"Merrie Monarch Festival 2024: Honoring Lahaina Wildfire Victims and Local Businesses Gear Up"

Hawaii's biggest hula competition, the Merrie Monarch Festival, will pay special tribute to the victims of the Lahaina wildfires this year, with dancers and songs dedicated to Maui. Several hālaus from Maui, including those whose members lost their homes in the fires, will be participating, and the festival is creating opportunities for the audience to support recovery efforts. The event is also providing a special experience for Lahainaluna High School students affected by the wildfires, offering a space for healing and connection to their cultural heritage.