
Merrie Monarch Festival
About this event
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a cultural festival in Hilo, Hawaii, at Edith Kanakaole Stadium. The 2026 event takes place Apr 5–11, 2026. The world's premier hula competition, honoring King David Kalakaua with weeklong hula kahiko and auana contests, a craft fair, and a royal parade in Hilo. Dancers and halau from across Hawaii and the world compete for top honors.
Annual, week after Easter in early April
Location & directions
Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St, Hilo, HI 96720
Frequently asked questions
When is Merrie Monarch Festival 2026?
Merrie Monarch Festival takes place Apr 5–11, 2026 in Hilo, Hawaii. Annual, week after Easter in early April
Where is Merrie Monarch Festival held?
Merrie Monarch Festival is held in Hilo, Hawaii, at Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St, Hilo, HI 96720.
What is Merrie Monarch Festival?
The world's premier hula competition, honoring King David Kalakaua with weeklong hula kahiko and auana contests, a craft fair, and a royal parade in Hilo.
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