monarch Royal Parade Live Coverage — real-time social media updates and behind-the-scenes influencer content from the parade
The Merrie Monarch Festival, which is now recognized as the premier global event for hula, began in 1963 in Hilo, Hawaii.
It was originally conceived by Helene Hale, the then Chairwoman of the County of Hawaii, as a way to invigorate the local economy, which was suffering due to the decline of the sugar industry and recent tsunamis.
The festival was named after King David Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his patronage of the arts and efforts to revive Hawaiian cultural practices like hula, which missionary influences had suppressed.
The first festival was a modest affair, featuring a King Kalākaua beard look-alike contest, among other events. Over the years, the festival struggled with funding and interest until 1968, when Dottie Thompson took over and revitalized the event, focusing on authentic Hawaiian culture and competitive hula dancing.
This shift aligned with a broader cultural resurgence known as the Hawaiian Renaissance, which helped to rekindle interest in traditional Hawaiian language, music, and arts.
In 1971, under Thompson’s guidance, the festival introduced a hula competition, which has since become its centerpiece. This competition helped to cement the festival’s reputation as a significant cultural event, attracting top hula hālau (schools) and dancers from across the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.
Today, the Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long event that includes not only hula competitions but also parades, craft fairs, and an educational outreach that perpetuates the Hawaiian culture for future generations.
Hula Your Heart Out
Why just watch when you can dance too? Grab a skirt and sway to the rhythm! Learning a few hula moves is the highlight of your week. It’s not just fun; it’s also a fantastic way to connect with the rich Hawaiian heritage.
Shop ’til You Drop
Stroll through the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair. You’ll find everything from exquisite handmade crafts to unique Hawaiian jewelry. It’s the perfect spot to snag a souvenir that holds the essence of the festival!
Feast on Hawaiian Treats
Indulge in some traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Whether it’s at a festival food stall or a local eatery, treat your taste buds to some poi, poke, or haupia. Eating like a local is a must!
Attend a Hula Showdown
Don’t miss the thrilling competitions! From the prestigious Miss Aloha Hula to the intense group hula performances, each evening offers something spectacular. It’s a showcase of grace, tradition, and fierce competition.
Parade in Paradise
Cap off the week by watching the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade. Experience the joy and community spirit as floats, musicians, and dancers parade down the streets of Hilo. It’s a colorful and festive affair not to be missed! These activities are sure to give you a taste of Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha during the Merrie Monarch Festival, making your experience unforgettable.