17th Annual Maui Matsuri Kickoff Event, April 28

The 2017 Maui Matsuri kickoff event will take place on Friday, April 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center.

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Taiko performances, traditional Japanese dancing, and bon odori practice will be a few of the highlights at this year’s kickoff event before the main event takes place on May 5 and 6, at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College.

The annual Maui Matsuri event is a chance for the community to honor, celebrate, and perpetuate Japanese culture through festivities.

The kickoff event will also feature minyo (folk) dancing, prize giveaways, and a coloring contest sponsored by Sanrio. The bon odori (bon dance) practice around the stage will conclude the event around 8:15 p.m.

Admission to the kickoff event is free. Click here for more information about the event, please call the festival hotline at (808) 283-9999.