The Merrie Monarch festival aims to perpetuate, preserve and promote the art of hula and wider Hawaiian culture in a week of colour, dancing and celebrating the islands' dynamic heritage.
The week (April 8th to 14th) begins with a Ho'olaulea (music festival) on Moku Ola (Coconut Island) and continues over the next seven days with a series of hula competitions, arts and craft fairs and a grand parade, which marches downtown at Hilo.
The festival is considered the ideal place to learn about Hawaiian culture and make one's first foray into the world of hula dancing.
Sponsored by the state of Hawaii department of commerce and consumer affairs, all events at the festival – bar the hula competitions – are free and provide a great opportunity to explore a unique and exciting culture.
As ancient Hawaiians had no written language, the communicated through the mediums of dance and chanting, which were passed down through generations. The hula is not only an ancient art form but also includes myths, legends and prayers from a bygone age.
Why not bring the kids to Hawaii for Easter? All of Insure and Go's
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