The town of Hilo is still aglow in the aftermath of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival held the week of April 5. From outstanding hula performances to craft fairs and workshops to the popular parade, it was a joyful celebration of Hawaiian culture.
This year’s overall winner of the competition was Oʻahu’s Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua, under the direction of Kumu Hula Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV. The hālau also took first place overall in the kāne division. Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima, under the direction of Kumu Hula Māpuana de Silva, took first place overall in the wāhine division.
On April 9, Faith Kealohapauʻole Paredes was crowned Miss Aloha Hula. Paredes, from Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, under nā Kumu Hula Haunani and ʻIliahi Paredes, also earned the prestigious ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Award for her command and depth in language and performance. The ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Award is conferred by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and was presented to Paredes by Trustee Hulu Lindsey.
Throughout the week, OHA engaged with the community at the Civic Auditorium, hosted workshops at its Hilo office, and joined in the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade, distributing Hae Hawaiʻi to parade watchers in celebration of hula, Hawaiian culture, and the heritage of Hilo.
OHA Workshops
2026 Merrie Monarch Parade
Hōʻike Night
Miss Aloha Hula
Kahiko Night
ʻAuana Night
