18th Annual Maui Youth Ukulele Contest, Sept. 27

KoAloha Artist Partners: Maia Mayeshiro & Tj Mayeshiro. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

The 18th Annual Maui Youth ʻUkulele Contest will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Whaler’s Village in Kāʻanapali.

This year’s event is hosted by the Hula Grill Kāʻanapali, and is sponsored by the Okami ʻohana and artisans from KoAloha ʻUkulele.

Keiki from kindergarten through grade 12 are invited to participate in the friendly competition.

Event organizers say the annual contest is a way to bring keiki ukulele players together, and give them an opportunity to play on stage in front of a live audience.

The day’s events begin with Division 1 (kindergarten to 4th grade) playing from 10 to 10:30 a.m., Division 2 (5th to 8th grade) playing from 10:30 to 11 a.m., and Division 3 (9th to 12th grade) playing from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

KoAloha Ukulele artist partners, Tj & Maia Mayeshiro, will perform from 12 to 12:30 p.m., followed by the Group Division (maximum of four members, any grade level) from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Keoki Kahumoku, founder of the contest, along with his students, will also perform from 1:30 to 2 p.m., followed by the announcement of the winners and awards presentation.

KoAloha Ukulele will be donating seven custom ukuleles bearing the Hula Grill Kāʻanapali logo, as prizes for the winning entrants.

Youth interested in entering the contest can visit the Hula Grill Kāʻanapali webste or call (808) 667-6636.