The Merrie Monarch Festival: Hawaii’s Living Treasure of Hula

The Merrie Monarch Festival isn’t just another competition—it’s a celebration of Hawaiian culture, tradition, and artistry that has grown from a small local event into an internationally recognized showcase of hula. Named in honor of King David Kalākaua, who was affectionately known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his love of music, dance, and merriment, this week-long festival in Hilo has become the gold standard for hula competitions. More than a contest, it’s a living museum of Hawaiian dance, preserving ancient practices while allowing contemporary expression to flourish.

The festival’s origins trace back to 1963, when Helene Hale, then chairperson of the Hawaii County Board of Supervisors, sought to revitalize local arts and tourism after the devastating 1960 tsunami. Partnering with local hula teachers and cultural practitioners, she created an event that would honor King Kalākaua’s legacy while highlighting the beauty of hula. What began as a modest gathering has since transformed into one of the most prestigious cultural events in the Pacific, drawing competitors and spectators from around the world.

The Evolution of a Cultural Institution

When the Merrie Monarch Festival first took place, it featured only a few dozen participants and a handful of spectators. Early competitions were informal, with judges drawn from the local community. Over the decades, however, the festival expanded significantly. By the 1980s, it had earned a reputation for excellence, attracting top hālau (hula schools) from across Hawaii and the mainland. Today, the festival spans seven days and includes multiple divisions: kahiko (ancient hula), ‘auana (modern hula), and oli (chant).

One of the most notable changes came in 1976 when the festival established a strict standard for authenticity in hula kahiko. This decision was pivotal in preserving traditional forms, ensuring that dancers honored the spiritual and cultural protocols of ancient hula. The festival’s commitment to authenticity has made it a trusted authority on hula, with judges often including respected kumu hula (hula teachers) who have dedicated their lives to the art.

The festival’s growth hasn’t been without challenges. In 2020 and 2021, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking only the second time in its history that it had been postponed. The cancellation underscored the festival’s role not just as a cultural event, but as a vital economic driver for Hilo and the Big Island. When it returned in 2022, it did so with enhanced safety protocols, proving its resilience and enduring appeal.

A Platform for Artistry and Innovation

While the Merrie Monarch Festival is deeply rooted in tradition, it also serves as a stage for innovation within hula. The ‘auana division, in particular, allows dancers to interpret contemporary music and themes while maintaining the essence of hula. This blend of old and new has kept the festival relevant for younger generations, many of whom are drawn to its vibrant energy and creative freedom.

One of the most anticipated moments of each festival is the hula ‘auana competition, where dancers perform to modern Hawaiian music or even contemporary pop songs reimagined in a Hawaiian context. Past winners have set trends that ripple across the hula community, inspiring new choreography and musical arrangements. For example, in 2019, Hālau Hula O Kekuhi won the hula ‘auana competition with a performance that blended traditional movements with a powerful modern narrative about Hawaiian sovereignty. Their performance went viral, introducing countless people to the depth and versatility of hula.

The festival also features oli competitions, where chanters perform without instrumental accompaniment. Oli is a sacred art form that carries the history and prayers of the Hawaiian people. Judging oli requires an acute understanding of language, rhythm, and cultural protocol, making it one of the most challenging divisions. Winners in this category often become sought-after instructors, their voices carrying the stories of their ancestors into the future.

The Judging Process: A Commitment to Excellence

What sets the Merrie Monarch Festival apart from other hula competitions is its rigorous judging criteria. Each performance is evaluated on multiple dimensions, including technical skill, cultural accuracy, and emotional expression. Judges for the festival are selected based on their deep knowledge of hula and their commitment to upholding its traditions. Many are kumu hula themselves, with decades of experience in teaching and performing.

The judging process begins long before the festival. Competitors must submit videos of their performances months in advance for review. This ensures that only the most prepared hālau make it to the main event. Once at the festival, performances are scrutinized in real time, with judges providing written feedback to competitors. This feedback is invaluable, offering insights that help dancers refine their craft and deepen their understanding of hula.

