Big Island

Merrie Monarch Festival – A Royal Craft Fair

As I sit here watching the Merrie Monarch Festival on TV, I understand so much more about the flowers and leis the performers are wearing because today, I went to the Merrie Monarch Festival Craft Fair in Hilo!

A table full of Haku for sale, a lei meant to be worn on the head

This is no ordinary craft fair, this is literally and figuratively speaking, a royal affair—a showcase of the most regal talent and artistic ability alive today in the islands of the South Pacific—not just Hawaii.

Needless to say, these bowls were some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in the world…

Na Ipu o Hawai`i—The Gourds of Hawai`i

Perhaps some of the most amazing items for sale are Ni’ihau shell leis. The detail in these exquisite jewelry items is beyond description. My favorite booth showed a bowl full of “typical” sand, and then a bowl of the tiniest, most ridiculously small shells I’ve ever seen.

The Ni’ihau shells are little and they command a mighty price! Royal, indeed!

Do you think it’s a coincidence that the British Royal Wedding is starting in Hawaii right after the Merrie Monarch Festival ends tonight?

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Gary Bland R (S)

April 29, 2011

Aloha Katie- I love Hilo. Wish I could attend this year! Maui is keeping me here.

Gary Bland R (S)

April 29, 2011

Aloha Katie- I love Hilo. Wish I could attend this year! Maui is keeping me here.

Katie Minkus, R(BIC)

April 30, 2011

@Gary… Me too! Alas, only watching the competition on TV this year, but one Hawaii LIfe agent is dancing – Wailana Herbst!

Katie Minkus, R(BIC)

April 30, 2011

@Gary… Me too! Alas, only watching the competition on TV this year, but one Hawaii LIfe agent is dancing – Wailana Herbst!

Annie Mendoza, (RS)

May 7, 2011

Let’s go next year for sure..OK? At least to the craft fair. How amazing!!! I want a bowl! Brooke was talking about the mind bending amount of flowers and leis that her friends makes for the performers. Wow…just fascinating. Hawaii no ka oi! Mahalo for sharing.

Annie Mendoza, (RS)

May 7, 2011

Let’s go next year for sure..OK? At least to the craft fair. How amazing!!! I want a bowl! Brooke was talking about the mind bending amount of flowers and leis that her friends makes for the performers. Wow…just fascinating. Hawaii no ka oi! Mahalo for sharing.

Katie Minkus, R(BIC)

May 9, 2011

@Annie – sounds like a Networking Wahine road trip next year!!

Katie Minkus, R(BIC)

May 9, 2011

@Annie – sounds like a Networking Wahine road trip next year!!

Brian Lemer

June 24, 2011

Awesome Site with great pictures!

Brian Lemer

June 24, 2011

Awesome Site with great pictures!

Katie Minkus, R(BIC)

June 24, 2011

@Brian – mahalo nui loa!! We love to hear when fans are reading our blog and enjoying our website! Please visit again soon! Warm aloha, Katie

Katie Minkus, R(BIC)

June 24, 2011

@Brian – mahalo nui loa!! We love to hear when fans are reading our blog and enjoying our website! Please visit again soon! Warm aloha, Katie

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