Celebration of everything hula and Hawaiian in full swing — including several Merrie Monarch Festival-adjacent events

Merrie Monarch Week is in full swing, with the community gearing up for the fun — and fashion — of Hōʻike Night, a free exhibition of hula and culture, beginning at 6 p.m. at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.

The prelude to this year’s 62nd annual festval’s 3 nights of hula competition will take everyone who attends on voyage around the Pacific Rim, featuring performances by hālau from Hilo, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and California.

Free midday entertainment also continues at noon at the Grand Naniloa Hotel and 1 p.m. at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on Banyan Drive, and the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair kicks off today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and adjacent Butler Buildings.

The annual favorite is free to enter and features local artists, crafters and entertainment. You can also get your official Merrie Monarch gear, posters and programs while you’re there.

But that’s just what’s on the official festival schedule.

There also are several other Merrie Monarch-adjacent events happening throughout festival week in Hilo that also are featuring hula and everything Hawaiian.

Here’s a look at what else is happening today (April 23) to check out before putting on your best Aloha wear or that new designer outfit and heading out to Hōʻike Night.

2025 MANA Invitational Art Show

Until 4 p.m. April 23: 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

Location: 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. 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 is a look at events still planned for today. 

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Outreach Booth

• Until 5 p.m. April 23: 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.

Waiolama Merrie Monarch Speaker Series: Brandy Nālani McDougall

• 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 23: Campus Center Room 301

More info: Visit the Kahikuonālani website.

Ka ʻUhane Hemolele O Ka Mālamalama Church: Hawaiian Food

Until 7 p.m. April 23: 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: Find the full menu online. Email to mmkuhom@gmail.com for information about taking orders.

Mākeke Naniloa

Until 4 p.m. April 23: Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

• This special mākeke (marketplace) hosted by one of the Hilo area’s foremost destinations for those looking to experience the Merrie Monarch Festival features about 50 vendors offering Hawaiian clothes, unique jewelry and tasty pūpū (bites). You won’t want to miss this incredible celebration.

Island Nation Mākeke Mele Manaka

Until 6 p.m. April 23: Ka Waihona, 196 Kamehameha Ave.

• Lei workshop, live music and local vendors. Free admission. Entertainment from until noon by DJ Māwae, playing Hawaiian classics and reggae vinyl, and from 3 to 5 p.m. by Mistah Kana playing island reggae music.
• Lei Poʻo workshop 1 to 3 p.m. April 23 (register here):
• Hands-on workshop led by 17-year-old lei maker Kawaihili Uyeshiro, who has been working with plants and crafting with her hands since she was 8 years old. Learn the fundamentals of making a lei poʻo (head lei) and leave with a beautiful, handcrafted lei of your own. All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring flowers or foliage from home.

More info: Follow @islandnationhawaii on Instagram or click here.

Pualu Hawai‘i Mākeke

Until 6 p.m. April 23: Hilo Daijingu Activity Center, 10 ʻĀnela St.

• E hele mai and experience the essence of Pualu Hawai‘i through mele, hula, crafts and the joy of laulima. 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 23: 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 to enjoy.

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival enrichment programs

Location: 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 for students and faculty of University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo along with the wider community. Each presentation offers a distinct doorway into Hawaiian knowledge systems, inviting audiences to learn, connect and reflect alongside practitioners who carry these traditions forward. Admission varies for programs. Here is a look at what’s still planned today. 

He Kiʻi, He Aka: Reawakening Hula Kiʻi in Shadow and Light

• 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 23: Cultural visionaries Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani and Taupōuri Tangarō return to deepen the conversation around hula kiʻi, focusing on sacred and secular image dances.

More info/tickets: Visit the ‘Imiloa website.

Hilo Aloha

Until 3 p.m. April 23: 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.