UH Hilo Celebrates the Merrie Monarch Festival
- ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 1311
- The seventh of the heavenly ones.
A term of affection for Kalākaua, who was the seventh ruler of united Hawaiʻi.
Academic Presentations - Hula - Music - Activities - Cultural Workshops - Enrichment Programs
If you are interested in sharing your talents, research, publication or interested in engaging students in activities in celebration of the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival (April 21-25, 2025), please contact:
Vendors for next year, April 21-25, 2025!
We are planning to increase community activities next year in celebration of the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival, including the potential addition of vendors. If you are interested, please email
2024 Photos
Grand Marshall Dr. Larry Kimura, Interim Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, and Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikolani/ʻImiloa Director Ka'iu Kimura.
April 1-5, 2024
UH Hilo celebrates the Merrie Monarch Festival with a variety free and fee based events and activities for the campus ʻohana and the general public.
Academic Presentations - Hula - Music - Activities - Cultural Workshops - Enrichment Programs
Schedule subject to changes without notice.
If you are interested in sharing your talents, research, publication or interested in engaging students in activities in celebration of the Merrie Monarch Festival, please contact:
Vendors for next year, April 21-25, 2025!
We are planning to increase community activities next year in celebration of the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival, including the potential addition of vendors. If you are interested, please email
Monday-Friday, April 1-5, 2024 heading
Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea Quilt Exhibit
Date: Monday-Friday, April 1-5
Time: Monday-Thursday, 8:00am - 9:00pm;
Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Mookini Library Main (2nd) Floor
Details: Mookini Library celebrates the launch of a new Hawaiian quilt pattern collection with an exhibit celebrating Hawaiian quilting practices and members of the donating group, Ka Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea. Visit the exhibit throughout the week to view photos, patterns, and completed quilt pieces designed and created by members of the group.
Admission: Free
This exhibit was well attended!
Tuesday-Friday, April 2-5, 2024 heading
ʻImiloa Merrie Monarch Atrium Serenaders
Date: Tuesday-Friday, April 2-5
Time: 11:30pm - 1:00pm
Location: ʻImiloa Atrium
Details: Visit ʻImiloa during the week of Merrie Monarch for free live music presentations in our Atrium with Kalei Lorenzo.
Admission: Free, ʻImiloa Atrium Area only
Monday, April 1, 2024 heading
Eia Hawaiʻi: Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea" alt="Merrie Monarch Week
Date: Monday, April 1
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Mookini Library Main (2nd) Floor
Details: Join us to meet quilt makers from Waimea, Hawaiʻi who will share about their experiences in perpetuating this intricate art form. A limited number of quilt kits will be available for patrons who would like to learn basic quilting from members of Ka Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea.
Admission: Free
This event was well attended!
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 heading
Lei Wili Workshop" alt="Merrie Monarch Week
Date: Tuesday, April 2
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a hands-on lei wili workshop with Lehua Hauaniʻo!
Admission:
$40 Members
$55 Non-Members
Pūpū Niʻihau Workshop
Date: Tuesday, April 2
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a hands-on Niʻihau shell earring workshop!
Admission:
$65 Members
$80 Non-Members
Huli Your Hulu Mindset: The Joy of Featherwork
Date: Tuesday, April 2
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for "Huli Your Hulu Mindset: The Joy of Featherwork", a hands-on hulu workshop with Tapu Hanapi!
Admission:
$40 Members
$55 Non-Members
Kūʻauhau: A Musical Journey with Pōkiʻi Seto
Date: Tuesday, April 2
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a musical presentation with Hawaiian musician and song writer, Pōkiʻi Seto and friends!
Admission:
$15 Members
$25 Non-Members
Muʻu & Mūkīkī: An Evening of Food, Wine, & Merriment Featuring Kuana Torres Kahele!
Date: Tuesday, April 2
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for Muʻu & Mūkīkī: An Evening of Food, Wine, & Merriment Featuring Kuana Torres Kahele! Must be 21+ years to attend.
Admission:
$75 Members
$90 Non-Members
(must be 21+)
This event was sold out!
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 heading
Huli Your Hulu Mindset: The Joy of Featherwork
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for "Huli Your Hulu Mindset: The Joy of Featherwork", a hands-on hulu workshop with Tapu Hanapi!
Admission:
$40 Members
$55 Non-Members
"Nā Manaʻo Aloha o Kahoʻolawe: Book & Panel Discussion, with Awaiaulu Inc.
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for an engaging book and panel led by Awaiaulu Inc., discussing Kahoʻolawe and poʻe aloha ʻāina!
Admission:
Free for Members
$15 Non-Members
Merrie Monarch Fair with entertainment by KEA
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Details: Visit our information tables, participate in hands-on quilt pattern painting on tote bags for students and enjoy the music of Kea "Pure Hawaiian Entertainment" from 12:30pm-2:00pm!
Location: Campus Center Plaza
Admission: Free
Pakalana Mai Nei Flower Earring Workshop" alt="Merrie Monarch Week
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a hands-on earring workshop with Noelle Campbell of Pakalana Mai Nei!
