The 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival’s competition ended Saturday night, but the pageantry, passion and poetry lives on in photos.

The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival concluded Saturday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo with ‘auana (modern hula) performances from 20 hālau across the state of Hawai‘i and California.

The parade is a cherished tradition that celebrates Hawaiian culture, the art of hula and the rich heritage of Hilo town. 

Before the final night of competition begins, however, there’s plenty of craft fairs, markets and other events that continue throughout Hilo in case you haven’t had a chance to check any out yet.

The competition culminates tonight, where hālau will perform ‘auana (modern) hula.

The soloists were scored by seven judges who looked at their kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) performances and critiqued them in various areas.

But before the “Super Bowl of Hula” gets underway at 6 p.m. today with the individual contest for the coveted title, be sure to check out all the events and activities happening throughout Hilo in celebration of hula and all things Hawaiian.

The Merrie Monarch Festival’s Hōʻike Night served as a reminder of the enduring power of dance to express identity and connect with others through performances from Hawaiʻi, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and California.

Before donning your Aloha wear best or that new designer outfit to show off at tonight’s Hōʻike, check out some of the other events happening throughout Hilo during festival week.

Ten Hawaiʻi-based designers showcased cutting-edge designs by blending spring trends with rich cultural narratives during the 3rd Hanau Hou Arts and Fashion Show.

Ten designers from Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu and Maui showcased clothing lines that tell a story through the clothing and accessories.

The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Craft Fair kicks off on Wednesday and ends on Saturday. Vendors will be located at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium & Butler Buildings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Free daytime performances during the Merrie Monarch Festival feature the authentic spirit of hula and offer a unique glimpse into the artistry and tradition of this cherished Hawaiian celebration.

The 62nd annual Merrie Monarch is underway with Hoʻolaulea opening a week full of free performances.

Thirteen participants will vie for the coveted Miss Aloha Hula title that kicks off the competition of this year’s 62nd Merrie Monarch Festival in HIlo.

Hilo on the Big Island will once again become the hula capital of the world next week with the return of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival. The 62nd installment of the weeklong celebration of everything hula and Hawaiian runs from Easter Sunday, April 20, through April 26 this year.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture urges visitors to adhere to strict quarantine rules for transporting ʻŌhiʻa plants from Hawaiʻi to protect th fungal plant disease from traveling back overseas.

Hilo will be the epicenter of all things hula and Hawaiian as the annual Merrie Monarch Festival — the weeklong celebration of island culture — returns for its 62nd year.

After 50 years of teaching hula, famed musician and Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero will be taking his Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua to Hilo to compete for the eighth — and last time.

The 61st annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival was last week with the annual competition Thursday through Saturday. Hālau from across the state and California were invited to perform.