Jobaaj Stories
The Merrie Monarch Festival, held annually in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, stands as a beacon of Hawaiian culture, honoring King David Kalākaua, the "Merrie Monarch," who championed the revitalization of traditional Hawaiian arts. The 62nd edition of this esteemed festival took place from April 20 to April 26, 2025, offering a week-long immersion into the rich tapestry of Hawaiian traditions.
🗓️ Festival Overview
Spanning from Sunday, April 20, to Saturday, April 26, 2025, the festival featured a blend of cultural exhibitions, hula competitions, and community events. Key highlights included:
Hoʻolauleʻa (Celebration): On Sunday, April 20, the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium hosted this free event, showcasing performances by local hālau (hula schools).
Free Mid-day Entertainment: Daily performances at the Grand Naniloa Hotel (12 p.m.) and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (1 p.m.) offered visitors a taste of Hawaiian music and dance.
Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair: From April 23 to April 26, this free event at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium featured over 150 local artisans and crafters, celebrating Hawaiian craftsmanship and artistry.
Hōʻike Performances: On Wednesday, April 23, the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium hosted an exhibition night of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific, open to the public without tickets.
🌺 Hula Competitions: A Showcase of Talent
The heart of the Merrie Monarch Festival lies in its hula competitions, which took place at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multipurpose Stadium. These prestigious events were streamed live, allowing global audiences to witness the artistry of hula.
Miss Aloha Hula Competition
The festival commenced with the Miss Aloha Hula competition on Thursday, April 24. This soloist event is a highlight, featuring talented dancers vying for the coveted title. Notable participants included:
Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao: Representing Kauaʻi's only hālau in this year's festival, Jaedyn brought her deep-rooted hula heritage to the stage.
Kilinoe Kimura: Under the guidance of Kumu Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento, Kilinoe showcased her exceptional skills.
Kahōkūliʻiliʻi Tanaka: A student of Kumu Kealiʻi Ceballos, Kahōkūliʻiliʻi's performance captivated the audience.
Hula Kahiko and Hula ʻAuana Competitions
The festival continued with the Hula Kahiko (traditional hula) competition on Friday, April 25, and the Hula ʻAuana (modern hula) competition on Saturday, April 26. These events featured hālau from across Hawaiʻi and beyond, each presenting meticulously choreographed performances that honored Hawaiian history and storytelling through dance.
🎨 Cultural Exhibitions and Arts Fair
Parallel to the hula competitions, the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair served as a vibrant marketplace for Hawaiian artisans. Held from April 23 to April 26, the fair featured over 150 vendors offering traditional crafts, jewelry, textiles, and more. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with artists and purchase unique pieces that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.
🌐 Global Access to Hawaiian Culture
For those unable to attend in person, the Merrie Monarch Festival ensured global accessibility through live streaming. The competitions were broadcasted on the festival's official website and Hawaii News Now, providing audiences worldwide with the opportunity to experience the beauty and depth of Hawaiian hula and culture.
🏆 Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Merrie Monarch Festival continues to play a pivotal role in the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture. By bringing together hālau from various regions and backgrounds, the festival fosters a sense of community and shared cultural pride. It also serves as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents and gain recognition in the broader cultural landscape.
📅 Save the Date: Merrie Monarch 2026
Looking ahead, the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival is scheduled for April 5–11, 2026. As always, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable celebration of Hawaiian traditions, arts, and community.
🌟 Conclusion
The Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 reaffirmed its status as a premier cultural event, blending tradition with innovation and offering a window into the soul of Hawaiʻi. Whether experienced in person or through the digital realm, the festival provided an enriching experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of Hawaiian arts and culture.
