Merrie Monarch Festival 2026: Hawaii's Premier Hula Competition

The **Merrie Monarch Festival** is hula's Super Bowl. Held every April in Hilo since 1964, it's the only place in the world where the best hālau (hula schools) compete head-to-head in front of 4,000 spectators in the Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium. ## 2026 dates - **Festival week:** April 5–11, 2026 - **Hōʻike (free showcase):** Wednesday April 8 (6 PM) - **Miss Aloha Hula (solo competition):** Thursday April 9 (6 PM) - **Group Kahiko (ancient hula):** Friday April 10 (6 PM) - **Group ʻAuana (modern hula):** Saturday April 11 (6 PM) - **Parade:** Saturday morning, downtown Hilo ## Tickets Competition tickets sell out within hours of release each November. Apply by **postal mail only** (no online ordering). Details at [merriemonarch.com](https://www.merriemonarch.com). If you missed tickets: **Hōʻike night is FREE**, first-come-first-seated. Get there by 4 PM Wednesday for a seat. Or watch the livestream on KFVE — broadcast across Hawaiʻi and online. ## Why it matters King David Kalākaua — the "Merrie Monarch" — revived hula in the 1880s after it had been suppressed by missionaries for 50 years. The festival is named for him. Competing here is the highest hula honor a hālau can earn. ## Plan the trip - Book Hilo lodging 6+ months ahead - Rent a car (or take TheBus) - Hilo is rainy in April; bring layers - Be respectful — this is sacred to the kanaka maoli (Hawaiian people) ## Related - [Things to do in Hilo →](/neighborhood/hilo) - [Hawaii events in April →](/island/big-island)