Merrie Monarch Festival 2025

Every spring, the quiet town of Hilo, Hawaii, comes alive with the rhythm of drums, the sway of dancers, and the spirit of aloha. The Merrie Monarch Festival, named after Hawaii’s beloved King David Kalākaua (nicknamed the “Merrie Monarch” for his love of arts and joy), is more than just a hula competition—it’s a vibrant gathering that honors Hawaiian traditions and connects cultures across the Pacific. The 2025 festival, held in April, was no exception. From the thrilling Hoʻike exhibition to the heartfelt stories of hula dancers, this year’s event reminded everyone why the Merrie Monarch Festival is a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture. Let’s dive into the highlights!  

Hoʻike Exhibition: A Pacific Celebration Under One Sky

One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the Hoʻike (pronounced hoy-keh), a free community exhibition that translates to “showcase” in Hawaiian. Unlike the competitive hula performances, the Hoʻike is a joyful, non-competitive space where hālau hula (hula schools) and cultural groups from Hawaii and beyond share dances, chants, and stories.  


This year’s Hoʻike was extra special. Groups from Tahiti, New Zealand (Māori), Samoa, and even the Philippines took the stage, highlighting the deep connections between Hawaii and other Pacific cultures. Dancers from Tahiti wowed the crowd with their fast-paced ote’a dances, while Māori performers shared powerful haka routines that echoed through the auditorium. For many attendees, the Hoʻike wasn’t just a show—it was a reminder of how shared traditions like dance, storytelling, and respect for the earth bind Pacific communities together.  


“The Hoʻike is like a family reunion,” said Kumu Hula (hula teacher) Leilani Fernandez. “We may speak different languages, but when we dance, we understand each other perfectly.”  

Meet the Dancer Who Found Herself Through Hula: The Miss Aloha Hula Journey

While the Hoʻike celebrates unity, the Miss Aloha Hula competition shines a spotlight on individual passion. This solo hula contest is a festival highlight, where young women pour years of preparation into a 15-minute performance that combines ancient hula (kahiko) and modern hula (ʻauana).  


One contestant’s story stole hearts in 2025: 21-year-old Malia Nāpua from Hilo. For Malia, hula isn’t just a dance—it’s a lifeline. Growing up, she struggled with confidence and felt disconnected from her Hawaiian roots. That changed when her grandmother introduced her to hula at age 10.  


“Hula taught me who I am,” Malia shared. “When I dance, I feel my ancestors guiding me. Their stories become mine.”  


Malia’s performance told the story of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Dressed in a deep-red paʻu (hula skirt), her movements mirrored lava flowing across the land—sharp and powerful in kahiko, gentle and graceful in ʻauana. Though she didn’t win the title, the crowd’s thunderous applause made it clear: Malia’s journey was about more than trophies.  


“Win or lose, hula shapes us,” she said. “It teaches patience, respect, and love for our culture.”  

Why the Merrie Monarch Festival Matters

King Kalākaua once said, “Hula is the language of the heart.” That heart beats strongly at the Merrie Monarch Festival, which began in 1964 to revive hula after decades of cultural suppression. Today, it’s a global phenomenon, drawing thousands of visitors and millions of online viewers. But beyond the glittery costumes and social media buzz, the festival has a deeper purpose:  


1. Preserving Tradition  

   Every chant, step, and handmade costume is a link to the past. Kumu hula spend years researching ancient hula styles to ensure their authenticity. “We’re not just teaching dance,” said Kumu Keola Silva. “We’re teaching history.”  


2. Empowering the Next Generation 

   Young dancers like Malia learn discipline, teamwork, and pride in their heritage. Many return as teachers, ensuring the tradition continues.  


3. Building Bridges  

   By welcoming Pacific neighbors, the festival fosters cultural exchange. “We learn from each other,” said Samoan performer Tui Fa’amalo. “Our dances may differ, but our values are the same.”  

2025 Festival Highlights: What Made This Year Unforgettable

A Tribute to Laka: The opening ceremony honored Laka, the goddess of hula, with an oli (chant) by kumu hula from five islands.  

- Keiki Hula: Adorable yet precise, children as young as six performed, proving hula’s future is bright.  

- Virtual Workshops: For those who couldn’t attend, free online classes taught basics like lei-making and ukulele.

Looking Ahead: The Festival’s Future

As the 2025 festival wrapped up, organizers hinted at bigger plans for next year—including a youth cultural exchange program with Tahiti. “Hula is growing,” said festival director Luana Kawelu. “But our mission stays the same: to celebrate our culture with aloha.”  

How You Can Experience the Magic

Can’t make it to Hilo? Here’s how to join the fun:  

- Watch Online: Livestreams of competitions are free on the festival’s website.  

- Learn Hula: Many hālau offer beginner classes worldwide.  

- Visit Hawaii: Respectful tourism supports local artists and keeps traditions alive.  

Final Thoughts: More Than a Festival

The Merrie Monarch Festival isn’t just about hula—it’s about identity, pride, and community. As Malia put it, “When I dance, I’m not just me. I’m my family, my island, and everyone who came before me.” In a fast-changing world, the festival reminds us to slow down, listen to the drums, and let the stories of the past guide our future.  


So mark your calendars for next April! Whether you’re a hula expert or a curious newcomer, the Merrie Monarch Festival welcomes you with open arms and a resounding E Komo Mai! (Welcome!).