His name was David Kalakaua, and he was the last king of the Hawaiian Islands. His coronation ceremony was held in a specially constructed pavilion on the grounds of Iolani Palace in Honolulu on a bright and sunny February 12, 1883.

Kalakaua's coronation remained Hawaiian at heart, when proud and graceful dancers stepped forward to begin the hula nemanema, hula olepelepe and hula Palani pa'i umauma.

King David Kalakaua's long reign of seventeen years was marked by a joyful resurgence in Hawaiian culture, including some of the very first public performances of Hula in defiance of oppressive missionary rules.

Because of his enthusiastic patronage of music and dance, Kalakaua earned a special nickname.

More than 100 years later, Hawaii, and the world - celebrates the memory of the 'Merrie Monarch' at the hula competition that bears his name.

In 1963, the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce started what is today known as the Merrie Monarch Festival. The private nonprofit Merrie Monarch Festival community organization continues the tradition to this day.

The festival is considered the most prestigious hula competition in the world.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is committed to: 1) Perpetuating the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people; 2) Developing and augmenting a living knowledge of Hawaiian arts and crafts through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances of the highest quality and authenticity; 3) Reaching those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate; and, 4) Enriching the future lives of all of Hawaii's children.*

A music festival kicks off the week of events on Sunday night. On Wednesday, there is a free exhibition night at the Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium that begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday is the solo Miss Aloha Hula Competition. The group competition is held on Friday with the hula kahiko (or ancient hula) and Saturday with the hula `auana (or modern hula). The awards ceremony follows the Saturday night performances. An arts and crafts fair is held from Wednesday through Saturday at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium. The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade travels through downtown Hilo at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

*merriemonarchfestival.org