STAR-BULLETIN A dancer from Keolalaulani Halau 'Olapa 'O Laka (kumu hula is Aloha Dalire) performs during the kahiko portion of the competition in 1986. Below, Halau Hula O Kukunaokala, from Makakilo, Oahu (kumu hula is John Ka'imikaua), performs in 1997 during the kahiko portion of the competition.

The festival honoring King David
Kalakaua stirs memories
of hula's grand masters

Festival activities

The Merrie Monarch Festival begins today with a hoolaulea starting at 9:30 a.m. at Moku Ola, or Coconut Island.

Besides the competition itself from Thursday through Saturday, there is an exhibition night at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium on Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

The royal parade is Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Hilo.

All this week there are also arts and crafts, hula and music exhibitions at hotels and other locations throughout Hilo.

---

KITV coverage of the 40th Annual
Merrie Monarch Festival

Wednesday
7 p.m. >> "Backstage at the Merrie Monarch Festival." A one-hour special hosted by Paula Akana.
Thursday
6 p.m. until midnight (or until pau) >> Live coverage of the Miss Aloha Hula competition and award
Friday
6 p.m. until midnight (or until pau) >> Live coverage of the hula kahiko, or traditional hula, competition
Saturday
6 p.m. until midnight (or until pau) >> Live coverage of the hula 'auana, or modern hula, competition and the awards ceremony