He shared tea with the Queen, received blessings from the Pope, and played a key role in spreading Hawaiian culture worldwide. More than a century later, the Merrie Monarch Festival honors his lasting legacy.
At Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium in Hilo, silence fell as a group of hula dancers took the stage. Moving gracefully, they depicted an ancient Hawaiian myth through dance and chants. This performance was more than a spectacle; it was a powerful celebration of Hawaiian identity long suppressed and banned for many years.
Taking place each year from April 20 to 26, the festival marks its 62nd anniversary in 2025. It is considered the most significant event showcasing Hawaiian culture globally, preserving the sacred traditions of hula, chanting, and arts that encode the language, history, and spirituality of Native Hawaiians. Thousands gather on the Big Island, while millions tune in via live broadcasts to watch the best hālau (hula groups) compete.
But the festival is more than a competition. Its dance performances, arts and crafts displays, and a royal parade through downtown Hilo make it the largest celebration of Hawaiian culture in the world.
“It’s the one week each year where we truly celebrate being Hawaiian,” said Kū Kahakalau, a Hawaiian language and culture expert. “And it’s all thanks to King Kalākaua, who revived and protected our traditions.”
The Merrie Monarch Festival continues to inspire pride and cultural preservation, honoring a legacy that remains vital to Hawai’i’s identity today.
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