🌺 The Merrie Monarch Festival – Hilo, Hawai‘i
The Merrie Monarch Festival is Hawai‘i’s premier cultural celebration, held every spring in Hilo on the Big Island. It’s a weeklong festival honoring King David Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch,” who revived hula, Hawaiian music, and cultural traditions during his reign in the late 1800s.
✨ Festival Highlights:
Hula Competitions – The world’s most prestigious hula event, featuring dancers and hālau (schools) from across Hawai‘i and around the globe. Both kahiko (ancient style) and ‘auana (modern style) are showcased with stunning precision and artistry.
Cultural Events – Hawaiian arts, crafts fairs, and exhibits that celebrate traditional practices and island life.
Parade – A colorful procession through downtown Hilo with floats, dancers, musicians, and community groups.
Music & Merriment – Concerts and impromptu performances across Hilo, filling the town with mele (song) and aloha spirit.
📅 When: Annually in April (the week after Easter).
📍 Where: Primarily in Hilo, ~45 minutes from Volcano Village.
🎟️ Tickets: Competition tickets sell out quickly, often months in advance, but many events and the grand parade are free to the public.
💡 Fun Fact: The Merrie Monarch Festival is often called the “Olympics of Hula” because of its prestige and the skill of the dancers who perform. Visit the site here for more information: https://www.merriemonarch.com/

Local Beaches

Nearby beaches (Carl Smith Pictured)

🚗 30–40 Minutes from Volcano Village

• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (Punaluʻu) – 30–35 min south. Iconic jet-black sand and Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on shore.
• Kaimū Black Sand Beach (Kalapana) – ~40–45 min east. A newer beach born from lava flows in the 1990s.

🚗 45–55 Minutes from Volcano Village

• Isaac Hale Beach Park / Pohoiki (Puna Coast) – ~50 min east. Rugged black sand and warm ponds, created by the 2018 lava flows.
• Richardson Ocean Park (Hilo) – ~45 min northeast. Tide pools, turtles, and snorkeling in calm waters.
• Carlsmith Beach Park (Hilo) – ~45 min northeast. Known for its crystal-clear lagoons and frequent turtle visits.
• Onekahakaha Beach Park (Hilo) – ~45–50 min northeast. Shallow, protected waters, perfect for families with kids.
• Honoliʻi Beach Park (Hilo) – ~50 min northeast. A popular surf spot with scenic cliffs and waves.

🚗 1 hr 30 min–1 hr 40 min from Volcano Village

• Papakōlea Green Sand Beach (South Point) – About 1 hr 30–40 min south. One of only four green sand beaches in the world, created by the rare green mineral olivine. Reached by a rugged 2.5-mile hike or local shuttle rides from the parking area.

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Hawaii’s World Heritage Site

World Heritage sites are extraordinary places around the globe that have been recognized by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for their outstanding natural and cultural value. There are 852 such sites around the world, but only 21 in the United States – and only two in the Hawaiian Islands. One of those is in the remote Marine National Monument, Papahanaumokuakea, in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. The other is on Hawaii Island at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

http://www.bigisland.org/parks/1049/hawaiis-world-heritage-site

Volcano Art Center
Arts, Gallery, Giftshop, classes, and more, check it out! website: www.volcanoartcenter.org 808 967.7565

http://www.volcanoartcenter.org

Volcano Golf & Country Club

⛳ Volcano Golf in the Clouds

Tee off in one of the most unique golf settings in the world! The Volcano Golf & Country Club sits on the rim of an ancient volcano, just a short drive from Volcano Village and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. At nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, the cool mountain air and sweeping views create an unforgettable experience.

• Scenery: Panoramic vistas of Maunaloa, Maunakea, and sometimes even glimpses of steam rising from Kīlauea.
• Course: A historic 18-hole course dating back to the 1920s, offering wide fairways, challenging elevation changes, and peaceful surroundings.
• Wildlife: Don’t be surprised if you see native nēnē geese (Hawai‘i’s state bird) wandering the greens.
• Climate: Unlike coastal courses, the cooler climate makes for a refreshing game without the tropical heat.

Whether you’re a serious golfer or just looking to enjoy a relaxed round in a once-in-a-lifetime location, Volcano’s golf course is a hidden gem not to be missed.
808.967.8228

http://www.volcanogolfshop.com

🍷 Volcano Winery

Wine tasting in paradise is only a sip away at Volcano Winery, right here on the Big Island. Sample local wines inspired by volcanic fire and the island’s lush bounty. For those with a classic palate, the winery features two award-winning Symphony grape varietals. Looking for something uniquely Hawaiian? Try the Macadamia Nut Honey Wine, crafted from the blossoms of the island’s macadamia trees — a sweet after-dinner favorite beloved by both locals and visitors worldwide.

📞 808.967.7772

http://www.volcanowinery.com