Admission:
$40 Members
$55 Non-Members
Hawaiian Soul Film Preview" alt="Merrie Monarch Week
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a film screening of "Hawaiian Soul" and discussion with Filmmaker ʻĀina Paikai!
Admission:
Free for Members
$15 Non-Members
Televised Merrie Monarch Highlights (Activity: Eyelash lei making / Paint by numbers)
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: CC301
Details: Join the UH Hilo Student Association (UHHSA) and the UH Hilo First Year Experience program (FYE) to watch the televised Merrie Monarch Festival highlights while making yarn leis and painting Hale Pua Hawaiian plant and lei paint kits. - Food & Refreshments provided-
Admission: Must bring a Validated UH Hilo Spring 2024 student ID to participate
Thursday, April 4, 2024 heading
Lei Wili Workshop
Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a hands-on lei wili workshop with Lehua Hauaniʻo!
Admission:
$40 Members
$55 Non-Members
Hula Kuahu Presentation
Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a thrilling presentation on hula kuahu from Kumu Hula Pele Kaio!
Admission:
$15 Members
$25 Non-Members
Ka Papa Hula O Lahainaluna
Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Location: Library Lānai
Details: Join us for a heartwarming hula performance by Ka Papa Hula O Lahainaluna!
Admission: Free
Hula ʻAuana Workshop
Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a hula ʻauana workshop with Kumu Hula Kaʻea Lyons!
Admission:
SOLD OUT!
Kekuhikuhi, A Double Feature Film & Panel Discussion
Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for the presentation of "Kekuhikuhi", a Double Feature Films & Panel Discussions! Watch a film on the Edith Kanakaʻole Mural with Kamea Hadar, Kūhaʻo Zane and Zak Noyle, then stay for a presentation of Uluwehi Project with Lanihuli Kanahele!
Admission:
$15 Members
$25 Non-Members
Miss Aloha Hula & Lei Haliʻa O Kalaupapa
Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 6:00pm
Location: UCB 100
Details: Watch the live broadcast of the Merrie Monarch Festival Miss Aloha Hula Competition, make ti leaf leis for Kalaupapa and enjoy Hawaiian food!
Admission: Viewing and lei making is open to the general public. Hawaiian food is provided for students, must bring a Validated UH Hilo Spring 2024 student ID.
Friday, April 5, 2024 heading
Lāʻau Lapaʻau Workshop
Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a hands-on educational lāʻau lapaʻau workshop with Steph Olson Moore of Lāʻau Aloha!
Admission:
$40 Members
$55 Non-Members
Unukupukupu + ʻŪniki: Fostering Indigenous Leadership + Service Through Hula
Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a hula presentation from Unukupukupu!
Admission:
$15 Members
$25 Non-Members
UH Hilo Hui Haumāna Hawaiʻi
Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 11:30am
Location: Library Lānai
Admission: Free
More Information Coming Soon!
Mahina Workshop
Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: ʻImiloa Classroom (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for an educational mahina workshop with Haunani Miyasato of Kaulana Mahina!
Admission:
$15 Members
$25 Non-Members
The Culture of Hula Kiʻi in the Tangarō-Kanakaʻole ʻOhana
Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: ʻImiloa Moanahōkū Hall (check-in at Front Desk)
Details: Join us for a presentation on the culture of Hula Kiʻi presented by the Tangarō+Kanakaʻole ʻOhana!
Admission:
$15 Members
$25 Non-Members
Hula Kahiko & Lei Haliʻa O Kalaupapa
Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 6:00pm
Location: UCB 100
Details: Watch the live broadcast of the Merrie Monarch Festival Hula Kahiko Performances, make ti leaf leis for Kalaupapa and enjoy Hawaiian food!
Admission: Viewing and lei making is open to the general public. Hawaiian food is provided for students, must bring a Validated UH Hilo Spring 2024 student ID.
Saturday, April 6, 2024 heading
Dr. Larry Kimura, Grand Marshal of the Merrie Monarch Festival Parade
Date: Saturday, April 6
Time: 10:30am
Location: Downtown Hilo
Details: UH Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani Professor Larry Kimura is the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Merrie Monarch Festival Parade!
Dr. Larry Kimura is a kupa ʻāina of Waimea, South Kohala where he grew up on the Parker Ranch hearing Hawaiian spoken by his mother and grandmother’s generation, but not by his contemporaries. He realized that if nothing was done, the rich inheritance of the Hawaiian language that existed for generations where he was born and raised would be lost. Since his teenage years, he has dedicated himself to the revitalization of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and professionally at the University of Hawaiʻi for over 50 years.
He is also a founding board member and first president of the ʻAha Pūnana Leo, which has pioneered Hawaiian medium education since its establishment in 1983. Dr. Kimura is often referred to as the “godfather” of the Hawaiian language revitalization movement, and is noted in the community as a prominent haku mele (song composer) and for his extensive work in documenting the oral histories of the last native speakers of Hawaiʻi. He has no intention of retiring anytime soon, as his work continues through numerous community and university projects to strengthen the Hawaiian language as a vaiable, 21 st century medium of communication for the state of Hawaiʻi nei.
Admission: Free
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If you have any questions, please contact