The annual Merrie Monarch Festival is one of Hawaii’s most popular events, taking place at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii from April 24 to April 30, 2011. The week-long event features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, an art show, a crafts fair and a parade through Hilo.

The festival is a non-profit organization that was established in honor of the legacy left by King David Kalakaua, who inspired the continuation of Hawaii’s traditions, arts and native language.

Most activities during the festival are free to the public. Tickets for the three-day hula competition can be purchased at merriemonarch.com (prices vary depending on seating section and the number of days attending the competition).