Lahaina Second Friday Off To Slow Start

By Madeline Ziecker

Front St. looking scantily populated on Lahaina Second Friday. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Lahaina Second Friday’s “soft opening” on November 11th was indeed a mellow evening.

Though all of Front Street was aglow with shops, restaurants, and galleries open late for the occasion, the streets were nearly empty by 8 p.m. As promised, the street was decorated with alternate Hawaiian and US flags to commemorate Veteran’s Day.

Though the atmosphere outdoors seemed underwhelming, there was plenty of action indoors at certain venues. Willie K’s $5 show at Kimo’s was a complete success. Many people couldn’t even find a place at the bar, let alone a table. An hour into the show, those who still hadn’t found seats began dancing to Willie’s rocking blues. One of Kimo’s managers, Alex Hoehn, estimated that ticket sales closed at about 140 tickets.

Willie K. at Kimo's for Lahaina Second Friday. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Peter Lik Fine Art Photography Gallery Lahaina’s Gallery Director Ross Buffomante said that they sold a few of the gallery’s featured works on Friday night, and that he thinks the next Lahaina Second Friday will be even more of a success.

“Lahaina Second Friday is a brilliant idea for the community of Lahaina. I definitely think that the event brought more people to town. I think we should give it some room to catch on; soon Lahaina Second Fridays will be the place to be.”

View of the bar at Kimo's at Lahaina Second Friday. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Village Gallery hosted a multi-medium art show featuring 11 artists, acknowledging the date 11/11/11. Moana Harris, one of the gallery’s consultants says that many works were sold and that the gallery was full all night.

“Village gallery is the oldest fine art gallery in the islands, 41 years old, and it has seen many economic seasons,” Harris reflected.

“I think that this Lahaina Second Friday event drew a lot of foot traffic to our historic gallery. We need to give the event a little more time to pick up. I remember when Wailuku First Friday first started, it took a few months to become the success it is today and it’s quite a small town. Eventually closing off Front Street may create the same effect for us in Lahaina.”

Overall, Lahaina businesses seem to share the mindset that Lahaina Second Friday has plenty of time to flourish.