The Origin of Merrie Monach, What You'd Never Expect

Last month, Hilo, Hawaiʻi, hosted the beautiful 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival. This annual event, which brings together people from around the globe, celebrates and perpetuates Hawaiian culture through hula, shopping, live music, and more. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I loved watching Merrie Monarch on TV with my mom and admired the beauty and grace of the hula dancers. This year, I finally attended the Festival in person for the first time, which sparked my desire to learn more about its origins.

Photo Credit: Cody Yamaguchi | Merrie Monarch Festival 2025

Did you know that the very first Merrie Monarch Festival in 1964 did not include a hula competition? Instead, it featured events such as a King Kalākaua beard look-alike contest and a re-creation of King Kalākaua’s coronation. In 1971, Auntie Dottie Thompson, who had been the Executive Director for three years, shifted the Festival’s focus by introducing the hula competition. Only wahine (women) participated that year, with nine hālau entering the competition, and Aloha Wong (Dalire) winning the first Miss Aloha Hula title. The kāne (men) were allowed to compete starting in 1976, further fueling interest and excitement around this cultural event, leading to its growth.

Photo Credit: Tracey Niimi | Merrie Monarch Festival 2025

In 1978, due to its growing size, the competition moved from the Civic Auditorium to the Hoʻolulu Tennis Stadium (now known as the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium). As the Festival expanded, organizers added a full week of activities. The Miss Aloha Hula competition saw an increase in entries, prompting the addition of a third night of competition in 1980. By the following year, the Festival began to be televised, allowing those who could not attend in person to enjoy the hula performances.

Photo Credit: Tracey Niimi | Merrie Monarch Festival 2025

With three nights of hula, Miss Aloha Hula, Hula Kahiko, and Hula ʻAuana, there is so much beauty to observe from each hālau. From the costume designs to the way the dancers flow across the stage, it is absolutely mesmerizing whether you’re watching in person or streaming. One of the most traditional parts of hula is the Maile lei. Maile was sacred to Laka, who was the goddess of the forest and also the goddess of hula. Dancers honor her by wearing Maile lei during their performance.

Maui Divers Jewelry Maile Collection: Maile Bracelet 

 The Maile lei can also be worn during wedding ceremonies, graduations, and sometimes even prom. As a symbol of unity between loved ones, the Maile lei is one of my favorite lei to see on stage at Merrie Monarch and the scent is nō ka ʻoi (the best).

Photo Credit: Bruce Omori | Merrie Monarch Festival 2025

While the three beautiful nights of hula are a main attraction of the Merrie Monarch Festival, other events during the week have also gained popularity. The Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium and Butler Buildings, located near the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, showcases over 150 local vendors. Additional vendors can be found around Hilo, such as Sangha Hall, Prince Kuhio Plaza, and SCP Hilo. Many people even fly into Hilo for the day just to shop!

Photo Credit: Bruce Omori | Merrie Monarch Festival 2025

This Festival is more than just an ordinary event; it embodies passion, culture, love, ʻOhana, and the beautiful spirit of Aloha that radiates from Hilo to everyone worldwide. I hope to have another opportunity to experience this incredible event in person. If you ever get the chance to attend the Merrie Monarch Festival, take it—you won’t be disappointed!     

For more information about Merrie Monarch visit https://www.merriemonarch.com/ 🌺