Chinese Kite Flying Festival at Wo Hing Museum, Kāʻanapali Beach

Lahaina Restoration Foundation will hold its Chinese Kite Festival at Wo Hing Museum and Kāʻanapali Beach on April 18. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

Go fly a kite! The world of airborne wonders will be celebrated at the Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s Chinese Kite Festival at Wo Hing Museum on Friday, April 17. A kite-flying event will follow at Kāʻanapali North Beach open space park on Saturday, April 18. Admission for both events is free.

Originally invented by the Chinese in the fifth century BC, kites have a long history, stretching back to ancient China and into modern times throughout the world.

During the festival, visitors can see handmade kites in traditional and modern styles. Keiki will have an opportunity to build their own kites, and parents can purchase one of the many available for sale.

Presentations will be given at 2 and 6 p.m. on the story of ancient kite flying, the East Indian Art of “kite fighting,” as well as a talk on the modern kite.

Other activities will include Chinese divination, and the art of Chinese knot tying between 3 and 5 p.m. Traditional Chinese erhu music and Mahjong lessons will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Members of the Hawaiʻi Kitefliers Association will hold a large kite flying demo between 3 and 7 p.m. Chinese foods like bao buns and stir-fried vegetables will be served from 4 to 7 p.m.

Members of the Hawaiʻi Kitefliers Association will demonstrate kite fighting, and will fly a large modern kite.

The Saturday event is open to the whole family and guests can watch a giant Chinese dragon kite soar overhead beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a sport kite demonstration at 10 a.m. Free kite flying with personal kites, as well as kite making will be offered throughout the day. Members of the Hawaiʻi Kitefliers Association will demonstrate kite fighting, and will fly a large modern kite from 1 until 2 p.m.

For more information, call the Wo Hing museum at (808) 661-5553 or go online.