The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual celebration held in Hilo, Hawaii, honoring the legacy of King David Kalākaua, known as the "Merrie Monarch." This week-long event, typically occurring in April, features a variety of cultural activities, including hula competitions, craft fairs, and a grand parade. The festival is renowned for its prestigious hula competitions, where performers showcase traditional and modern styles of hula. Participants come from across the Hawaiian Islands and beyond, making it a significant event for preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture and heritage.