Hilo is the largest town and census-designated place in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States, which encompasses the Island of Hawaii. The town overlooks Hilo Bay, at the base of two shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa, an active volcano, and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and the site of some of the world's most important ground-based astronomical observatories. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, during the week after Easter. It honors King David Kalākaua, who was called the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts and is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula. Dance on over to a dispensary in Hilo to purchase your favorite cannabis products.