Community, crafts and the aloha spirit made a comeback at Wednesday’s in-person debut of the 59th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival’s Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
Following a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, organizers, vendors, and attendees all agreed the craft fair was not only back, but bigger than ever before.
“It was pleasantly surprising,” said co-chair of the fair committee Tracy Niimi regarding the massive turnout. “This is the way to experience and be immersed in the entire festival. It sets the tone for the entire community.”
More than 130 vendors and artisans selling locally made crafts packed the auditorium and surrounding area as hundreds of visitors filled both the parking lot and overflow section across the street.
“The craft fair is important, not only to the festival, but to the community in general,” said Kegan Miura, who co-chairs the event alongside Niimi and Taylor Escalona. “There’s economic revenue, and for these vendors, it’s a big part of their livelihood. Having the craft fair back in person is huge.”
Jewelry, woodworking, photography, aloha wear, music and food are featured throughout the fair by vendors who have been attending for decades.
“After doing it for so many years, it’s really become a way of life for me,” said Rick San Nicolas, a 21-year vendor at the fair.
San Nicolas makes traditional capes, lei and war helmets using Hawaiian feathers. “Seeing everyone come back today was really special. There was a void that needed to be filled for quite some time, and we’re all happy to finally see each other again.”
“There is no other craft fair like Merrie Monarch,” said kumu Ipolani Vaughan, who not only sells her traditional woven hats and gifts under the Na Lei Hala name, but also serves as an Hawaiian language instructor for several other prominent teachers throughout the state.
Vaughn has attended nearly every festival over the past 59 years, missing only two for the birth of her grandchildren. Her daughter, Allison Kailihiwa Kaha‘ipi‘ilani Vaughan, won the Miss Aloha Hula title back in 1995. “We’re happy to bring the next generation up to look at the crafts and see the things that elders have carried on.”
The free, four-day event provides not just a revenue source, but a sense of community for local vendors.
“For me, the Merrie Monarch is the biggest event of the year,” said Manny Mattos, who sells traditional Hawaiian war clubs made of sharks teeth and endemic wood. “This is the only craft fair I do.”
Mattos also regularly attends the Hilo Farmer Market. Originally taught by his father, Mattos’ son and grandchildren have stepped in during this years’ craft fair to help.
“It’s generational and brings all the community together,” said Mattos. “I’m very happy it’s going again.”
Between 11 a.m. and noon each day, the fair also hosts several performances.
“They have the halaus that are going to be performing here once a day,” said Niimi. “It’s definitely scaled back, but it’s nice to have something again.”
Traditional Hawaiian cuisine is served throughout the day by several vendors including Stacy’s Poi Balls, a seven-year veteran of the craft fair known for their coconut glaze.
“It feels really good to be back out here,” said Tasha Ojano of Stacy’s, between serving up her family’s specialty. “It’s a great turnout and a beautiful day.”
Since the craft fair’s inception in the 1970s, the Merrie Monarch craft fair has attracted thousands of residents and visitors from across the world looking for an experience that embodies the aloha spirit. On Wednesday, guests and vendors honored just that.
“All of our vendors are special,” said Miura. “They all contribute to making the fair what it is, and without them, this fair wouldn’t exist. All credit to them.”
The Merrie Monarch craft fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are encouraged by the co-chairs to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all attendees, vendors and kupuna.