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.
Known as the "Pride of the Pacific," the Hawaii Theatre Center began as a classical downtown venue in 1922, where vaudeville, plays, musicals and silent films were the standard of the day. Eventually, the theater fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1984. But an energetic local group of activists saved the historic venue from the wrecking ball, and the theater reopened its doors in 1996 as a 1400-seat performance center.
Dolphin Quest offers the public an unprecedented opportunity to experience the wonder and amazement of dolphins, with up-close swimming experiences in deep and shallow water. Dolphin Quest is truly a hands-on experience with marine mammals that is like no other. You'll start your day with specialized training. The dolphins will swim up for their first greeting and you'll get acclimated to the water and your new ocean friends. During your encounter, you'll feed the dolphins, touch them and play with them. You'll also swim alongside these beautiful creatures in shallow and deep water. Personalized photos and a video CD of your experience will preserve the moment forever. Besides offering dolphin encounters, Dolphin Quest also is devoted to conservation of marine wildlife through research, successful breeding programs and excellent animal health care.