The Merrie Monarch Festival began forty-five years ago and is held annually in Hilo starting on Easter Sunday. The Merrie Monarch Festival, which helps to promote the importance of the Hawaiian culture, includes art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances, a parade, and a three-day hula competition. Women compete on Thursday night. Both men and women compete on Friday and Saturday nights.
For more information (including tons of info, photos, videos, etc.) check out this link.
Miss Aloha Hula on Thursday
The winner of the 2008 Miss Aloha Hula competition was Kalimakuhilani Suganuma of Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka, a Kaneohe halau. (Photo by DENNIS ODA)
Hula Kahiko on Friday
The kane exude raw energy in their kahiko as shown by Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki.
(Photo by DENNIS ODA)
Hula ‘Auana on Saturday
Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka of Kula, Maui used pinwheel movements in their choreography during the auana competition. (Photo by DENNIS ODA)
For a list of winners, click on this link.
The 46th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival (2009) hula competition is scheduled for next year from April 16-18, 2009. Get your tickets now if you are interested in attending :-)
shave ice & gelato 
Thank you for bringing this into the forefront — I would love to see the festival in person next year to hear the chanting, music and the colors. The photos of Pele — well — breathtaking! Mahalo.
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Love all this interesting info about Hawaii! Do you hula?
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Menehune, I would also love to see it in person one day. Thanks for the comment.
Annie, nope, I don’t hula. I tried once but I am not that coordinated and graceful. Most people who are good at doing the hula learned as a child. I love watching hula though.
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I love watching it too. Makes sense that it’s better to start young!
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