and the Hawaiian Culture2026 Festival
Festival Events
April 5-April 11, 2026
Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration)
9:00 a.m., Sunday, April 5th
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 Grand Naniloa Hotel (12 p.m.),
and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (1 p.m.).
Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday,
April 8th through Friday, April 10th
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11th
at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium
An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.
Hōʻike Performances
6:00 pm, Wednesday, April 8th
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.
Miss Aloha Hula
6:00 pm, Thursday, April 9th
at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium
Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula with contestants performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chant).
Group Hula Kahiko
6:00 pm, Friday, April 10th
at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium
Hālau hula perform ancient style dances.
Group Hula ʻAuana & Awards
6:00 pm, Saturday, April 11th
at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium
Hālau hula perform modern style dances, followed by an awards presentation for all group winners.
Merrie Monarch Royal Parade
10:30 am, Saturday, April 11th
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.).
Sponsors and Partners
Festival Sponsors
. 
Production and Website Partners
Broadcast Producers
- Ponoʻī Productions LLC
Broadcaster
- Hawaii News Now – KFVE
Official Photographer
- Extreme Exposure
Website Design and Management
- Upspring
Website Content Support
- Pacific Pro-Tech Services Corp.
Website Archival Images
- Bishop Museum