The art of hula is celebrated every April at the Merrie Monarch Festival, the largest 3-day dance festival on the islands and named after the last monarch of Hawaii, King David Kalakaua. In addition to the hula competition, there's also a crafts fair, an art show, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.
The Lyman Museum presents the rich heritage of Hawaiian natural history and culture, exploring the Hawaii of the past, present and future. The galleries at the Lyman Museum focus mainly on the natural history of Hawaii and the ethnic diversity of the area.