March 27 – April 3: 
53^rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.  A week-long festival of cultural events including Hawai`i’s most prestigious hula competition at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium. Enjoy a Ho`olaule`a at the auditorium behind the Stadium on Easter Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with music, food and fun. A craft fair begins Wednesday, with incredible fresh lei, cream-of-the-crop Hawaiian crafts, and free, live music performances. On Wednesday, Ho`ike Night, a free hula exhibition at the Stadium begins at 6:30 p.m. Early arrival is recommended. Thursday is the solo Miss Aloha Hula competition; Friday & Saturday are the group Kahiko (ancient) and ‘Auana (modern) hula competitions. A parade winds through Hilo-town on Saturday morning. For more information visit www.merriemonarch.com.