The week-long Merrie Monarch Festival runs from April 8-14, 2012.

Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration)

9:00 a.m., Sunday, April 8th at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium.  Free admission to watch performances by our local hālau.

Free Mid-day Entertainment

Daily (Monday through Friday) entertainment at the Hawaiʻi Naniloa Volcanoes Resort (12 p.m.), and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (1 p.m.).

Arts and Crafts Fair

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 11th through Friday, April 13th, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, April 14th, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. 

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

Hōʻike Performances

6:00 pm, Wednesday, April 11th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.  A free exhibition night of hula, international performers, and music.

Miss Aloha Hula

6:00 pm, Thursday, April 12th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.  Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula with contestants performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chanting).

Group Hula Kahiko

6:00 pm, Friday, April 13th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.  Hālau hula perform ancient style dances.

Group Hula ʻAuana & Awards

6:00 pm, Saturday, April 14th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.  Hālau hula perform modern style dances with an awards presentation for all group winners.

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade

10:30 am, Saturday, April 14th.  One of the festival's most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi St. and winds through downtown Hilo (Kilauea Ave. - Keawe St. - Waiānuenue Ave. - Kamehameha Ave.).

Event Locations

Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium
350 Kalanikoa Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium
323 Manono Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Merrie Monarch Festival Office
865 Piʻilani St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720