0 saved#5,801 of 6,224

World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival)

Swing into the vibrant culture of Hawaii during World Hula Week! Celebrate the legacy of King David Kalākaua in the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Sunday

28–3

March–April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEMerrie Monarch Festival (Easter Sun start, 7-day)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to sway to the rhythm of the islands and immerse yourself in a vibrant Hawaiian tradition during World Hula Week starting on March 31! This amazing event includes a series of activities that last all the way through Easter Sunday and the rest of the following week. Also well-known as the Merrie Monarch Festival, this annual celebration was first initiated in 1963 to perpetuate, preserve, and promote the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture. Named in honor of King David Kalākaua, known as the Merrie Monarch for his love of joyful elements of life, music, and dance, this event embodies his vision and the vibrant spirit of Hawaii itself. So get your best grass skirt ready and let's celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of hula!

TIMELINE

World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) Timeline

King David Kalākaua Reigns

King David Kalākaua, known as the Merrie Monarch, began his reign over the Hawaiian Kingdom, promoting Hawaiian arts, culture, and hula.

First Merrie Monarch Festival

The first Merrie Monarch Festival was held on King Kalākaua's 50th birthday. This was not a hula competition but a celebration of the King's life.

Festival Re-established

The Merrie Monarch Festival was re-established in Hilo, Hawaii to boost tourism, initially featuring parades, pageants, and a small hula show.

Hula Competition Begins

The hula competition, which has become the highlight of the Merrie Monarch Festival, was added to the event's program of activities.

Becomes World-Renowned Festival

By the 1980s, the Merrie Monarch Festival gains international recognition and becomes a key event in perpetuating and fostering Hawaiian culture.

World Hula Week Recognition

The festival's week-long duration is recognized worldwide as World Hula Week, starting each year on March 31.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival)

Learn Hula Dancing

During the week of the festival, many instructors offer online classes. Learn the basic steps of hula and feel the rhythm of the music. Feel the aloha spirit as you sway and twirl to the beats.

ORGANISE

Organise a Hula Dance Party

Invite friends and family to join you in an evening of hula dancing. Transform your backyard into a luau with some Hawaiian decor and tropical foods. Include a hula hoop contest for added fun.

DRESS

Dress in Traditional Hawaiian Attire

Embrace Hawaiian culture by dressing in traditional outfits such as aloha shirts and muumuus. Don't forget your lei and maybe even a grass skirt. Bonus points for sandals!

WATCH

Watch the Merrie Monarch Festival Online

Stream it live or watch recordings of previous festivals online. Experience the performances, elaborate costumes, and lush hula pageantry from the comfort of your home.

COOK

Cook a Hawaiian Feast

Prepare traditional Hawaiian cuisine to enjoy while celebrating. Meals could include staples like laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), poke (raw fish salad), and haupia (coconut pudding). Don't forget a refreshing glass of POG (passion, orange, guava) juice to round out the meal.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival)

It Promotes Fun and Togetherness

World Hula Week fosters the spirit of communal enjoyment. From organizing a hula dance party to dressing up in traditional Hawaiian attire, the holiday provides great opportunities for family and friends to come together, have fun and bond over shared activities that revolve around the vibrant Hawaiian culture.

It Celebrates the Rich Hawaiian Tradition

World Hula Week is a unique opportunity for people all over the world to gain a deeper understanding of Hawaii's rich cultural heritage and the expressive art of hula. It provides a platform for us to engage with and appreciate the customs and traditions of the beautiful islands.

It Encourages Participation and Learning

Whether you're watching the Merrie Monarch Festival online, learning hula dance steps via tutorials, or cooking traditional Hawaiian dishes, the holiday encourages active participation. It’s not just about observing, it’s about immersing oneself in the culture and gaining enriching experiences and knowledge.

Related holidays

MON

Feb 2026

Fun

Hula in the Coola Day

Get ready to hula in the coolest way possible on Hula in the Coola Day - grab your grass skirt and lei and join the fun!

National Hawaii Day

Dive into the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of the Hawaiian islands on National Hawaii Day!

King Kamehameha Day

Honor King Kamehameha Day with a celebration of Hawaiian culture! Enjoy traditional music, hula dancing, and delicious local cuisine.

Lei Day

Get ready to celebrate the beauty and culture of Hawaii on Lei Day - don't forget to wear a beautiful lei and join in on the festivities!

57Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API