IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Hawaii's hula festivals and competitions

Tickets to the Merrie Monarch Festival, held annually in April, usually sell out months in advance, and this year’s is no exception. It’s still possible, however, to attend many of the free festivities associated with the festival, which runs from April 8 to April 14 in Hilo, on Hawaii's Big Island.
Winners of Japan’s Moku O Keawe festival, the halau Kahula O Hawaii is known for their precise knee-knocking movements derived from ancient dancing.
Winners of Japan’s Moku O Keawe festival, the halau Kahula O Hawaii is known for their precise knee-knocking movements derived from ancient dancing.
/ Source: Forbes

Tickets to the Merrie Monarch Festival, held annually in April, usually sell out months in advance, and this year’s is no exception. It’s still possible, however, to attend many of the free festivities associated with the festival, which runs from April 8 to April 14 in Hilo, on Hawaii's Big Island.

On Sunday April 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., local Hawaiian halaus (hula troupes) perform at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium. The Merrie Monarch Royal Court dances on Wednesday April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium, along with guest performers from Japan and New Zealand. And the Merrie Monarch parade will hula its way through Hilo on Saturday April 14.

Tickets to next year’s festival (March 30 to April 5, 2008) will go on sale Dec. 26, 2007. Be advised: They frequently sell out in one day, so get your order in early. To obtain tickets, send a money order or cashier's check to the Merrie Monarch Festival, whose address can be found through the Web site below. Mailings must be postmarked Dec. 26, 2007 or later. For further details, ticket prices and a seating chart, go to www.merriemonarchfestival.org or call (808) 935-9168.

Moku O Keawe International Festival

Tickets for the Moku O Keawe International Festival, occurring Nov. 7 to Nov. 11 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Waikoloa, Hawaii (the Big Island), go on sale starting in April at www.mokuokeawe.org. A one day pass costs $15, and a three-day pass $35. For further information, see www.mokuokeawe.org or call (808) 936-4853.