Festival of Flowers

By Maesyn

There’s no place like Hawai’i for breathtaking tropical flowers.

Heliconia Psittacorum (file photo)

From the glorious Heliconia Psittacorrum, to the vibrant Anthurium, people around the world prize these majestically unique flowers for their beauty.

It is with reverence to the flora of the islands that Maui hosts its 18th annual Ha’iku Ho’olaule’a Flower Festival on Saturday March 5th from 9am – 4pm. The festival grounds will be at the Ha’iku Community Center on Hana Highway in Haiku.

Last year’s event was a jam-packed affair, and they are expecting an even more enthusiastic turnout from the community this year with the expanded offerings.

The annual fundraiser features a wide array of booths, offering locally made arts and crafts, clothing booth, services, a bake sale, food, food … and more food booths. This year will feature a carefully selected smattering of the best restaurants on island, all on one place.

Expect booths with locally grown fare by popular restaurants like Cafe Prana Nui, Max’s World Bistro, Flatbread Pizza, Rodeo General Store, Raw Food by John Cadman, Coconut Glen, Da Local Banana, Consuela’s, Slow food Maui, Cafe Des Amis, Piñatas and more.

A farmer’s market is a central point of the event, where you can peruse Maui’s finest locally grown produce.

Anthurium (file photo)

The other hub of the fairground is a big stage and booming sound system. Last year Marty Dred rocked the afternoon to a packed house of dancing bodies.

This year’s high energy lineup will include Dr. Nat, Cathy Collins, LiA Live with the Kryptones, Sundance, Kanekoa, Bing Cherry (Gene Argel Jazz trio) and Ha‘ikū School student musicians.

Although this is a community event, many tourists find their way to the party. It’s a gathering for the whole family with a taste of Hawaiian native culture mixed in. Celebrating the joy of spring in all her agricultural glory!

In the Keiki area there will be pony rides and bouncing inflatable castles. Children’s games will abound, so there’s entertainment for kids of all ages. Look forward to dinosaur golf, gymnastics by Maui Tumblers, and an obstacle course on the center’s newest play structure.

You can witness or participate in Hawai’i’s floral art form first hand at the Lei and Floral Arrangement contest. Stay for the silent auction, the book sale, or check out the Ha’iku historical display.

The dissemination and celebration of Hawaiian history is a primary objective of the festival. Maui’s cultural heritage is represented in educational Kapuna talks throughout the day, as well as the musical selections and the historical presentations.

The mission of the Ha’iku Ho’olaule’a Flower Festival is to celebrate the past and present of the community of Ha’iku while building for the future.

The festival is a collaborative effort of the Haiku School PTA, the Haiku Boys & Girls Club and the Haiku Community Association.

Money raised goes towards programs for local youth education enrichment and activities.

For more information, visit their website.

*If you have suggestions for events you’d like to see featured in Mauinow’s Entertainment Section, please email [email protected]. Aloha!