Discover Big Island’s Top Events April 10-16: Parades, Hula, Chocolate Festival

The Big Island calendar is full this week. Events from April 10 to 16 include major hula performances, a downtown royal parade and a rescheduled chocolate festival.

Merrie Monarch highlights in Hilo

Merrie Monarch Week continues with key competitions and community events. Miss Aloha Hula contestants performed April 9 at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

Group hula competition runs Friday and Saturday, April 10-11. The festival remains the island’s premier hula showcase.

Royal Parade

The 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade marches through Downtown Hilo. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11.

Organizers say the procession honors Hawaiian culture, hula and Hilo’s heritage. For route or road-closure details, email [email protected] or call 808-935-9168.

After party and other Hilo events

An unofficial after party closes out the week in Hilo on April 12. Kanakapila LIVE will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Booch Bar, 110 Keawe St. For more, call 808-498-4779.

Hula kahiko at Volcano

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park hosts traditional hula on April 11. Performers include Kinohi Neves, Nāmaka DeMello, Kimo Miranda and Hālau Haʻa Kea o Kinohi.

The performance starts at 10:30 a.m. on the kahua hula near the Volcano Art Center Gallery. Limited parking is available. Call 808-967-7565 or email [email protected] for details.

Music, mele and storytelling

Grammy winner Kalani Peʻa appears April 10 in Hilo. The event runs 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Haleʻōlelo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

The free, public program is part of ʻIkena ʻImiloa. For information call 808-932-8901 or email [email protected].

Rescheduled Puna Chocolate Spring Festival

The Puna Chocolate Spring Festival moves to Hale Cocoa in Kealakekua on April 11. Free entry runs from 2 to 7 p.m.

The market features live music, vendors, artisans, Tarot and Henna. Performers include Mayari, Kaimi, Joshua Rivera, Ruby Flamble, Avasa and Matthew Love. More information is available via the Puna Chocolate website or by texting 808-489-9899.

Exhibits and galleries

• “Ola I Ka Wai: Water is Life” runs through May 31 in Waimea. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, at Firehouse Gallery, 67-1201 Māmalahoa Highway. Call 808-987-1052.

• “The Sea Is Never Full” opens April 11 at 2 p.m. in Hilo. The solo exhibit by Nainoaikapoliokaehukai Rosehill is at the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St. It remains on view through June 13. For details call 808-961-5711.

Community and nightlife picks

• Honoka‘a Renaissance Faire Magical Mixer on April 12. The event runs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Honoka‘a Sports Complex, 45-541 Lehua St. Contact [email protected] for participation details.

• Swing Dance Party in Kailua-Kona on April 11. The Big Island Social Dance Club hosts the event at 74-5583 Luhia St., Suite 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A sliding price scale applies. Call or text 970-739-6771.

• Grow N’ Glow returns April 11 in Ocean View. The fundraiser supports Kaʻū Performing Arts Collective and runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle.

Plan your week

Filmogaz.com compiled this roundup of Big Island happenings. Big Island events April 10-16 feature parades, hula and a chocolate festival worth attending.

For more listings, visit venue websites and contact hosts directly. Schedules and parking can change, so confirm before you go.