Each spring, the quiet town of Hilo transforms into the epicenter of Hawaiian culture as it welcomes the 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s most prestigious hula competition. From April 20–26, the island’s reverence for tradition takes center stage, drawing hālau (hula schools), artisans, and admirers from across the islands and the globe.
And yet, for many of us, getting a seat inside the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium remains a distant dream. Tickets must be requested by mail well in advance, with a slim chance of securing a coveted spot. Like most locals and longtime residents, I didn’t get a ticket this year. But that doesn’t mean we won’t be part of it. Let me tell you why.
The real beauty of the Merrie Monarch Festival lies not only in the competition but in the way it ripples through the entire Big Island. Whether you’re living in Kailua-Kona, staying at Hualalai or Mauna Lani, or visiting during this special week, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the Big Island lifestyle and its rich cultural roots.
The Art of Hula
When I moved to Hawai‘i 24 years ago, I thought hula was simply a pretty performance. But the first time I saw it in person, during a quiet Saturday at Keauhou Shopping Center, I understood that it was something deeper. Hula is a sacred storytelling tradition—a spiritual tribute to ancestors, nature, and place. It’s a chant and a prayer.
Even if we don’t dance, we live with hula. In Hawai‘i, hula is part of our daily rhythm. My daughters learned chant and hula in school, and over the years, I’ve come to feel an immense respect for its role in everyday island life. This feeling becomes amplified during Merrie Monarch, which is shared across generations, cultures, and communities.
It’s not unusual for someone to spontaneously begin hula dancing at a dinner party or family gathering. You might hear a Hawaiian chant offered before entering a sacred space or starting an important moment. At first, it may feel unexpected. But when you live here, it feels entirely natural. It’s how we honor the land, Hawaiian culture, the ancestors, and one another.
If you’ve never watched Hula Kahiko, the ancient style of hula performed with traditional chanting and percussion, I encourage you to tune in this year. You don’t need a ticket. Channel 5 and KFVE will broadcast the competitions live, including:
- Thursday, April 24 – Miss Aloha Hula
- Friday, April 25 – Group Hula Kahiko (ancient hula)
- Saturday, April 26 – Group Hula ‘Auana (modern hula)
There should be a live internet stream through KFVE website also.
It will move you. It might even change how you see Hawai‘i. It changed me.
A Japanese Pilgrimage to the Heart of Hula
The impact of Merrie Monarch stretches far beyond Hawai‘i’s shores. In Japan, hula has become a beloved cultural practice for tens of thousands of students(mostly ladies) learning the art form as a tribute to its Hawaiian roots. Every year, many Japanese hula fans make a heartfelt pilgrimage to Hilo to feel the energy of Merrie Monarch firsthand.
For them, as for us, hula is not entertainment. It is devotion and respect. And witnessing it—even just a glimpse—can be a soul-stirring experience.
How to Enjoy Merrie Monarch Without a Ticket
For those of us not attending the competition in person, here’s how we can still be part of the magic:
1. Ho‘olaule‘a (Sunday, April 20)
This free community celebration is held before the competition begins. It features performances by local hālaus and is a rare chance to see the heart of hula in an intimate setting.
2. Hōʻike Night (Wednesday, April 23)
This free exhibition features hula and folk dances from across the Pacific, celebrating culture in its purest form. No tickets are needed—just bring your aloha.
3. Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts Fair (Wednesday–Saturday)
Hosted at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, this free fair is a vibrant showcase of Hawaiian artisanship, music, and craft. It’s a perfect place to feel connected to the local community and find a piece to fall in love with.
4. Midday Hula Performances (Monday–Friday)
- Grand Naniloa Hotel at 12 p.m.
- Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 1 p.m.
Drop in for daily performances that offer a closer, more relaxed view of hula throughout the week.
5. Merrie Monarch Royal Parade (Saturday, April 26)
A community favorite, the parade features floats, pa‘u riders, and performances celebrating the pageantry and pride of the islands.
Living the Big Island Lifestyle
Whether you’re a longtime resident or considering luxury homes on the Big Island, Merrie Monarch offers a rare and profound look into what makes life here truly special.
This festival is a celebration of legacy, humility, and grace. It provides a reflection of a lifestyle rooted in respect for the land, the people, and the stories we carry forward. I believe that this is what makes owning Hawaii real estate more than an investment—it’s a homecoming.
Explore more at the Merrie Monarch Festival website, especially their photo gallery, which captures the quiet beauty of hula like nothing else.