Merry Monarch (Hilo: 2014, school, live)

[Fredesch]

Does the Merry Monarch festival fall on the same week every year? Is it the week before Easter, week after Easter or what? How many days does it last? If I need to visit the BI the week before Easter 2014 and want to spend at least part of the week in Hilo, what is the best schedule?

We will probably be bringing a 16 year old that is not into hula, so we aren't trying to attend the festival rather avoid the crowds. And why do they call him the Merry Monarch, I understand he was the last king or so, so what made him merry?

[terracore]

Merrie Monarch www.merriemonarch.com/

Kalākaua, born David Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua[2] and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch (November 16, 1836 – January 20, 1891), was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. He reigned from February 12, 1874 until his death in San Francisco, California, on January 20, 1891.

Legacy


King Kalākaua earned the nickname "the Merrie Monarch," because of his love of joyful elements of life. This was a reference to the nickname of the pleasure-loving Charles II of England. During his reign, hula was revived, after having been banned in 1830 by Queen Ka'ahumanu after she had converted to Christianity. Today, his name lives on in the Merrie Monarch Festival, a hula festival named in his honor. He is also known to have revived the Hawaiian martial art, Lua, and surfing. He and his brother and sisters were known as the "Royal Fours" for their musical talents. He wrote Hawaii Ponoi, which is the state song of Hawaii today. King Kalākaua's ardent support of the then newly-introduced ukulele as a Hawaiian instrument led to its becoming symbolic of Hawaii and Hawaiian culture.[citation needed]

He befriended American inventor Thomas Edison, with whom he discussed the lightbulb, which he later used to light up ʻIolani Palace. Also an inventor, Kalakaua invented an improved double screw and an improved bottle stopper and cover in 1872 he proposed a new type of fish ram in 1875.[12] He even proposed to build a torpedo-proof vessel in 1872. He wrote to Emperor Pedro II of Brazil on September 19, 1872 for funds to build such a vessel. Dom Pedro was interested in the young Kalākaua, but not enough to invest money in his invention. Kalākaua then wrote to Queen Victoria.[13]
In Waikiki, "Kalākaua Avenue" the main avenue of Waikiki, was named after Kalākaua.
In 2003, the historic former federal building was renamed the King David Kalakaua Building after being purchased by the state and renovated.[14]

[Fredesch]

The website doesn't say when it will be in 2014. Is it always the week after Easter?

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Fredesch

The website doesn't say when it will be in 2014.

Sunday 27 April to Saturday 3 May 2014 To be confirmed.

[Fredesch]

Thanks for the dates, it makes planning easier knowing we don't have as many worries getting accommodations.

[HiloDiver]

I'd book NOW for 2014. Yes I am serious.

[Fredesch]

I would if we were trying to attend the festival. But my wife is a teacher and our spring vacations are dictated by the school calendar.

I hope to attend the Merrie Monarch in 3 years.