By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin Dancers of Na Mele Hula Ohana of Oakland, Calif., shake it up in the auana kane division. On Banyan Drive, Hawaiian music and humidity compete to fill the air. At the Hilo Hawaiian, a group of musicians practice, enticing Uncle George Naope, one of the founders of the festival, to hula in the hotel lobby. At the Naniloa Hotel, entertainers Willie K and Amy Gilliom rock the balconies in a performance that has hundreds whooping and whistling. After the show, crowds dodge and weave through the craft tables.
Wallets stay open from one vendor to another, spreading festival wealth.
The vendors don't take away from the established retailers along the bayfront. Designer Sig Zane, whose clothing line is much sought after because it is only available in Hilo, says the event makes things very merry. The biggest event on the island. Zane, a member of the Kanakaole hula family,also sees the practical side of the festival. He introduces most of his new styles during Merrie Monarch week and sells more in that period than at any other time, including the weeks during Christmas season.