Wailuku Friday Events Extend to Lahaina, Paia, Makawao

By Wendy Osher

Gene Argel and Ohana band are among the regulars at Café O Lei during the monthly First Friday event in Wailuku Town.

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development will unveil a new initiative this week that will expand the successful Wailuku First Friday event into a four-Friday-per-month, island-wide event.

“Wailuku merchants have done a fantastic job revitalizing their businesses with their First Friday celebration,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “It’s time we duplicate their success in other towns across the county,” said Arakawa.

Following in the footsteps of Wailuku’s successful “First Friday,” and Paia’s “Fourth Friday” celebrations, Maui County is now partnering with coordinators in Lahaina and Makawao for similar events.

The overall concept of The Maui Friday Town Parties will be unveiled early next month, along with a website and logos for each town event.

“These events will spur local people and visitors to go to our small towns and enjoy the historic and unique nature of these business communities,” said Mayor Arakawa.

The Maui town party schedule starting November 4th will be as follows: Wailuku – First Friday, Lahaina – Second Friday, Makawao – Third Friday, Paia – Fourth Friday.

***Check back for details to be unveiled by the county in the first week of November.