Maui Okinawan Festival Returns, Sept. 23

The Maui Okinawan Festival will return to Maui Mall on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Entertainment will feature continuous Okinawan music, dance, Sanshin, Taiko, and Iaido performed by homegrown talent from Maui, as well as performers from O‘ahu. Photo Courtesy

This year’s theme will be “Chibariyo!” (Do Your Best!), and will be chaired by Janet Miyahira and Christine Hondo, with support from Maui Okinawan Kenjin Kai members and friends.

Entertainment will feature continuous Okinawan music, dance, Sanshin, Taiko, and Iaido performed by homegrown talent from Maui, as well as performers from O‘ahu. Chinagu Eisa from Honolulu will headline the event performing Eisa taiko to both traditional and modern music.

The event will feature a craft fair as well as Okinawan food, including pig’s feet soup; an Okinawan plate lunch, chow fun; along with a new item: Taco Rice (taco goodies on rice).

Professional photo sessions in traditional Okinawan wear by Nagamine Photo Studio will also be available for children and adults with all proceeds to benefit MOKK.

The Country Store will feature homemade pickles, jams and jellies, maki sushi and baked goods.

For more information on the Festival, call the Maui Okinawan Cultural Center at 808-242-1560.