Merrie Monarch Festival

The whole weekend was an amazing immersion into hula and Hawaiian traditions. The music, flowers, people, and dance were wonderful. I'd go every year if I could.

We know that this place has a great meaning, we don't do it every day, it's an important production day. Be sure to come to see the promise at that time. Thank you.

Wonderful and well organized cultural event for the Hilo community.

The drive was comfortable with ease in locating the grounds. The vendor location was filled inside with booths offering a variety of local made items, dance regalia, art, musical instruments and food. We enjoyed poi balls, Kahului pork and rice, shaved ice and found a vendor with the thinnest sliced jerky we ever ate. There was dance presentations open to the public, however for the competitive performances we didn’t have tickets. It was a cultural experience worth the drive and spending a good part of the day wandering amongst the vendors and island people.

It was an amazing experience!! What a treat to have been included in the Festival due to the kindness of a very kind snd generous lady. I was mesmerized and so impressed with the dedication and passion of the performers and supporters.

I went to the MMF 2016 and it was a great experience. I enjoyed the crafts and food during the day and watching the dancing in the evening. Here is my only recommendation if you're going: make sure you plan which dances you want to see. If you leave your seat for the restroom and they start dancing, you will NOT be allowed back in until the dancing has concluded. Definitely worth seeing.

FOR THE LOVE OF HULA, if you are looking for one of the best times, come to Merrie Monarch Festival, every year in May

People who know, know this is the heart of hula. Tickets are obtained lottery style because of the demand. I was there Wednesday and people from all over the world could be heard around me. This is something very special. The associated craft and food fair is worth a stop even if you can't get into the show.