Hundreds of people filled the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and grounds Wednesday for the first day of the Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair.
Lauhala straw hats, lei, koa wood carvings, gourd drums and a variety of other handmade Hawaiian crafts from over 150 vendors were on display, and artists ranged from traditional masters to the newest generation of innovative creators.
“It feels like it’s not only back to normal, but even a little more so,” said Kalim Smith of Ipu Farms who grows and crafts his own ipu heke.
Smith has been attending the festival for more than 15 years now, and the highlight remains seeing old friends.
“I’m seeing a lot of people that I’ve seen before and reconnecting with friends,” he said. “They’ve also put in a lot of work for the infrastructure, too — nice tents and new paved areas — so it’s really nice to be here this year.”
Vendors came from all over the island, the state and even California to share their works, some of which they have been preparing for a year in advance.
“I haven’t been here for years, so it feels great to see everybody,” said Mike Vea from Vea Polynesian Gifts, which sells a variety of hand-crafted wood carvings and Tahitian drums made in North Kohala.
Mike’s sister Monty said family members came all the way from the mainland to help this year.
“My dad was one of the first vendors. He originally came here when it was just the Butler Building,” she said. “It’s a family tradition.”
The Merrie Monarch Festival has its own booth as well, where 60th anniversary shirts, hoodies, posters, tote bags and programs are available for purchase.
An ATM also is available on location for vendors that take cash only.
Last year’s craft fair was somewhat limited by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, but Big Island families and supporters came through, filling the venue with the aloha spirit and stunning the crew who sets up the event.
“We didn’t have our friends and visitors from Japan last year,” said Tracey Niimi, who helped serve on the craft fair organizing committee alongside co-chairs Taylor Escalona and Kegan Miura. “We’re excited just to see the sheer number of people that are coming to enjoy. It’s a nice feeling and a nice way of getting back into the groove of things.”
This year, the masks were off as families and friends celebrated by purchasing unique artwork and clothing and participating in demonstrations like pa‘u drum making and kapa workshops.
One highlight of the event is always the hula halau and performers who showcase their talents each day at the craft fair.
Opening day began with a performance by Hula Halau O Kealakahi at 11 a.m.
Those who weren’t lucky enough to score tickets to the Merrie Monarch Festival’s Ho‘ike or the hula competition can experience an intimate showcase from several halau at the craft fair, including on Friday when Halau I Ka Leo Ola O Na Mamo will performs at 11 a.m.
Other changes for this year’s craft fair include an expanded selection of Hawaiian food.
The Merrie Monarch official food station is serving up Hawaiian plates featuring rice, poi, kalua, chicken long rice, and lomi salmon for $22. There’s also a kalua pig bowl, Spam musubi, squid luau and other keiki favorites like hot dogs and kalua nachos available.
There are daily specials throughout the week including beef stew today, chicken hekka on Friday and pork and peas on Saturday.
Roughly 10 food trucks were added this year, as well, including Anykine Wontons serving up lumpia spring rolls and special fillings like smoked ahi cream cheese and sesame beef kimchi, Poke to Your Taste and Bali’z Food Wagon with Filipino favorites.
Deserts are available from Hawaii Pie Company and Stacy’s Poi Balls.
