The Outlets of Maui Grand Opening, Dec. 6, 2013

The Outlets of Maui. Courtesy photos.

By Wendy Osher

A grand opening celebration will be held this Friday night, Dec. 6, at the new The Outlets of Maui shopping center in Lahaina.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and includes: a traditional Hawaiian blessing by kumu hula Kaponoʻai Molitau; special performances by actor and jazz aficionado Jimmy Borges, Grammy award winner George Kahumoku, and recording artist Christina Souza; and special appearances by the ʻUlalena Dance Company and Santa.

Representatives say the list of outlet stores celebrating their grand opening this Friday include: Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Guess, Coach, Izod, Lucky Brand, Wilsons Leather, Kay Jewelers, Adidas, Hilo Hattie, Maui Sunglasses, Crocs, Perfumania, Michael Kors, Gap, Banana Republic, Carter’s Babies & Kids, Brooks Brothers and The Luggage Factory.

Tommy Hilfiger at The Outlets of Maui. Courtesy photo.

Other dining and entertainment amenities include: the Hard Rock Café, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cold Stone Creamery, Ono Gelato & Espresso Bar, and ABC Stores, along with entertainment at Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Show.

In early 2014, Pi Artisan Pizzeria will be joining the line-up, in addition to the opening of Sketchers and Wyndham Vacations Resorts.

“We are excited to bring The Outlets of Maui to Lahaina,” said Mona Abadir, representative for The Outlets of Maui in the press release announcement.

“Globally renowned brand outlet retailers with the unparalleled beauty and culturally significant history of Maui, Hawaiʻi–This with the welcoming aloha spirit makes this outlet shopping center a one-of-a-kind destination,” she said.

Michael Kors at The Outlets of Maui. Courtesy photo.

Abadir continued saying, “These premier outlet stores will attract national and international visitors while offering local residents the opportunity to shop local. We anticipate a great grand opening weekend and our retailers are thrilled with the interest we’re seeing from the international, national and local communities so far.”

In addition to the blessing and entertainment, the opening festivities will also include a welcome address from Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa; keiki hula perfomances by Na Kamaliʻi Nani o Lahaina and the Kalani Smythe trio; and food sampling by Hard Rock Café, Ruth’s Chris, and Ono Gelato & Espresso Bar.

Coach at The Outlets of Maui. Courtesy photo.

The Outlets of Maui is being marketed as the second outlet location in the state, and the first on Maui. Representatives say it is also the only outlet center in the world located in a historic oceanfront resort town.

Complimentary parking will be offered on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, as part of the grand opening event.

The Outlets of Maui is open Monday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on holidays.

The center is located at the former Lahaina Center on Front Street, between Pāpalaua and Waineʻe Streets is in historic Lahaina Town.