‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo is offering a slate of special enrichment programs in celebration of the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival.
The center is hosting a series of cultural presentations, workshops and panels that honor the legacy of hula, deepen knowledge of Hawaiian traditions, and provide immersive experiences for students, faculty, and the wider Hawaii community.
“‘Imiloa exists at the intersection of tradition and innovation, and Merrie Monarch week is a powerful reminder of how our ancestral practices continue to evolve and inspire,” said Ka‘iu Kimura, executive director of ‘Imiloa. “These programs are not just about observation — they’re about participation. We’re inviting our community to experience the depth of ‘ike passed down through hula, storytelling and cultural practice in ways that resonate today.”
From lei wili to lauhala weaving, hula ki‘i to scholarly panels, this year’s offerings spotlight the ‘ike of respected cultural leaders like Kekuhi Keali‘ikanaka‘oleohaililani, Dr. Taupouri Tangaro, Ka‘ea Lyons-Yglesias, Lehua Hauanio, Ka‘ohu Seto, Kimo Keaulana, Pele and Kekoa Harman, Umi Kai, Keani Kaleimamahu, Cy Bridges, Leialoha Ilae-Kaleimamahu, Aulii Mitchell.
The remaining ‘Imiloa Merrie Monarch Enrichment Program Schedule is as follows.
Today
— Lei Wili Workshop with Lehua Hauanio (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner Lehua Hauanio shares traditional and contemporary techniques of lei wili (twist-style lei-making) in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn to gather, prepare, and weave lei from local foliage, connecting to the deeper meanings of lei as symbols of aloha.
— I Lala Mau Na Hula – Honoring Mary Kawena Pukui: A Legacy of Hula and Heritage (1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.). This one-time presentation pays tribute to Mary Kawena Pukui through hula, rare archival footage, and stories from her hula lineage with Joseph Ilalaole. Na mamo a Pukui will guide this intimate program honoring the profound contributions of one of Hawaii’s most influential cultural leaders.
Friday
— Ulana Lauhala Bracelet Workshop with Ka‘ohu Seto (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). Weave your own lauhala bracelet with Ka‘ohu Seto in this beginner-friendly workshop. Participants will gain hands-on experience working with lauhala and insight into the cultural importance of weaving in Hawaiian society.
— Lua and Hula Panel: Honoring Tradition and Bridging Knowledge (1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.). Cultural practitioners and thought leaders — including Umi Kai, Keani Kaleimamahu, Cy Bridges, and others — join in a powerful panel exploring the interwoven traditions of Lua (Hawaiian martial arts) and Hula. Learn how these disciplines carry ‘ike kupuna and remain vital to the identity and resilience of the lahui.
Admission prices for each program vary. For tickets, schedules, and full event details, please visit www.imiloahawaii.org.
For the full schedule of UH Hilo Merrie Monarch events, visit hilo.hawaii.edu/chancellor/merrie-monarch.
