The Merrie Monarch Festival
Hula in Hilo
The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual week long festival of hula and Hawai'ian culture. The world's best hula dancers come to Hilo to compete and share their love of dance.
Although most of the events require you to acquire tickets several months in advance, a free evening of dance and song is open to everyone who can squeeze through the gates, and a parade through downtown allows everyone to enjoy the festival.
Elaborate costumes at the Merrie Monarch festival
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 2nd, '08)
Graceful hula at the Merrie Monarch festival
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 2nd, '08)
Opening ceremonies at the Merrie Monarch festival
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 2nd, '08)
Tahitian hula at the Merrie Monarch festival
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 2nd, '08)
Hula dancers at the Merrie Monarch festival
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 2nd, '08)
Kids dancing hula at the Merrie Monarch festival
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 2nd, '08)
Hula in the sunshine at the Merrie Monarch Parade
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 5th, '08)
Flower-bedecked horses in the parade, with Mauna Kea in the distance
Hilo, Hawai'i (April 5th, '08)