The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual hula competition held in Hilo, Hawaii. It was founded in 1963 by Robert Cazimero, a musician and hula dancer, and Jon Kamakawiwoole, a singer and songwriter. The festival is named after King David Kalkaua, who was known as the “Merrie Monarch” because of his patronage of the arts and culture of Hawaii.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is one of the most prestigious hula competitions in the world. It attracts top hula dancers from all over Hawaii and the United States. The festival also includes a variety of other events, such as a craft fair, a food festival, and a parade. The Merrie Monarch Festival is an important cultural event for Hawaii. It helps to preserve and perpetuate the traditions of hula and Hawaiian culture. The festival also provides an opportunity for hula dancers to showcase their skills and compete for prizes.