All About the Merrie Monarch Festival

Each year, following Easter, hula halau from around the world gather in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii to take part in what is universally considered to be the world's most prestigious hula competition - the Merrie Monarch Festival, named in honor of Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch.

Merrie Monarch Festival
Our feature on the history and development of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Before the Glory
An excellent article by Lance Tominaga of Coffee with a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation behind the Merrie Monarch Festival, from the perspectives of both participants and organizers.

Evolution of the Merrie Monarch into hula's 'Olympics'
From the Honolulu Advertiser, an excellent piece on how the Merrie Monarch has developed into the world's most prestigious hula competition.

Kalena's Merrie Monarch Page
An excellent resource for current information as well as archived information on prior Merrie Monarch Festivals.

Merrie Monarch Remembered
A great background piece on the history of the Merrie Monarch Festival and its origin from Sophia Schweitzer of Coffee Times.

Merrie Monarch Videos
The Hula Source has an excellent selection of hula videos including videos of past Merrie Monarch Festivals.

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