Merrie Monarch Festival Underway…on East Side!
For a Hawaii culture overload, Hilo on the Island’s East side is the place to be this weekend. The 46th annual Merrie Monarch Festival features hundreds of hula halaus from throughout the Hawaiian Islands, the mainland U.S. and as far away as Japan who compete in this 3-day extravaganza of music, dance, exotic florals and parades! Dedicated to the memory of King David Kalakaua, affectionately known as the “Merrie Monarch” throughout his reign (1874-1891) over the Kingdom of Hawaii, a great patron of the arts. While in power he restored nearly extinct island cultural traditions, including hula which had been banned by missionaries for more than 70 years, for the enjoyment and appreciation of generations to come. All hail to the Merrie King David!