The Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, is more than just a competition; it’s a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture. While the official events draw major crowds, many other venues around Hilo and East Hawaiʻi offer a vibrant tapestry of music, hula, arts, crafts, and cultural experiences. I always find it rewarding to explore these “unofficial” happenings, as they often provide a more intimate glimpse into the spirit of the festival and local life.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo
During Merrie Monarch Week, the Grand Naniloa Hotel becomes a hub of celebratory activity. I’ve learned that planning ahead is key, especially if I want to catch popular performers. The hotel hosts six days of events, including daily Hawaiian music and hula performances. These are often free to attend, but it’s worth checking the schedule. For shoppers, the Mākeke, a marketplace featuring handmade Hawaiian goods like apparel and jewelry, runs for several days.
I always make sure to budget time to wander through markets like these. It’s not just about finding unique souvenirs; it’s about engaging with the artisans and understanding the stories behind their creations. I remember one visit where I spent a good hour chatting with a crafter about the ʻukulele she was making, a far richer experience than just a quick purchase.
One of the highlights I’ve experienced here is the opportunity to see performances by renowned Hawaiian vocalists. If a specific concert is planned, like the one featuring Amy Hānaialiʻi, booking tickets well in advance is essential. The chance to hear a newly recorded rendition of a beloved song, celebrating its own anniversary, is truly special. Even if I don’t attend a ticketed event, I enjoy the atmosphere, grabbing a drink at the lobby bar and soaking in the live music that often extends late into the evening.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel has its own tradition during Merrie Monarch Week: a craft fair featuring over 30 vendors and food stalls. I find these fairs to be excellent places to discover local crafts that might not be as widely advertised. It’s a great way to support local businesses and find authentic pieces.
I’ve often found that arriving earlier in the day, especially if I’m interested in specific items, can be beneficial. The fair runs from early morning to late afternoon, so there’s a good window of time. Beyond the crafts, the hotel also schedules daily hula performances by local hālau. These are lovely opportunities to see different styles of hula up close. I recall one afternoon where I sat and watched a performance, mesmerized by the dancers’ grace and the stories they conveyed through movement.
For those who want to stay connected to the main competition, the hotel’s lounge often screens the Merrie Monarch Festival performances live. It’s a comfortable way to experience the energy of the main event without being in the stadium. I found this particularly useful on evenings when I wanted a more relaxed setting but still be part of the festival’s atmosphere.
SCP Hilo Hotel
The SCP Hilo Hotel, in partnership with local organizations, hosts the Mele Manaka Community Celebration. This event focuses on Hawaiian culture and the arts, offering live music, workshops, and giveaways. I appreciate these community-focused events because they often feel very hands-on and inclusive.
The workshops here are a major draw for me. I’ve participated in sessions like lei making, T-shirt printing, and even tried my hand at lauhala weaving. It’s a wonderful way to learn a new skill directly from local experts. Often, I learn more about the cultural significance of these crafts during these workshops than I could from just reading about them. Sometimes, what feels like a simple craft has deep historical roots.
I also make a point to visit the informational booths hosted by various organizations. It’s a chance to learn about the work being done to support Hawaiian culture and rights. The live entertainment adds to the festive mood, with local emcees guiding the proceedings. I’ve found that these community celebrations are excellent for families, offering engaging activities for all ages.
Prince Kūhiō Plaza
For shoppers, the Prince Kūhiō Plaza holds its own Merrie Monarch Craft Fair, usually featuring over 60 vendors. This is a larger venue, so it’s a good spot if I’m looking for a wide variety of goods, from clothing to unique local products. I always keep an eye out for the official Merrie Monarch merchandise, which is often available here.
Nani Mau Gardens
Nani Mau Gardens hosts an annual Arts, Crafts, and Food Festival. I find this event offers a beautiful setting for exploring Hawaiian art and cuisine. It’s a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the gardens while browsing unique creations and sampling local flavors. Admission is typically free, making it an accessible option for everyone.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center offers a different kind of cultural enrichment during Merrie Monarch Week with its specialized programs. I’ve attended sessions focusing on the history and artistic continuation of Hawaiian drums, led by artisans and curators. These deep dives into specific cultural elements are incredibly insightful.
I also highly recommend the workshops focused on learning traditional crafts. The lei wili workshop, for instance, allowed me to experiment with a specific style of lei making. Similarly, learning lauhala weaving from an artisan provides a hands-on understanding of an ancient craft. These programs come with a fee, but I always feel the value is well worth it for the knowledge and experience gained. I remember one time I struggled a bit with the weaving technique, and the instructor patiently guided me, sharing stories about its importance in traditional ʻohana life.
The center also hosts presentations and performances by hālau hula. These sessions often provide an intimate look at the hālau’s journey and their evolving relationship with hula. For those interested in Hawaiian music, a presentation by Project Kuleana often includes musical performances and behind-the-scenes insights into their work. It’s a chance to connect with contemporary Hawaiian artists and understand their creative process.
Palace Theater
The historic Palace Theater often hosts film screenings and arts events around Merrie Monarch Week. I’ve seen programs focused on the ‘āina (land) and Hawaiian culture, which are a thoughtful way to engage with the themes of the festival. These events usually have a modest admission fee, and sometimes proceeds go towards local community efforts, like planting initiatives.
Another event I’ve enjoyed at the Palace Theater is the Hānau Hou (Rebirth) Arts and Fashion Show. It’s a vibrant display of fashion artistry, often accompanied by live music and storytelling. There’s usually a trunk show beforehand, offering a more casual opportunity to meet local designers and see their work up close. I found that attending the trunk show first gave me a better appreciation for the main fashion event.
Lyman Museum
The Lyman Museum offers a historical perspective on hula through its online exhibits, such as “The Renewal of Hula.” While I appreciate the digital resources, visiting the museum in person provides a tangible connection to Hawaiʻi’s past. I’ve spent time in their archives, which hold many valuable hula-related photographs. It’s important to remember that research appointments are often needed for deeper archival exploration.
The museum itself is open for in-person visits and offers different admission prices depending on residency and age. I always check the current admission fees before I go. The exhibits provide context for the hula performances seen during the festival, highlighting the evolution and enduring traditions.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Even within the natural wonder of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, cultural experiences related to Merrie Monarch are sometimes offered. I’ve attended workshops like lei hulu (feather lei making) through their ʻIke Hana Noʻeau series. These events are free to attend, though park entrance fees apply. Working with a renowned artist on such an intricate craft is a unique experience, and I always learn about the skill and patience required for traditional feather work.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
The Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, managed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, is another excellent venue for cultural learning, often focusing on the legacy of King Kalākaua. I’ve participated in workshops like Ulana Lauhala, where I learned about different types of hala and how to create items from its leaves. These sessions are often very engaging and provide a hands-on connection to traditional practices.
The center also hosts important panel discussions. I’ve found the discussions on the “History of Kalākaua” particularly enlightening, exploring his role in preserving hula and advocating for Native Hawaiian rights. Understanding these historical contexts deepens my appreciation for the cultural performances. I also attended a panel on the Hawaiian language, hearing from the next generation about its crucial role in modern development. These discussions are often livestreamed, which is helpful if I can’t attend in person.
If you find yourself on the Big Island during Merrie Monarch Week, remember to explore beyond the main competition stages. The diversity of events, from craft fairs and musical performances to in-depth cultural workshops, offers a rich and multifaceted experience of Hawaiʻi’s enduring traditions.