Miss Aloha Hula to open 3 nights of competition for 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival
Hōʻike Night was a perfect prelude to the beginning of the 3 nights of competition during this year’s 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, packed full of phenomenal performances by groups representing cultures from around the Pacific.
But there are no more exhibitions — and seats inside Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium are only for those lucky enough to have secured tickets.
The “Super Bowl of Hula” gets underway at 6 p.m. today with the individual contest for Miss Aloha Hula.

Each of this year’s 13 contestants will perform hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chant) for the 7 judges, the thousands attending in person and millions watching from home or elsewhere on TV or the internet.
In the end, only one will claim the coveted title.
Don’t worry if you didn’t get a ticket. Hawai‘i News Now – KFVE, the festival’s official broadcaster, carries the competition events live on-air and online each night, as well as special coverage during newscasts and on streaming platforms and social media.
You can also follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram or visit the official website for additional information.
This year’s Miss Aloha Hula contestants and their kumu are:
- Kilinoe Kimura, Kumu Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento.
- Kahōkūliʻiliʻi Tanaka, Kumu Kealiʻi Ceballos.
- Emalia Pomaialoha KeleihanupīkakeiāPāʻoaehulaleʻaikalaninuiākea Dalire, Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire and Regina Mākaʻikaʻi Igarashi Pascua.
- Taylor Kahaukapu Serikawa, Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe.
- Keʻalohilani Na Kealohamoa Narelle Lee Yuk Lan Kama-Hosea, Kumu Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang.
- Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin.
- Chloe Makanaleiliʻiliʻi Rei Cummins, Kumu Kunewa Mook and Kauʻionālani Kamanaʻo.
- Marina Laʻakea Choi, Kumu Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla.
- Lexi Mae Kamakanaokalani Pruse, Kumu Haunani and ʻIliahi Paredes.
- Makaʻala Kahikinaokalālani Victoria Perry, Kumu Laʻakea Perry.
- Sierra Michelle Lulani Moniz, Kumu Keliʻihoʻomalu Puchalski.
- Kasidee Nadine Kuʻuleialoha Teixeira, Kumu Theresa Kauhionāmauna Ramento Tehiva.
- Tiare-Jennings Iwalani Kamaluoluokatuahine Rebecca Kaʻaumoana Vaughan-Darval, Kumu Ka‘ilihiwa Vaughan-Darval.
Of course, before the action on the main stage, there’s a ton of events and activities to do as the weeklong festival that celebrates everything hula and Hawaiian continues.
Free midday entertainment is again offered at noon and 1 p.m. at Grand Naniloa Hotel and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, respectively, on Banyan Drive, and the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair is back for its second day, open until 5 p.m., at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and adjacent Butler Buildings.
Here’s a look at what’s left on the schedule during all the other “unofficial” Merrie Monarch events happening today throughout Hilo.
2025 MANA Invitational Art Show
Until 4 p.m. April 24: Wailoa Art Center, 200 Piʻopiʻo St.
- This art show features nearly 30 of Hawai‘i’s premier artists sharing their mana‘o and mana with their art. An accompanying show in the Fountain Gallery, “The Haumana of Kamehameha School,” features a collection of artwork by 28 Kamehameha High School students. MORE INFO: Visit the Wailoa Art Center website.
Kahikuonālani

Various times and locations: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo campus, 200 W. Kāwili St.
King David Kalākaua, the “Merrie Monarch,” is celebrated for his dedication to revitalizing Hawaiian culture, hula and traditions. Today, he is honored through the world-renowned Merrie Monarch Festival, which also keeps alive the legacy of Kahikuonālani, the Hawaiian chief who lifted the voice, pride and spirit of his lāhui. This series celebrates the festival with a variety presentations, activities, workshops and programs for the campus ʻohana and general public. Here’s a look at what’s still on today’s schedule:
“The Merrie Monarch: a legacy of ʻŌiwi Persistence, Resistance, and Sovereignty” pop-up exhibit
- Until 8:30 p.m. April 24: Mo‘okini Library
- Discover the deep ties between Hilo and the world-renowned Merrie Monarch Festival through this special exhibit that traces the history of the festival from its humble beginnings to its global recognition as a celebration of Hawaiian culture, hula and resilience.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Outreach Booth
- Until 5 p.m. April 24: Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.
- Representatives from various departments will be available to share information about the university’s academic programs, cultural initiatives, student support services and the many exciting learning opportunities the Hilo campus has to offer.
ʻUwehe, Paʻi Kiʻi and Slide Photo Booth
- Until 1 p.m. April 24: Mookini Library Lānai
- Put on your best lole aloha, or aloha attire, and strike a pose! Come snap a solo shot, take a group photo with friends or show off your coordinated outfits. Whether you’re rocking bold patterns, vintage styles or supporting local designers, this is your moment to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s vibrant fashion and culture — one photo at a time. Come dressed to impress and ready to smile!
Waiolama Merrie Monarch Speaker Series: Kealiʻi Kūkahiko
- 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 24: Campus Center Room 301
MORE INFO: Visit the Kahikuonālani website.
Ka ʻUhane Hemolele O Ka Mālamalama Church: Hawaiian Food

