Top 10 things to do on the Big Island for April 18-24: 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival edition

Hilo will be the epicenter of all things hula and Hawaiian as the annual Merrie Monarch Festival returns for its 62nd year.

The weeklong celebration of island culture kicks off April 20 with the festival’s Hoʻolauleʻa at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

A multitude of events — official and unofficial — are planned throughout the rest of the week for the thousands of people who will be in town enjoying the festivities.

They include the official Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair that begins April 23 at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Hōʻike Night — the festival’s annual exhibition of hula and folk dance from around the world is the same day — at Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

There’s fashion shows, markets, cultural demonstrations, workshops and, of course, hula, plus much more happening throughout town at several other venues as well, including University of Hawai’i at Hilo, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, the historic Palace Theater and Grand Naniloa Hotel.

All in celebration of the Hawaiian culture.

Here is our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for April 18-24, the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival edition.

No. 1 — Official Merrie Monarch Festival events (Hilo, April 20-26)

When: Various times

Location: Various locations

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a nonprofit organization honoring the legacy of King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions, native language and arts. The weeklong festival features the “Super Bowl of Hula,” its internationally acclaimed hula competition; an invitational Hawaiian arts fair; hula shows; a grand parade through Hilo town; and much more, showcasing everything that is Hawaiian. Here’s a brief look at the events happening from April 20-24:

Hoʻolauleʻa

• 9 a.m. April 20, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.
• Performances by local hālau celebrating the beginning of festival week. Free.

Free daily midday entertainment

• April 21-24
• Noon: Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive.
• 1 p.m.: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive.

Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23-24, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.
• This annual favorite event features local artists, crafters and entertainment. Free admission.

Hōʻike Night

• 6 p.m. April 23, Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St.
• An exhibition night of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific. Free.

More info: Visit the Merrie Monarch Festival website.

No. 2 — 2025 MANA Invitational Art Show (Hilo, April 21-24)

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 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.

No. 3 — Hānau Hou Arts & Fashion Show (Hilo, April 21)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

This movement showcases fashion artistry by providing a platform of expression, putting on a show that reveals a narrative of the creatives’ experiences and celebrates their story. Tickets are sold out for the show, but you can still come be immersed in the artistry of the 10 featured Hilo designers as part of a free mākeke open to the public in The Palm Room.

More info: Follow @hanauhouarts on instagram.

No. 4 — Kahikuonālani (Hilo, April 22-24)

When: Various times

Location: Various locations on the 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 happening April 22-24.

“The Merrie Monarch: a legacy of ʻŌiwi Persistence, Resistance, and Sovereignty” pop-up exhibit

• 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 22-24, 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.

Kahikuonālani Merrie Monarch Mākeke

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22, Campus Center Plaza
• Talented local vendors and artisans offer a curated selection of handmade crafts, cultural items and apparel — all before the rush of festival week begins.

Waiolama Merrie Monarch Speaker Series: Kuʻualoha Hoʻomanawanui

• 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 22, Campus Center Plaza

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Outreach Booth

• 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23-24, 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.

Merrie Monarch Throwbacks

• 10 a.m. to noon April 23-24, Mo‘okini Library Lānai
• Enjoy continuous video playback of past festival competition performances, from lively hula kahiko to graceful and playful hula ʻauana. These recordings highlight the incredible talent and tradition that make Merrie Monarch a cherished part of Hilo’s identity.

Come Make Lei

• 11 to 11:45 a.m. April 23, Mo‘okini Library Lānai
• Create your own lei using fresh foliage, flowers and other natural materials provided for you. This is a space to express your creativity, connect with others and honor the beauty of lei-making traditions.

Waiolama Merrie Monarch Speaker Series: Brandy Nālani McDougall

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

Angitū Haka performance

• 11 to 11:45 a.m. April 24, Mo‘okini Library Lānai
• Fresh from their featured performance on Hōʻike Night, the Angitū Haka group from Aotearoa brings their powerful expression of kapa haka to campus. This special appearance offers a chance to engage in cultural exchange and witness the connections between indigenous traditions across the Pacific.

ʻUwehe, Paʻi Kiʻi and Slide Photo Booth

• Noon to 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.

No. 5 — Ka ʻUhane Hemolele O Ka Mālamalama Church: Hawaiian Food (Keaukaha, April 22-24)

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: 316 King Ave.

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.

No. 6 — Second annual Hula is Life: Hui ‘Oihana (Hilo, April 22)

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Nani Mau Gardens, Orchid Lanai, 421 Makalika St.

Experience the magic of Hilo-style vibes with live hula, music, good company and ʻono pupu drinks. Enjoy a headlining hula show by Kuʻuhiapo Jeong of Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu under the direction of Kumu Hula Kasie Kaleohano and Brandi Barrett, haumāna of legendary Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho. ​Come launa, celebrate Mele Manaka and immerse yourself in the mana of community and culture. Tickets start at $30.

More info/tickets: Click here.

No. 7 — ʻImiloa Astronomy Center 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival enrichment programs (Hilo, April 23-24)

When: Various times

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 prices for each program vary. Here’s a look at what’s happening April 23-24.

April 23

Hula ʻAuana Workshop with Kumu Kaʻea Lyons-Yglesias

• 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Participants will explore hula movement, moʻolelo and meaning in a space dedicated to cultural learning and connection.

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

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

April 24

Lei Wili Workshop with Lehua Hauanio

• 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Participants will learn to gather, prepare and weave lei from local foliage, connecting to the deeper meanings of lei as symbols of aloha.

I Lālā Mau Nā Hula – Honoring Mary Kawena Pukui: A Legacy of Hula and Heritage

• 1 to 2:30 p.m.: 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.

No. 8 — Hilo Aloha (Hilo, April 23-24)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: 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.

No. 9 — 32nd annual Hawai‘i Arts, Crafts and Food Festival (Hilo, begins April 24)

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Nani Mau Gardens, 421 Makalika St.

This 3-day festival that celebrates the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai’i’s diverse people and environment has been an island tradition for the past 32 years, 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.

No. 10 — Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi “ONE MERRIE” VIP Shopping Experience (Hilo, April 24)

When: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Sangha Hall, 424 Kīlauea Ave.

The people of Hawai’i are diverse, unique and rich in culture, with many gifts and talents to offer the world. So, too, are the local small businesses of the islands. Kāko’o means to uphold, support or assist, which is at the foundation of Kāko’o Hawai’i. 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.