Enjoy the Art of Hula at the Merrie Monarch Festival
Visiting Hilo during the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy traditional Hawaiian hula, arts and crafts, music, and fun local events.
An Ipu is a percussion instrument made from gourds used to provide a beat for hula dancing. The ipu gourd was a cultural staple in ancient Hawaiian life, aside from a drum instrument, the ipu served as a container for food, medicine, and water. Because of the importance of ipu to basic life and culture, Hawaiians developed an entire ceremony around the planting of the gourd. The gourd plant should be planted on the night of Hua, during the lunar phase where it was believed to look the most like an egg or a fruit.
At Ipu Arts Plus located in Holualoa Village, the proprietors and gourd makers share in the perpetuation of fine Ipu Arts as well as beautiful photographs and jewelry available from local Hawaiian artisans.
Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location
76-5893 Mamalahoa Hwy
Holualoa, HI 96725
Contact
(808) 464-5807
Website
