Maui Festivals of Aloha Ribbon Sales Begin

By Wendy Osher

Festivals of Aloha, Maui logo.

Ribbon sales for this year’s Festivals of Aloha celebration have begun. The ribbon sales provide the initial financial support for some 29 cultural events happening on Maui, Molokai and Lanai from September through October.

The Festivals of Aloha is recognized by the Hawaii Tourism Authority as one of Hawaii’s largest Native Hawaiian cultural festivals.

This year’s theme is “E Hi’ipoi I Ka Lei Aloha,” translated as “Cherished is the Beloved Child,” a sentiment that encourages the setting of values that our children can look upon and learn from.

Companies interested in selling the ribbons to the public, may purchase the Festivals of Aloha Ribbons at $4 each, with a minimum purchase of 50 ribbons.  Companies can then resell the ribbons to the public for $5 each.

Tickets are also available for $5 each, for companies and individuals who would like to just purchase the Festivals of Aloha ribbons for their employees, friends and/or family members but are NOT interested in selling to the public.

The Maui organizers sell their own ribbons to raise funds for the events held in Maui County and do not receive any proceeds from the Oahu ribbon sales.  The festivities in Maui County are run by a separate organization than those that take place on the other islands.

Maui No Ka Oi will open the Festival of Aloha celebrations on September 2 with a special First Friday street festival in Wailuku, featuring music from the Makaha Sons. Enjoy live entertainment, hula, food, artisans, crafters, shopping in historic Wailuku town. Honorary Council Chair

Danny Mateo and Cultural Practitioner Kaponoai Molitau will host the event. The free event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Market Street in Wailuku. Contact Yuki Lei Sugimura for more info, 878-1888.

Also part of the Festivals of Aloha is the 10th Annual Richard Hoopii Falsetto Contest on September 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Ritz-Carton Kapalua, Salon Ballroom.

The winners of the 2011 event will perform as part of the Festivals of Aloha Ho’olaulea at the Lahaina Banyan Tree Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 11. The event also features crafters and artisans.

For more information on Festivals of Aloha events on Maui, call Maui Manager Nani Watanabe at 870-7546, or Tina Thompson at 268-9285.