Until 7 p.m. April 24: 316 King Ave., Keaukaha
- Come get your laulau, kalua pig, smoke meat and pastelle fix, plus more, during Merrie Monarch Week. There are plenty of ways to order, too. Phone orders can be made by calling 808-961-9195, 808-464-4202 or 808-464-4284. Walk-up orders are welcome until 7 p.m. Those orders are cash only and taken until 6 p.m. You also can order online through the Express Waiters mobile app. Business orders are available and can be made to pick up 9:30 to 11 a.m., with early pick up (email only; last order taken at 6 p.m.) from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Emails received after 9:31 a.m. will be picked up after 11 a.m. MORE INFO: Full menu online. Email to mmkuhom@gmail.com for information about taking orders.
Mākeke Naniloa
Until 4 p.m. April 24: Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive
- This special mākeke (marketplace) at one of the area’s foremost destinations during the Merrie Monarch Festival features Hawaiian clothes, unique jewelry and tasty pūpū (bites). You won’t want to miss this incredible celebration showcasing about 50 vendors featuring a wide variety of products.
Island Nation Mākeke Mele Manaka
Until 6 p.m. April 24: Ka Waihona, 196 Kamehameha Ave.
- Live music and local vendors. Free admission. Entertainment until noon by DJ Māwae, playing Hawaiian classics and reggae vinyl, and 3 to 5 p.m. by Mistah Kana, playing island reggae music. MORE INFO: Follow @islandnationhawaii on Instagram or click here.
Pualu Hawai‘i Mākeke

Until 6 p.m. April 24: Hilo Daijingu Activity Center, 10 ʻĀnela St.
- E hele mai and experience the essence of Pualu Hawaiʻi to hoʻomau (preserve) the Hawaiian cultural heritage through mele, hula, crafts and the joy of laulima. A week filled with hoʻokipa, traditions, and ʻike kuʻuna. More than 40 vendors featured offering a wide variety of products for sale. Free admission.
Merrie Monarch Craft Fair
Until 6 p.m. April 24: Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 E. Pūʻainakō St.
- Featuring about 70 vendors offering a huge variety of products for sale throughout the mall’s hallways. You can also pick up your official festival merchandise while you’re shopping, and there is sure to be some entertainment, including hula, to enjoy.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival enrichment programs
Various times: ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, 600 ʻImiloa Place
This series of cultural presentations, workshops and panels honors the legacy of hula, deepens knowledge of Hawaiian traditions and provides immersive experiences. Each presentation invites audiences to learn, connect and reflect alongside practitioners who carry these traditions forward. Admission prices for each program vary. Here’s a look at what’s still on the schedule today:
“I Lālā Mau Nā Hula – Honoring Mary Kawena Pukui: A Legacy of Hula and Heritage”
- 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 24: Nā mamo a Pukui will guide this intimate one-time program honoring the profound contributions of one of Hawaiʻi’s most influential cultural leaders.
MORE INFO/TICKETS: Visit the ‘Imiloa website.
Hilo Aloha

Until 3 p.m. April 24: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
- Come celebrate Hilo’s rich culture, artistry and community in a space inspired by the Merrie Monarch Festival’s legacy. Immerse yourself in live performances, storytelling and a curated mākeke featuring community organizations, performers and vendors. Whether you’re here to shop local, learn or simply experience the magic of this windward Big Island community, there’s something for everyone. MORE INFO: Visit the Actions of Aloha website.
SCP Hilo – Mele Manaka Week
Until 3 p.m. April 24: SCP Hilo Hotel, 126 Banyan Way
- SCP Hilo Hotel and Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Atherton Family Foundation and Keaukaha General Store present this free event celebrating Hawaiian culture, music and community. Featuring about 80 vendors offering food, crafts and other products. Entertainment will include Komakakino, KAʻUPILI, Hālau Nawehiokaipoaloha, Loeka Longakit and ʻOhana and Grammy Award winner Kalani Peʻa.
32nd annual Hawai‘i Arts, Crafts and Food Festival
Until 5 p.m. April 24: Nani Mau Gardens, 421 Makalika St.
- This 3-day festival celebrates the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai’i’s diverse people and environment, showcasing the finest artisans, crafters and food vendors from throughout the islands. There will be prize giveaways, music, entertainment, hula performances, demonstrations and onolicious foods. It’s truly an unforgettable cultural fun-filled event. Free admission. MORE INFO: Visit the festival website or email to hawaiiartsandcrafts@yahoo.com.
Mele Manaka Mākeke
Until 6 p.m. April 24: Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waiānuenue Ave.
- Featuring nearly 30 vendors offering crafts, snacks, clothing, crystals, oils and much more.
Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi “ONE MERRIE” VIP Shopping Experience
Until 5:30 p.m. April 24: Sangha Hall, 424 Kīlauea Ave.
- The people of Hawai’i are diverse, unique and rich in culture, with many gifts and talents. So, too, are the local small businesses of the islands. This is a shopping experience like none other, bringing community together to support each other while featuring more than 50 vendors offering a wide variety of products. Free admission. MORE INFO: Visit the Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi website.
Merrie Monarch Bash 2025

6 to 11 p.m. April 24: Nani Mau Gardens, 421 Makalika St.
- Join Kapena and High Watah at Nani Mau Gardens. Must be 21 years old or older to attend. Free. VIP passes are available for $100 — which include VIP entry, lounge, bar and lanyard, plus a Hawai’i’s Finest gift — by visiting the Hawai‘i’s Finest website. MORE INFO: Click here.