Kamehameha Senior Organizes “Nā Lio” Benefit for Special Needs Kids

Ayla Forsythe. Photo credit: Eduardo Lopez.

A special showing of “Nā Lio”, a new equestrian theatrical performance in Lahaina, will be held on Oct. 23, 2015 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. as a benefit for children with special needs.

The special event was organized with the help of Kamehameha Schools Maui senior, Ayla Forsythe as part of her senior project.

“My hope is to raise as much money as possible for these keiki,” said Forsythe.

Forsythe is working with Kahalawai Farm & Stable LLC as well as the Haku Baldwin Center with a portion of proceeds from ticket sales going toward the Center’s therapeutic riding program for children with special needs.

“If you are fortunate enough to work for a donating purpose, it all comes from the heart and you can feel it,” said Forsythe.

Nā Lio is a live show with horses located on the Lahaina hillside above Puamana.

The program blends the art of fine riding and the Hawaiian tradition of story telling into a unique experience that shares the story of the horse in Hawaiʻi and the culture of Pā’ū Riding.

The show is the creation of Marla Braun-Miller, and brings the story of the horse in Hawaiʻi to life through song and hula.  “The horses and riders of Nā Lio help us tell this story with riding demonstrations showcasing the training and harmony  that Kahalawai Farms & Stables teaches to visitors, students, and horses,” the Nā Lio website states.

Tickets for the special program are $65 for Aliʻi seating (regular price is $109 plus taxes) and $50 for Premium seating (regular price is $89 plus taxes).

For reservations and more information email/text/call Forsythe directly at [email protected] or (808) 269-3706.

“This is a great cause and if you buy a ticket you are getting an education about the horse in Hawaiʻi as well as donating to wonderful, deserving children,” said Forsythe.

“During my time completing my project I have learned that nothing good ever comes without hard work and after all that hard work is done, it is all going to be worth it,” said Forsythe.