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2008 MERRIE MONARCH (March 30- April 5) This was our first Merrie Monarch. Even though we didn't have tickets to the two main hula competitions we watched them live on TV). The week long activities were beyond my wildest imagination. They were fun and enchanting. More photos and videos of Merrie Monarch Week in Hilo:
Hula is the most amazing form of dance; I felt drawn in rather than most dance where I feel a long distance away from the art and form of the dance. The perfomers are young and old, drawn together by a shared love of the culture and sense of belongingness that they then communicate to the crowd participating by watching. If you ever get a chance to be in Hilo for Merrie Monarch, don't pass on the opportunity. Hotel rooms will have to be reserved far in advance, because hula lovers from around the world come to Hilo to be a part of the amazing event. Below are links to photos and films taken at the events we were able to attend. I am still working on the Merrie Monarch parade photos and films. Sun March 30: Ho'olaulea (music festival) at the Hilo Afook-Chinen Civic Center: Mon March 31 to Fri April 5 Hula demonstrations at Noon to 2PM at hotels on Banyon Drive: Wed April 2 Ho'ike Night Free exhibition at the Edith Kanaka'ole Multipurpose Stadium Starting Thu April 3 Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium
Fri April 4: Group Hula Kahiko Competition, Edith Kanaka'ole Multipurpose Stadium and televised by KITV Here are two practice session videos that I taped in the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel of the Halau na lei kaumaka o uka Wahine Kahiko team from Maui.
I love the drums. Sat April 5: Merrie Monarch Royal Parade in downtown Hilo
The 3rd annual He Launa Aloha No Ka Mo‘i Kalakaua at Kalakaua Park
Group Hula 'Auana Competition, Edith Kanaka'ole Multipurpose Stadium and televised on KITV
Merrie Monarch sites:
Copyright 2008
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