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Hilo came alive in early April, transforming from a sleepy little town into the center of the hula universe. The 45th annual Merrie Monarch Festival welcomed thousands of hula fans from across Hawai'i and the globe to Hilo to enjoy the spectacle. Ka Wai Ola was there, and presents for our readers' enjoyment some of the sights and sounds of Merrie Monarch against a backdrop of Mauna Kea and Hilo Bay. (Click each photo for a better view.)
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| Mauna Kea got all dressed up for the Merrie Monarch opening day. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Uncle George Na'ope, resplendent in red, held court outside the Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Also in red, Kalimakuhilani Akemi Kalāmanamana Suganuma captured the title of Miss Aloha Hula in a runoff with, below, Kapala'iula de Silva. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Miss Aloha Hula finalist Kapala'iula de Silva in ki skirt. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Julie 'Ilikea Afong. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Janelle Emalia Pōhainaniokauanoe Chang. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| OHA's own, Kristy Ann Ku'uipou'iokalani Perez-Ka'iwi, competes in the kahiko portion of Aloha Hula. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| A whispy hula dancer emerges from Halema'uma'u shortly before Aloha Hula competition began. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Hālau Nā Mamo 'O Pu'uanahulu dances and chants “Hi'ilawe” in view of the twin falls of Waipi'o Valley. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Ka Ua Kani Lehua marks the triumphant return of Johnny Lum Ho to the Merrie Monarch on Ho'ike night. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Fourth, the Merrie Monarch craft fair is a huge draw, annually, with nā mea Hawai'i of every description. Above, niho manō weapons on display. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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| Pōhaku Kaho'ohanohano of Maui hand weaves pāpale lau hala. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom |
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