Even though tickets for the Merrie Monarch Festival sold out months ago, you can still catch the Olympics of hula via livestream here. You’ll see two types of hula performed: Hula kahiko and hula ‘auana [hoo' lah au' (w)ah nah], a modern hula accompanied by instruments such as the ukulele or guitar.

Although the Merrie Monarch Festival was originally launched to encourage tourism and boost the local economy, the event now serves the greater purpose of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture.

One day I hope to score tickets to the competition and shop the accompanying arts festival. But until then, I’ll be tuning in.

Which dances do you look forward to seeing?