Polynesian Residences

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.

Diamond Head Theatre sits at the cornerstone of the Hawaiian arts scene: It is located at the foot of Diamond Head Crater and is the third oldest community theater in the U.S. The theater began in 1915 and has evolved into a true community center - a place where volunteers hone their acting chops, where the directors and set designers usher in the audience, tend to the gardens and design the costumes. To refill the local talent pool, Diamond Head offers year-round classes in dancing, acting and singing. Plus, youth can participate in an extensive summer school or a youth troupe called Diamond Head Theatre Shooting Stars. Known as the Broadway of the Pacific, Diamond Head brings classic tales to the stage, like "The King and I "and "Little Women, The Broadway Musical". Comedic turns are plentiful with perfomances like "I Hate Hamlet," "Altar Boyz" and "Hairspray."

The World Botanical Gardens is the premier destination for nature lovers, featuring more than 5,000 species of native Hawaiian plants and others from around the world. Located on the big island of Hawaii, the World Botanical Gardens includes a triple-tiered, 300-foot waterfall known as Umauma Falls.