For many participants, the Merrie Monarch Festival is more than a competition—it’s a rite of passage. Winning a title at Merrie Monarch is considered one of the highest honors in the hula world. Past winners have gone on to become cultural ambassadors, representing Hawaii at international events and teaching hula to new generations. The festival’s alumni network reads like a who’s who of hula, with many former competitors now serving as judges, teachers, and cultural leaders.

Beyond the Competition: A Festival of Community and Culture

The Merrie Monarch Festival is more than just a week of competitions. It’s a celebration of community, with events that welcome everyone to experience the richness of Hawaiian culture. The festival’s free public performances, known as the Ho’ike, are a highlight for locals and visitors alike. These performances feature hālau from across the state, offering a diverse showcase of hula styles and interpretations. The Ho’ike is a reminder that hula is not just for the elite—it’s a living art form that belongs to all.

In addition to the competitions and Ho’ike, the festival includes workshops, panel discussions, and cultural demonstrations. These events provide opportunities for attendees to learn about Hawaiian history, language, and traditions. For example, the festival often features demonstrations of traditional Hawaiian crafts, such as lauhala weaving and kapa making. These activities help bridge the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that the knowledge of ancient Hawaiians is not lost.

The festival also plays a crucial role in preserving the Hawaiian language. Many performances are conducted in Hawaiian, and workshops are offered to teach the language to non-native speakers. This commitment to linguistic preservation is vital, as Hawaiian is classified as critically endangered by UNESCO. By incorporating the language into the festival, organizers are helping to ensure its survival for future generations.

The Merrie Monarch Festival’s Global Impact

What began as a local event has grown into a global phenomenon. The Merrie Monarch Festival now attracts competitors from Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, and the mainland United States. International hālau travel to Hilo to test their skills against Hawaii’s best, and many return year after year, forging lasting connections with the Hawaiian hula community. The festival’s international appeal has helped to spread awareness of Hawaiian culture worldwide, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of hula.

In 2019, the festival celebrated its 56th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of over 10,000 spectators. The event was broadcast live on television and online, reaching audiences far beyond Hilo. This global reach has inspired many to learn hula, with some international students traveling to Hawaii to study with local kumu hula. The festival’s impact can be seen in the growing number of hula schools worldwide, from Los Angeles to Tokyo, where dancers are embracing the traditions of hula while adding their own cultural influences.

The festival’s influence extends beyond the stage. It has become a symbol of Hawaiian resilience and cultural pride. In a world where indigenous traditions are often marginalized, the Merrie Monarch Festival stands as a testament to the power of cultural preservation. It reminds us that traditions are not static—they evolve, adapt, and thrive when nurtured with intention and respect.

A Lasting Legacy

The Merrie Monarch Festival is more than an event; it’s a movement. It has redefined what it means to preserve tradition in the modern world, proving that cultural practices can thrive when they are celebrated with authenticity and passion. For the people of Hawaii, the festival is a source of pride and a connection to their ancestors. For the world, it is an invitation to witness the beauty and power of hula.

As the festival continues to grow, its organizers remain committed to its original mission: to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture through hula. This means balancing innovation with tradition, ensuring that the festival remains both relevant and respectful. It means supporting the next generation of hula dancers, giving them the tools to carry the art forward. And it means sharing the spirit of aloha with the world, one performance at a time.

For those who have experienced the Merrie Monarch Festival, the memories last a lifetime. Whether it’s the thrill of a close competition, the awe of a flawless performance, or the warmth of the festival’s community, the event leaves an indelible mark. It’s a reminder that culture is not just something we inherit—it’s something we create, sustain, and pass on. And in Hilo, during the week of the Merrie Monarch Festival, that creation, sustenance, and passing on happen in the most beautiful way possible.

To learn more about Hawaiian cultural events and traditions, visit our Culture category page. For insights into other traditional art forms, explore our Entertainment section.