2014 Prince Kūhiō Maui Ho’olaule’a, March 29

Hula dancers from Hālau Kealakahinano’opuna under the direction of Joy Salvador. Photo Credit: Hunter Trevelyan Wyndham Photography

By Wendy Osher

A 2014 Prince Kūhiō Maui Ho’olaule’a is planned in West Maui this Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Keawaiki, within the Lahaina Banyan Tree Park.

The event is free and open to the public and features hālau entertainment, music, lei making, keiki crafts, and activities.

The event is being held in honor of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole who was recognized as a territorial delegate to Congress and father of the 1921 Hawaiian Homes Commission Act that provides homestead lands for Native Hawaiians.

Although Prince Kuhio’s birthday is officially celebrated on March 26, the celebration in his honor will be held on Saturday, March 29, the same day as a memorial celebration hosted by the Paukūkalo Hawaiian Homes Community Association.

“Known as Ke Ali‘i Maka‘ainana or the Prince of People, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole is known for his efforts to protect, preserve, and perpetuate, the Hawaiian culture and his people,” said Daryl Fujiwara in an event announcement.

Hula dancers from Hālau Kealakahinano’opuna under the direction of Joy Salvador. Photo Credit: Hunter Trevelyan Wyndham Photography.

“We honor him with a fun filled day under the shade of the historic Lahaina Banyan Tree with something for the entire family,” he said.

The Lahaina event will be emceed by Makani Tabura and includes the following entertainment schedule:

• 9:15 a.m.: Kaniala Masoe
• 10:20 a.m.: Dane Fujiwara & Friends
• 11:30 a.m.: Hālau Kealakahinano’opuna
• 12:45 p.m.: Ka Huaka‘i
• 2 p.m.: Lahaina Honolua Seniors
• 3 p.m.: Kūlewa

Other activities include: hana lei (lei making) with the Lahaina-Honolua Senior Citizens Club; Mea‘ai by the Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club; and booths with Maui made products made by crafters and artisans.

The event is made possible with the support of the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, Hawai’i Maoli, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Smythe Fujiwara Design, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club and the Lahaina Town Action Committee.