Kanile'a 'Ukulele, a custom musical instruments shop in Kaneohe, HI, is proud to be a sponsor of the Merrie Monarch Festival held each spring in Hilo. Although their focus is on the ukulele, they also share a passion for what the festival seeks to publicize – the music, dance, culture, and history of Hawai’i and its people.

Why Kanile'a 'Ukulele Sponsors the Merrie Monarch Festival

An Introduction to the Festival

King David Kalākaua was known as the Merrie Monarch for his love of music and dancing. He also restored traditional Hawaiian practices, including hula. The festival is named after the King and is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture, and this year, it takes place between April 21-27, 2019. The event features an art fair, exhibition of Pacific folk dances, and hula competition and as well as the Miss Aloha Hula contest.

A Brief History

In 1963, a devastating tsunami struck the Big Island and left it reeling, economically. County of Hawaii chairwoman, Helene Hale, sought to revitalize its economy by tapping into the growing Hawaii tourist industry. Events the first year included relay racing, a barbershop quartet contest, and a gala. In 1971, with interest in the festival waning, directors revamped it to give it a more cultural focus.

The Festival Today

The mission of the Festival is the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture. Many of the songs and dances performed involve the ukulele, but this is only part of the reason Kanile'a 'Ukulele helps sponsor the event. They’re committed to educating people about Polynesian music and dance, which they hope will spread the Aloha Spirit and inspire the soul.

You can recapture some of the music of the Merrie Monarch Festival by visiting one of their sponsors, Kanile'a 'Ukulele in Kaneohe, HI. This family-owned and operated instrument shop has served customers throughout Oahu for over 20 years. Their owners were born and raised on the island and are passionate about Hawaiian music, culture, and history. They carry a variety of ukuleles and hybrid musical instruments, like the guitalele. Whether you prefer a standard, tenor, or baritone, you can design your own custom ukulele. Visit their website to schedule a tour of their shop, or call (808) 234-2868 to book a consultation.