The Academy of Hawaiian Arts competes at this year's Merrie Monarch festival, a week long celebration of the hula and Hawaiian culture that begins every Easter Sunday. The competitions include the Miss Aloha Hula solo competition on Thursday, the kahiko (ancient) on Friday, and the 'auana (modern hula) on Saturday. The festival, held in Hilo, Hawaii is often referred to as the Olympics of Hula.

This halau (dance troupe)is led by Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu, whose music is featured in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch"