University of Hawaiʻi alumni filled the vendor lineup at this year’s Merrie Monarch arts and crafts fairs, with more than 30 alumni owned or operated businesses participating in markets across Hilo. Since its inception more than 60 years ago, the Merrie Monarch Festival showcases the finest Hawaiian artistry and hula from across the islands, making a powerful statement about Hawaiʻi and its people.
With alumni representation from all 10 campuses, many are proud to be part of the UH ʻohana at Merrie Monarch.
‘Super Bowl of hula and shopping’
In 2022, Jessica Wong, a UH Mānoa alumna, launched the Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Market with the goal of creating a more family-oriented market in Hilo.
“The best part is being able to see our customers in person,” Wong said. “Merrie Monarch is the Super Bowl of hula and shopping, you have the best entertainment at night and the best shopping experience during the day.”
A Hilo native, Wong chose UH Mānoa to pursue her dream of playing Division I soccer—close to home, yet still a step away. She spent two years on the Rainbow Wāhine Soccer team before an injury led her to take on a new role as team manager. After graduating in 2013 with a bachelor of science degree in human resources, she remained on Oʻahu for a few years before eventually returning home to Hilo.
“Oʻahu has so many amazing markets and opportunities for small business owners, so I wanted to bring that to Hilo and to our community,” said Wong.
This year’s lineup has both seasoned and first-time vendors—including a Windward Community College alumna.
“This is our first Merrie Monarch Festival and we are so excited to debut at Sangha Hall,” said Emily Jaime, owner of YIREH and 2014 Windward CC graduate. “My favorite part is getting to meet everyone and getting to talk story, so come see us!”
‘Biggest blessing in my career’
Alumni representation at the Merrie Monarch goes beyond retail. A UH Mānoa journalism alum is also sharing the festival’s stories as a television reporter.
“Covering Merrie Monarch is truly something that is the biggest blessing in my career,” said Dillon Ancheta, a reporter for Hawaii News Now who earned a journalism degree in 2017. “With that comes the responsibility to treat this with respect and to know that the moʻolelo (stories) you share is about people and culture.”
Ancheta credits his time at UH for preparing him to cover events as meaningful as Merrie Monarch.
“Without my time at UH, I wouldn’t be here,” said Ancheta. “When I was a high school senior looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to work here in Hawaiʻi one day, so I decided to learn here, too, and I’m so grateful I stuck with UH Mānoa.”
