In 1964 the chairman of Hawaii, Helene Hale, wanted to bring back King David Kalakaua's coronation festivities to be able to uplift the down spirits of the islands following the tidal wave and economic failure that they are experiencing. True enough it became a boost for the tourism of the islands as everyone became very inspired with the idea to bring back the culture such as Hawaiian attire and heritage that the islands once had. During the initial launch of the Merrie Monarch festival in 1964, administrative assistant Gene Wilhelm and promoter of activities George Naope arranged some events. There was a reenactment of the coronation of King Kalakaua, a King Kalakaua look-alike contest, a relay race, a barbershop quartet contest and a Grand Holoku Ball featuring colorful and well-designed Hawaiian dresses and among other activities. However by the year 1968, there were problems faced by the islands again that affected their Merrie Monarch Festival. Dottie Thompson became the executive director of the festival and added one activity that made the Merrie Monarch Festival the famous festival as we know today. She worked with George Naope and Albert Nahalea to be able to put some fun Hawaiian dresses such as Muumuu’s and pa’u skirts into the festivities. In 1971, they launched a hula competition. Nine “wahine halau” or women joined the competition and the title Miss Hula was given to Aloha Dalire. In 1976, the hula competition was launched so that kane halau or men can also join in. Since then the Merrie Monarch Festival is considered as the most prestigious and sought after hula competition all over the world. |
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