East Maui Taro Festival Awarded OHA ‘Ahahui Grant

East Maui Taro Festival. Maui Now file photo.

The East Maui Taro Festival has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to hold the 28th Annual East Maui Taro Festival.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hāna Ballpark.

The purpose of the festival is to feature kalo (taro) in all its various forms – in food plates, live plants for farmers and gardeners, taro theme merchandise, informational materials and hands on activities. Music and hula from local performers provide entertainment throughout the day and admission is free.

The East Maui Taro Festival was founded to preserve and protect cultural practices with a focus on taro, as it is the symbol and staple of the Kanaka Maoli, the Hawaiian people. Its goals are to educate about taro and other Hawaiian cultural practices by providing an annual venue where relevant activities can take place, to support taro farmers and their issues, to be a voice for taro and Hawaiian culture and practices.

Event Coordinator, Judy Kinser extended thanks to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs from the East Maui Taro Festival organizers, directors and the East Maui community.

For more information on the event, or to participate, visit www.tarofestival.org.