Merrie Monarch Festival: How it all began
Hilo was not a big tourist destination in 1963. It was in an economic slump, just three years after tidal waves had struck its shores and swept buildings and people out to sea. Hawai’i County officials were worried and actively looking for a way to attract more visitors to boost its faltering economy.

Maui, on the other hand, was starting to draw tourists to its well-publicized Lahaina Whaler’s Spree. With idea of producing a similar event in Hilo, a delegation of two people, including kumu hula George Naope, was sent to the Lahaina festival. What they found was, in Uncle George’s words, “a drunken brawl” and not the type of event that would enhance Hilo’s image or boost its economy.

When Uncle George returned, he was asked what kind of festival he proposed. Disappointed in what he had seen in Lahaina, he replied off the top of his head, "…we going to honor King Kalākaua. Call it the Merrie Monarch Festival." It would be a festival to honor and celebrate the life and contributions of a beloved member of the Hawai'ian ali'i rather than whalers from other lands.

The first festival was held the very next year in 1964. Although hula was provided as entertainment at the festival, there was no hula competition. Back then, there was a Kalākaua look-alike contest and a few Whaler Spree elements such as a Grog Shoppe. Plumeria leis were made and sold for 25 cents and sometimes given away for free. It was a small event with local charm but little growth. After a few years, it began losing official support.

A turnaround occurred in 1969, when Dorothy Thompson, a Hawai’i County culture and arts specialist, volunteered to chair the Festival. Using their organizational and people skills, Auntie Dottie and her team have planned, organized, and brought in hālau, judges and spectators to the festival. Auntie Dottie continues to chair the festival today. In 1971, the first hula competition was held. All of the contestants were women and most of the performances were hula ‘auana (modern hula). It was not until 1978 that kane hula performances were added.

Today the hula competition is the main reason people attend the Festival. It draws hula connoisseurs and fans from Europe and Asia, as well as the other islands and the mainland. The Merrie Monarch represents hula at the highest level and just dancing in the competition is considered an honor. Hālau must apply to participate and a panel of kumu hula selects the best of the best.

Craft fairs are also a big part of the Festival experience. People come to eat, buy gifts for their family and friends, and enjoy the excitement of the first class hula competition. While you can watch it on TV and the Internet, there is nothing like being there in person and experiencing the spirit of the Merrie Monarch.

And by the way, the Lahaina Whaler’s Spree lasted just two years.