An Extraordinary Spectacle: A striking display of royal pageantry.
Revamped Take:
Hey there, buddy! Scoop on Hilo's most buzzing event - the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade!
Every year, crowds flock down to Hilo, snagging prime viewing spots hours ahead of this iconic procession at 10:30 AM. And let's be honest, rain or shine, we're not messing with that sunscreen, hat, and awkwardly-large umbrella combo! Some even set up tarp tents for on-the-spot shelter.
When the clock strikes 10:30, the parade kicks off in Piopio Street, wandering up Pauahi Street. It'll take a right onto Kilauea Avenue, followed by a straight shot through Keawe Street, veering right at Waianuenue and Kamehameha avenues, before circling back to its starting point at Pauahi Street.
Safety and access have top priority for this shindig, so roads will be closed from 8 AM to 3 PM, and motorists are asked to be chilled and patient while the community grooves to the celebration.
Kamehameha Avenue, between Waianuenue Avenue and the State Fisheries Research Station driveway, will be closed in both directions from 8 AM to 3 PM. Hilo Bayfront Highway traffic will be detoured through Hilo Bayfront Park, and Waianuenue Avenue and Pauahi Street will close at Hilo Bayfront Highway.
Besides the main emcee and narrator, Tommy "Kahikina" Ching, live emcee stations will be scattered around the city, including at Mo'oheau Park, Hilo Town Market, Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and Ben Franklin Crafts. If your Hawaiian is on point (or you want to improve it), don't miss the live-streamed Hawaiian language station at Ben Franklin Crafts!
Music will fill the air as various marching bands, including the Kahuku High School Marching Band from Oahu and the Robert L. Patton High School Panthers Marching band from Morganton, N.C., strut their stuff. Japanese 'ukulele groups and Big Island high school bands will sprinkle the proceedings with melodies and rhythm.
Expect royalty, including the embodiment of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani, to preside over the proceedings. Pa'u princesses on horseback will represent their respective islands, and for the second consecutive year, Hawaii Police Department Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz will lead an equestrian contingent of officers in the parade.
Unlike other parades, the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade is deeply rooted in local culture and tradition, providing a captivating blend of sight and sound against the radiant backdrop of downtown Hilo. Remember, Mahalo, Hilo - we can't thank you enough for supporting this vibrant, world-renowned festival!
- The community is advised to plan their directions carefully as Akamai roads will be closed from 8 AM to 3 PM during the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade.
- For those who can't make it to the parade, added live emcee stations will provide entertainment and updates from Mo'oheau Park, Hilo Town Market, Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and Ben Franklin Crafts.
- Besides the main emcee, Tommy "Kahikina" Ching, the live-streamed Hawaiian language station at Ben Franklin Crafts is not to be missed for those aiming to improve their Hawaiian.
- Traffic on Kamehameha Avenue between Waianuenue Avenue and the State Fisheries Research Station driveway will also be affected, closing in both directions from 8 AM to 3 PM.
