Princesses representing the Hawaiian islands ride a float during a Festivals of Aloha event in Kaunakakai town in 2019. WAYNE SHINBARA photo
The Festivals of Aloha will celebrate and showcase Hawaiian culture through in-person events across Maui Nui in September and October, organizers announced Wednesday.
This year’s theme is “Ku i ke ‘Aki — Stand Upon the Highest Point,” which is inspired by the state House of Representatives resolution that declared 2022 as the “Year of the Limu.”
Celebrations kick off next month and will include:
• Sept. 3: Festivals of Aloha Banyan Tree Ho’olaule’a in Lahaina, with exhibits, free keiki activities, local eats, Maui artists, Hawaiian music and hula. Entertainment will include Reiko Fukino, Cody Pueo Pata, Kaniala Masoe, 2022 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Falsetto Champion Lahela Park, Halau Keala Kahinano O Puna and Kason Gomes.
• Sept. 16: Aloha Friday celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center with Hawaiian cultural exhibits, free keiki activities, Hawaiian music and hula.
• Sept. 24: The 20th Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Admission is required and tickets go on sale Sept. 5.
Festivals of Aloha events will also be held on different islands. On Oct. 1, Lanai will hold a parade at 10 a.m. and a ho’olaule’a from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with entertainment, cultural demonstrations and food. There will also be contests for lei, aloha attire and keiki art.
Molokai will hold a royal court investiture from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Mitchell Pauole Center and will continue the festivities the following day with a parade through Kaunakakai town from 9 to 11 a.m. and a ho’olaule’a at the Mitchell Pauole Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hana will also mark the Festivals of Aloha with a week’s worth of events:
• Oct. 15: Parade, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., entertainment, 1 to 3 p.m., sports night, 5 to 9 p.m., all at Hana Ballpark.
• Oct. 16: Fishing contest, Hana Bay, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; play day, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Oct. 17: Traditional lei making class, Hana-Maui Resort, 3 to 4:30 p.m.; sports night, Hana Ballpark, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Oct. 18: Floral and lei contest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., location to be announced; karaoke night, Hana Ballpark, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Oct. 19: Kupuna luncheon, Hana-Maui Resort, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Oct. 20: Talent show, Hana Bay, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Oct. 21: Taro contest, Hana Bay, 5 to 6 p.m.; ulu, pohole and poke contest; Po Hawaii and aloha attire contest, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Oct. 22: Cross country golf, Holani Hana, 2 to 4 p.m.; hoike night, Hana Bay, 5 to 10 p.m., advanced tickets required.
Events will also be held at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea:
• Oct. 28: Opening ceremony, 9 a.m.; exhibits in ballroom, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Hawaiian music in the foyer, 10 to 11 a.m.; artisans and makeke market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Oct. 29: Exhibits in ballroom, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; artisans and makeke market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; “Hula is the Heartbeat” celebration of hula and Hawaiian music, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 30: “Sounds of the Sea,” an afternoon of Hawaiian music on the ocean front lawn, 3 to 5 p.m.
Event dates and times are subject to change at any time. For updates, visit festivalsofaloha.com or facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/. For questions, email sfdhawaii@gmail.com.
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- Princesses representing the Hawaiian islands ride a float during a Festivals of Aloha event in Kaunakakai town in 2019. WAYNE SHINBARA photo
