WATCH: KGMB archives capture highlights of Merrie Monarch in the 1980s

In the 1980s, the competition really took off drawing in sold out audiences to Hilo’s Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium.
Published: Apr. 11, 2023 at 6:39 AM HST
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - As the Merrie Monarch Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary, Hawaii News Now looks back at how it all started.

Since its founding in 1963, the festival has evolved into a week-long collection of events ranging from a formal Holoku Ball, to a parade, and the famed hula competition.

In the 1980s, the competition really took off drawing in sold out audiences to Hilo’s Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium.

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights.