Merrie Monarch Festival 2025: Dates, Schedule, Parade & Craft Fair

Merrie Monarch Festival 2025: Dates, Schedule, Parade & Craft Fair

The Merrie Monarch Festival 2025 is one of the most important cultural celebrations in Hawaii and a highlight of the annual Big Island events calendar. Held each spring in the historic town of Hilo, the festival brings together hula dancers, cultural practitioners, and visitors from around the world to celebrate Hawaiian traditions.

From prestigious hula competitions to the colorful Merrie Monarch Parade 2025 and the popular Merrie Monarch Craft Fair 2025, the week-long festival offers an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in Hawaiian culture.



If you're planning to visit the Big Island during the festival, this guide covers Merrie Monarch 2025 dates, the schedule of events, and travel tips to help you make the most of the celebration.

What Is the Merrie Monarch Festival?

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural celebration honoring King David Kalākaua, who was known as the “Merrie Monarch.” King Kalākaua played a major role in reviving Hawaiian traditions, including hula, during the late 19th century.

Today, the festival is widely recognized as the most prestigious hula competition in the world. Hālau hula (hula schools) from across Hawaii and beyond travel to Hilo each year to compete in traditional and modern hula performances.

While the hula competitions are the centerpiece of the festival, Merrie Monarch week also includes:

• Cultural demonstrations
• Hawaiian arts and crafts markets
• A large community parade
• Live music and performances
• Educational events celebrating Hawaiian heritage

For visitors to the Big Island, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Hawaiian culture at its highest level.

When Is Merrie Monarch 2025?

Many travelers ask when is Merrie Monarch 2025 as they plan their Hawaii vacations.

The Merrie Monarch 2025 dates are expected to fall during the week after Easter, as the festival traditionally follows this schedule each year.

The main events of the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival take place throughout a full week in Hilo, with the final competitions held at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, the festival’s main venue.

The week typically includes:

• Opening cultural exhibitions
• Community events around Hilo
• The Merrie Monarch Parade
• Three nights of world-class hula competition

Because the festival attracts thousands of visitors, hotels and vacation rentals in Hilo often book months in advance.

Merrie Monarch 2025 Schedule

The Merrie Monarch 2025 schedule includes a full week of cultural celebrations, culminating in three nights of major hula competitions.

Below is a general overview of how the festival week unfolds.

Monday – Ho‘ike Night

The festival begins with Ho‘ike Night, an exhibition performance that sets the tone for the week.

This opening event often features special performances from respected hālau hula and guest artists. Ho‘ike Night celebrates Hawaiian culture through storytelling, music, and traditional dance.

Tuesday & Wednesday – Cultural Events

During the early part of the week, Hilo hosts numerous cultural activities connected to the festival.

Visitors may encounter:

• Hawaiian music performances
• Cultural workshops and demonstrations
• Educational presentations about Hawaiian traditions
• Community gatherings celebrating local culture

These events help deepen visitors’ understanding of the cultural significance behind the festival.

Thursday – Miss Aloha Hula Competition

One of the most anticipated events of the Merrie Monarch 2025 program is the Miss Aloha Hula competition.

This prestigious solo competition features highly skilled dancers representing their hālau. Each contestant performs both:

• Hula Kahiko (ancient style)
• Hula ʻAuana (modern style)

Winning the title of Miss Aloha Hula is considered one of the highest honors in the hula world.

Friday – Group Hula Kahiko

Friday night features the Group Hula Kahiko competition, where hālau perform traditional hula accompanied by chants and traditional instruments.

Hula Kahiko reflects ancient Hawaiian storytelling and spiritual traditions, making it one of the most powerful performances of the festival.

Saturday – Group Hula ʻAuana

The festival concludes with the Group Hula ʻAuana competition, which showcases modern interpretations of hula performed to melodic Hawaiian music.

This evening is often the most festive night of the festival, culminating in the announcement of competition winners.

Merrie Monarch Parade 2025

Another major highlight of festival week is the Merrie Monarch Parade 2025, a vibrant celebration held in downtown Hilo.

The parade typically takes place on Saturday morning and is free for the public to attend.

Visitors can expect to see:

• Colorful floats
• Hawaiian pā‘ū riders on horseback
• Marching bands
• Cultural groups
• Traditional Hawaiian costumes

The parade draws thousands of spectators each year and is one of the most festive events of the entire week.

Arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route in Hilo.

Merrie Monarch Craft Fair 2025

The Merrie Monarch Craft Fair 2025 is another highlight of the festival and one of the largest Hawaiian artisan markets on the Big Island.

Held at several locations around Hilo, the craft fair features dozens of vendors selling authentic Hawaiian goods.

Visitors can browse items such as:

• Handmade jewelry
• Hawaiian quilts and clothing
• Wood carvings and artwork
• Traditional Hawaiian instruments
• Local food products and snacks

The craft fair is an excellent place to find locally made souvenirs and gifts while supporting Hawaiian artisans.

Where Is the Merrie Monarch Festival Held?

The Merrie Monarch Festival takes place in Hilo, Hawaii, on the eastern side of the Big Island.

Most of the major hula competitions are held at:

Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium

This venue becomes the center of the festival each year, hosting the major competition nights.

However, many Merrie Monarch events take place across the Hilo area, including:

• Downtown Hilo
• Local parks
• Cultural centers
• Craft fair locations

Because Hilo is a smaller town, the entire community becomes part of the celebration during festival week.

Tips for Attending Merrie Monarch 2025

If you’re planning to attend Merrie Monarch 2025, a little preparation can help make your experience even better.

Book accommodations early

Hotels and vacation rentals in Hilo often sell out months in advance due to the popularity of the festival.

Arrive early for events

The parade and craft fairs can become very busy, so arriving early helps you secure a good viewing spot and avoid crowds.

Explore Hilo while you're visiting

Hilo is home to many attractions worth exploring during your trip, including:

• Rainbow Falls
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
• Hilo Farmers Market
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Combining the festival with local sightseeing makes for an unforgettable Big Island experience.

Other Big Island Events Around Merrie Monarch

If you're visiting the island for the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival, you may also want to explore other popular Big Island events happening throughout the year.

Some notable festivals include:

• Kona Brewers Festival – craft beer and gourmet food celebration
• Kaʻū Coffee Festival – honoring one of Hawaii’s most famous coffees
• Hilo Lei Day Festival – celebrating the Hawaiian tradition of lei making

The Big Island hosts cultural events and festivals year-round, making it a great destination for travelers who want to experience authentic Hawaiian traditions.

Stay Near the Best Big Island Events at Koili Point

If you're traveling to the Big Island to experience Merrie Monarch 2025, choosing the right place to stay can make your trip even more memorable.

Koili Point offers comfortable vacation rentals that provide a relaxing home base for exploring the island’s festivals, attractions, and natural beauty.

Vacation rentals offer several advantages for travelers attending major events like Merrie Monarch:

• More space and privacy than traditional hotels
• Convenient access to popular Big Island destinations
• A peaceful environment to relax after busy festival days

After a full day enjoying the Merrie Monarch parade, craft fair, and hula competitions, returning to a comfortable island retreat helps you fully enjoy your Big Island vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Merrie Monarch 2025