Honolulu Little League World Champs to Visit Maui Oct. 21

The Little League World Series Champions from Honolulu will make an appearance at the Maui Sunday Market at Kahului Shopping Center on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018.

The public is invited to meet and mingle with the team and join Head Coach Gerald Oda for a celebration of the aloha spirit.

“The Little League World Champs have really made the people of Hawai‘i proud and we wanted to celebrate them,” said Dwight Burns, event spokesperson. “Their commitment to the aloha spirit on an international level is a reminder of how universal our local values are.”

The event starts at 1:30 p.m. and the team will be there until 3:30 p.m. Coach Oda is scheduled to present a short speech at 2:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy food, games and prizes until 8 p.m.

“Come to meet the World Champs but stay for the food and festivities,” Burns said.

The Honolulu team defeated the South Korean team to win the world title on Sunday, Aug. 26, in front of more than 28,000 people at the Howard J. Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Following the 3-0 win, Coach Oda reminded his team to “be humble” and salute the South Korean fans as Hawai‘i supporters in the crowd chanted “Ko-re-a.”

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has referred to the boys as “true ambassadors of aloha.” Former President Barack Obama also reached out on Twitter to congratulate the team.

The Maui Sunday Market is open from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Kahului Shopping Center parking lot, 65 West Ka‘ahumanu Ave., fronting Ka‘ahumanu Avenue between Burger King and Maui Style Market. The event is open to the general public and will showcase local vendors, entertainment and food trucks. Public admission and parking are free.