The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual hula competition held in Hilo, Hawaii. It is one of the most prestigious hula competitions in the world and attracts top hula dancers from around the globe. The festival was founded in 1963 by George Na’ope, a renowned hula master, to perpetuate the art of hula and to honor King David Kalkaua, who was known as the “Merrie Monarch.” The festival is held over a week and includes a variety of events, including hula competitions, workshops, and cultural demonstrations.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is an important cultural event for Hawaii. It helps to preserve and promote the art of hula and to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The festival also has a significant economic impact on the island of Hawaii. In 2019, the festival generated over $50 million in revenue for the island.
