This year, the 62nd great Merrie Monarch Festival was officially launched on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaiʻi— and once again, it’s making a lot of buzz far off from the islands. Known as the world’s best hula competition and a heartfelt tribute to King David Kalākaua, this week-long event has gained a global appeal with the worldwide streaming frequency and record attendance.
Discover the reasons this festival is unique this year and why more people will watch it.
What Is Merrie Monarch?
Merrie Monarch is not just a festival anymore. It commemorates the Hawaiian king who brought hula and native traditions back to life in the 1800s. Since its inception in 1963, the event became a major presentation of Hawaiian culture to the world.
Every year after Easter Sunday, the festival entails hula competitions, cultural exhibits, craft fairs, and a large parade through Hilo. People journey from around the world to watch it in person. Even those who can’t make it watch it live online.
April 23 Kicked Off the Free Hōʻike Night
The top attraction of the Merrie Monarch 2025, which attracted the biggest crowds, was Hōʻike Night, which was on Wednesday, April 23, at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium. This free exhibition event saw the participation of top hula hālau (dance groups) from all over Hawaiʻi and even performers from Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and California.
However, Hōʻike Night is not only about dance this year, it also underlines the importance of Hawaiian fashion. The audience witnessed the parade of folk costumes made locally, an array of colors imitating the cultural sensitivity, which made the event a cultural runway. Traditional fabrics, elaborate leis, and bright color schemes were highlighted under the stadium lights.
April 24: Miss Aloha Hula Takes the Stage
Tonight, the long-expected Miss Aloha Hula competition will take place on April 24. It is believed to be the world’s most prestigious solo hula title. Each participant will have to perform hula kahiko (ancient style), hula ʻauana (modern style) and a chant (oli).
This year’s performers are mostly from the top of the mountain, and a lot of them have been training for many years to reach this stage. The event will be broadcast live on merriemonarch.com and it will bring thousands of virtual viewers to the contest.
Hula Group Competitions Follow
April 25 – Hula Kahiko
They will be in a total of 2 hālau but the stand is entirely dedicated to the older kahiko style of hula, the first one being the Hula Kahiko on Friday. Groups of dancers will be attired in traditional costumes and present chants and movements that have been passed down for generations. The judges will base their decisions on authenticity, timing, and spiritual connection.
April 26 – Hula ʻAuana and Awards
The modern hula group competition, which was held on Saturday, April 26, is another dazzling performance we must not forget. The movements, costumes, and music of the hula ʻauana represent an entirely different era of the Hawaiian culture. The event of the festival will culminate with an awards ceremony where this year’s most accomplished solo and group performers will be announced.
Arts and Crafts Fair Draws Huge Crowds
The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair, which kicked off on Wednesday, April 23, besides the competitions, has also organized a huge draw of the crowd and will be open until Saturday, April 26, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and Butler Buildings.
More than 150 local vendors are displayed this year, among whom we can find products from handmade jewelry and woodwork to aloha clothing and traditional Hawaiian tools. Attendees can also take part in viewing live craft demonstrations and watching hula shows by local youth hālau.
The Appeal of Royal Parade on April 26
The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade, which is also another crowd-drawer, returns on Saturday morning. It will start in downtown Hilo at 10:30 a.m. and go through the different islands of Hawaii with adorned paʻu riders, bands, and the colorful floats of the parade.
The conclusion of the week’s events is symbolized by the parade, which is colorful, full of life, and packed with the local community. This event is a strong representation of cultural pride and Hawaiian unity for the many who attend it.
Affordable Shuttle Services and Real-time Coverage
In addition to the free shuttles circling Hilo on April 24th and 25th, the organizers have also partnered with Big Island Candies, Hilo Airport, and Prince Kuhio Plaza for pick up points. For those who are not in Hawaiʻi, the official Merrie Monarch website and local broadcasts via Hawaiʻi News Now will keep everyone posted on all the news.
What Makes 2025 Such a Big Year for the Merrie Monarch?
The inclusion of global artists and the increased availability of the streaming platform put Merrie Monarch 2025 in the global spotlight at a higher level. The right combination of the old and the new, the cultural pride, and the free displays make it an event that you should experience, particularly if you are far away.
For the latest news, visit the official source: www.mer
