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The Naniloa Volcanoes Resort is the home of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival which is the world’s premier hula exhibition and competition.  Held each April, the Merrie Monarch Festival is a celebration of Hawaiian culture that attracts hula troupes (Hula Halau) from all the Hawaiian Islands, the U.S. Mainland, and Japan.  The week-long celebration features displays of the world’s best ancient (Kahiko) and modern (Auwana) hula dancing and chanting as well as cultural demonstrations, craft fairs, art exhibitions, and a one of a kind parade through historic Hilo town. 

The Merrie Monarch Festival, which honors the memory of King David Kalakaua (reigned 1874-1891) who was known as the Merrie Monarch and was credited with almost single-handedly saving Hawaiian cultural traditions from extinction after traditional practices had been prohibited by missionaries for 70 years.  As the Hawaiians had no written language, the genealogy, mythology, values and cultural practices were communicated and passed from generation to generation through chanting and hula.  The Merrie Monarch Festival seeks to continue in the spirit of King Kalakaua to perpetuate the history and culture of the Hawaiian people by providing a forum for authentic traditional hula and chanting.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a one of a kind opportunity for visitors to experience first hand the wonders of Hawaiian culture in an authentic community celebration and the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, the home to the Merrie Monarch Festival Organization, offers the best accommodations to enjoy this spectacular event.