The Merrie Monarch Festival is dedicated to the memory of King David La‘amea Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his flamboyant and fun-loving ways. Kalākaua was elected king of the Hawaiian Nation in 1874, and reigned until his passing in 1891. He was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance.

In 1964 the the first Merrie Monarch Festival, which included events such as a King Kalākaua beard look-alike contest, a barbershop quartet contest, a relay race, a re-creation of King Kalākaua’s coronation, and a Holokū Ball.

Under the direction of Thompson, the Merrie Monarch Festival shifted its goals and objectives to replicate the ideals of King Kalākaua who sought to revitalize the Hawaiian people and culture. This revamped festival would gather the best hula dancers from all the islands, showcase Hawaiian artistry, and create a performance to serve as a rite, a celebration, a statement about Hawai’i and its people.

While Kawelu and her staff are moving forward with planning for a 2021 event, she added, “Health and safety is still our number one concern and therefore, we have made the decision that if the festival is held, there will be no live audience.”