Sunday – Saturday, April 20 – 26: 
Merrie Monarch Festival.  Hawai`i’s most venerable hula celebration and competition with week-long festivities including exhibitions, musical entertainment, arts and crafts fairs and the Miss Aloha Hula Competition, kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula competitions. Sunday, enjoy a free community ho`olaulea at Afook Chinen Auditorium, 9 to 4. Wednesday, hula demonstrations at Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 5:30 p.m.- free, limited seating. Edith Kanakaole Stadium is the site of the competitions: Thursday (Miss Aloha Hula), Friday (Hula Kahiko-ancient hula), Saturday (Hula Awana, modern hula). Tickets required for competition nights and available by mail. Web site has detailed instructions.  Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo. For information call (808) 935-9168 or visit www.merriemonarch.com for complete information on all events and times.