Note that Merri Monarch 202 has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions on large group meetings.

It’s 1963 and the Hawaiʻi island was struggling economically, stemming from the devastation of recent tsunami and the decline of sugar plantations along the northeast coast. Helene Hale, Chairwoman of the County of Hawaiʻi at the time, sought to give the island economy a boost by tapping into the growing tourist industry. Thus, the Merrie Monarch Festival was born.

The festival was a success for a few years. Around 1968, however, interest and support for the event began to decline, and the future of the festival was in jeopardy. Fortunately, Dottie Thompson stepped in as Executive Director and the festival shifted its objective to replicate the ideals of King Kalākaua, who the festival was named after- “The Merrie Monarch“.

The Merrie Monarch

During his reign, King David La‘amea Kalākaua, known as The Merrie Monarch, was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance. During this time, under Christian missionary teachings, beliefs and traditions of native Hawaiians were suppressed. King Kalākaua was not supportive of these actions, and he strongly advocated for the renewed sense of pride in Hawaiian culture.

Since ancient Hawaiians had no written language, their stories and traditions were passed down through spoken methods such as chanting and hula to preserve the teachings. Hula, the traditional dance of the Hawaiian people, was relied on by the King to document ancient traditions. During a time of rising literacy on the island, King Kalākaua began to speak to elders, documenting their stories and compiling them into a book.

By supporting these methods of expression, King Kalākaua ensure that future generations of Hawaiians had access to the heritage of the island and their ancestors.

The Festival Today

Although the initial goal of the festival was to boost the economy of the island, The Merrie Monarch continues the original objectives of the King: to perpetuate and celebrate the culture and traditions of native Hawaiians with a festival of music, crafts, art, demonstrations and a hula competition.

The 57th Merrie Monarch Festival is set to take place April 12-18, 2020, and tickets can be purchased by mail here.

Stay in Luxury During the Festival

The Volcano Village Lodge is less than an hour away from the festival grounds. The elegant, peaceful lodge is the perfect place for guests to retreat to after a whirlwind day at the festival and exploring Hilo.

Book your stay at Volcano Village Lodge and take 15% off your room rate during the week of the festival.

Discounted rates available for new bookings only between April 10th-19th, 2020. Use code MerrieMonarch at checkout to receive the 15% off discounted room rate.

Must book by March 31st, 2020.