New Cultural Activities and Entertainment at The Shops at Wailea

Manutea Nui E. Courtesy photo.

The Shops announced the addition of new cultural activities, hula and Polynesian shows starting on Sept. 12, 2016.

These new activities and performances are aimed at enhancing the already popular line-up of signature events that take place monthly at the center.

New cultural activities include:

Lei Poʻo Making: Learn how to weave a basic Ti leaf lei using flowers and ferns which can be worn on the head or around your neck. Learn about how the lei expresses love and was gifted on very special occasions by the Hawaiian Aliʻi (royalty). Lei making is open to both keiki (children) and adults and will take place on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard.

ʻUkulele Lessons: This session is for seasoned, new and future ʻukulele players out there, who love to strum, sing and play an ʻukulele. Lessons will take place on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard.

Coconut Husking: Experience a demonstration of the traditional and modern methods in husking a coconut. Learn how the Hawaiians would use every part of the coconut from food to crafting eating utensils, jewelry as well as furniture.  The coconut activity will take place on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard.

Polynesian Show: Polynesian dance styles are beautiful expressions of communication. This performance will honor the hula kahiko (traditional), hula ʻauana (newer) versions of Hawaiian hula and Tahitian performances. The show will take place on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard.

Coconut Frond Weaving: Weaving was a highly developed skill that Hawaiians used to make baskets, mats, jewelry and toys for the keiki. Learn how to make your very own keepsake to take home as a memory of your visit to Maui. Activity will take place on Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard.

Polynesian Show: This cultural performance will honor the many beautiful dances of Polynesia which includes Hawaiian hula, Tahitian and Samoan performances.  Stop by Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard for a beautiful evening of dance.

Already established signature events will continue and include the following:

ARTwalk at The Shops: This is an art and entertainment event that promotes local visual art and artists in a wide range of mediums and artistic style. Come down and meet fellow art lovers, the community and the artist themselves. This event occurs on the first Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. on the upper level along the galleries.

ʻUkulele Mix Plate: This fun event is a combination of entertaining and lively ukulele music with an opportunity to learn about the culture and the instrument from the team at Mele ʻUkulele. This event occurs on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard.

Concerts at The Shops: The Concerts are open to the public and feature big-name musicians from all the Hawaiian Islands.  This music event occurs on the third Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the main fountain courtyard and features talented musicians such as Paula Fuga performing on Sept. 21, Kamaka Kukona on Oct. 19, Kealiʻi Reichel on Nov. 16, and Nāpua Greig on Dec. 21.

Pau Hana at The Shops: Pau Hana is more than just a happy hour, it’s a time to celebrate the end of the work week with live musical performances by Maui’s talented up and coming artists as well as Maui’s established musicians. Pau Hana at The Shops happens every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and musicians can be found playing on the lower lever near the surf shop area and on the upper level by the luxury retailers.

The Shops at Wailea also supports a different Maui non-profit each month with 60% of the special event parking fees going back to the non-profit. The Shop’s goal is to enrich the community through exploration and discovery in the culture, arts and music while supporting the local businesses and non-profit partners. Four-hour event parking is available for $5 dollars.

For a complete calendar of events, activities and entertainment, please visit The Shops at Wailea website.