Oahu Hālau Wins Top Honors at 63rd Merrie Monarch Festival

Halau Hiiakainamakalehua takes home the overall title after performances in hula kahiko and hula 'auana competitions.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:04am

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A dynamic, minimalist illustration featuring bold, angular shapes in deep greens and purples, capturing the fluid, rhythmic movements of traditional Hawaiian hula.The vibrant, abstract energy of the Merrie Monarch Festival's winning hula performances.Hilo Today

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua, an Oʻahu-based hālau under the direction of Ke Kumu Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV, was named the overall winner at the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. The hālau's performances in the hula kahiko and hula ʻauana competitions earned them the top honor.

Why it matters

The Merrie Monarch Festival is one of the most prestigious hula competitions in the world, celebrating the art and culture of Hawaiian dance. Winning the overall title is a significant achievement that showcases the skill and dedication of the hālau and its kumu (teachers).

The details

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua competed against other top hālau from across Hawaiʻi in the hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ʻauana (modern hula) categories. Their performances impressed the judges, leading to the hālau being named the overall winner of the 63rd annual festival.

  • The 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival took place on April 12, 2026.

The players

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua

An Oʻahu-based hālau (hula school) that won the overall title at the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

Ke Kumu Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV

The director and kumu (teacher) of Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to have been chosen as the overall winner of this year's Merrie Monarch Festival. Our hālau has worked tirelessly to preserve and perpetuate the art of Hawaiian hula, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication.”

— Ke Kumu Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV, Director, Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua

What’s next

The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual event, so Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua will have the opportunity to defend their title at next year's competition.

The takeaway

The victory of Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua at the Merrie Monarch Festival highlights the enduring importance of Hawaiian hula and the dedication of hālau across the islands to preserving this cultural art form.