Top 20 things to do on Maui, Oct. 26-Nov. 5: Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, The Voice’s Jason Arcilla, Halloween costume contests, Aloha Festivals

For entertainment this week on Maui, there are the Aloha Festivals in Hāna and Wailea; fundraising concerts for Maui wildfire victims, Halloween costume contests around the island, and a performance in Kula by The Voice’s contestant Jason Arcilla.

Coming soon, acclaimed performer Makana, the 21st annual Falsetto Contest and the Made in Maui County festival.

Check our Maui Now’s Top 20 list below. And for a comprehensive list of upcoming events — concerts, shows, entertainment, community activities and outdoor farmers markets — for this week and beyond, click here.

No. 1 – Aloha Festivals feature fun and culture (Oct. 26-29, Hāna and Wailea)

Seven full days of culture and fun take place at the Festivals of Aloha in Hāna and Wailea, including several hula halls performing a free sunset concert and a performance by award-winning singer Amy Hānaiali’i. Partial highlights are below. A full schedule may be viewed here.

Festivals of Aloha: Hāna

• Oct. 26 – Hāna Arts’ Annual Talent Show at Hāna Bay, 5 p.m. Six categories with more than $2,000 in prize money. Call Hāna Arts for details – 808-248-5769.
• Oct. 27 – Pō Hawai‘i: Hawaiiana Night, Ulu, Pohole & Poke Contest – 3 to 6 p.m. at the Friday Hāna Farmers Market; Aloha attire contests 6 to 10 p.m. at Hāna Bay
• Oct. 28 – Cross Country Golf: 2 to 4 p.m. at Holani Hāna; and Ho’ike Night: 5 to 10 p.m. at Hāna Bay

Festivals of Aloha: Wailea

• Oct. 27 – Ke Kani Hone O Wailea: 5:30pm. A concert series at the Shops at Wailea featuring John Cruz. For more information: shopsatwailea.com.
• Oct. 28 – Hula is the Heartbeat: 6 p.m. A hula concert with performances by five hula halau at the Four Seasons Maui. Complimentary off-site parking with roundtrip shuttle service will be available at Wailea Event Parking, located across from Monkeypod off Wailea Ike Drive, from 4 to 9 p.m.
• Oct. 29 – Sounds of the Sea: 5 p.m. A free sunset concert at the oceanfront lawn at the Four Seasons Maui, featuring a performance by Kūikawā and Grammy award nominee and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Amy Hānaiali’i, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her hit record, Pālehua.

No. 2 – Manaʻo Strong Concert for Maui wildfire victims at Mulliganʻs On The Blue (Oct. 27, Wailea)

A musical fundraiser for Maui wildfire victims will take place at Mulligans On The Blue on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. All ticket proceeds for “Mana’o Strong: Healing Through Music, Food & Friends” will go to the Maui Strong Fund at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.

Performers include Gail Swanson, Dorothy Betz, Steve Grimes, The Hula Honeys, Randall Respond with special guest Vince Esquire and Joe Caro. The organizer is Mana’o Radio. Tickets are $35 and available at Manao Strong.

No. 3 – The Voice contestant Jason Arcilla at Ocean Organic Vodka Farm (Oct. 27, Kula)

Maui singer Jason Arcilla, who earned a spot on NBC’s The Voice, will be performing at the Point Café at Ocean Vodka Organic Farm & Distillery on Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Ocean Organic is accepting donations to benefit Maui wildfire victims.

Other entertainers performing in the next week at The Point Café:

• Thursday: Flute and ukulele master Levi Huffman performs.
• Saturday: The trio Nevah Too Late with hula.
• Monday: 2023 Na Hoku Hanohano winner Tarvin Makia
• Tuesday: Mark Johnstone of the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band
• Wednesday: Grammy-nominated singer Elele Tiana performs. at Ocean O

No. 4 – Maui Jazz & Blues Festival at Ocean Organic Vodka Farm (Oct. 29, Kula)

A “Day of Jazz & Blues” takes place at Ocean Organic Vodka Farm & Distillery on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, featuring flutist Levi Huffman and singer Gretchen Rhodes. The music is complimentary, but donation stations are posted for those who wish to contribute to Maui wildfire victims through Maui Strong.

The concert features performances by a number of groups, including members of Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood’s Blues Band such as Lenny Castellanos and Mark Johnstone. Rhodes sings regularly with members of Fleetwood’s band. For more information including reservations, go to Ocean Distillery or call 808-877-0009.

No. 5 – Hawai’i International Film Festival at the MACC (Oct. 27-29, Kahului)

The Hawai’i International Film Festival takes place at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center this weekend, starting on Friday. The festival is an Academy Award-qualifying festival for both its Best International Short Film and Best Made-In-Hawaiʻi Short Film award categories. Donations to victims of Maui’s wildfires may be made for the Maui Food Bank at bins located near the entrance.

On Friday, there are short documentaries, including a story about a Japanese cucumber farmer, documentaries about native Hawaiians, and Molokaʻi-raised Matt Yamashita’s story of estranged brothers brought together after the death of their father.

There also are documentaries such as “Hoʻoulu Hou,” honoring the life and legacy of ʻĪmaikalani Kalāhele, a Kānaka Maoli musician, poet, artist and activist from Nuʻuanu, Oʻahu and Hōkūleʻa: Finding the Language of the Navigator, a story about cultural anthropologist Wade Davis and Hōkūleʻa navigator Nainoa Thompson.

On Sunday, feature films are being shown including “My Partner,” which takes place at Lahainaluna High School. It’s a script written by Maui attorney Lance Collins.

For more information including a detailed schedule and tickets, visit MauiArts.org.

No. 6 – Kīhei’s 4th Fridays Town Party (Oct. 27, Kīhei)

Another Kīhei Fourth Friday event takes place at the Azeka Place Shopping Center Mauka on Oct. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. It features live music, food booths and trucks, arts, crafts and a keiki fun zone, as wells Maui’s Classic Collector’s Cars show.

Entertainment with host Kathy Collins includes the bands Nevah Too Late and The Molokaʻi Boys. There also will be a keiki costume contest. Parking is one block away at Azeka Makai and Kīhei Plaza. Inquiries may be directed to Debbie Probst at kiheifridays@gmail.com.

No. 7 – Rocky Horror Show at ‘Īao Theater (Oct. 26-31, Wailuku)

The 50th anniversary of this popular musical “Rocky Horror Show” continues this weekend at the ʻĪao Theater in Wailuku. Actor Eric Gilliom is reprising his role of the diabolically funny Dr. Frank ’N’ Furter, and Aaron Pardini as Columbia. This fully produced stage production with live band and rocking singers, has a lot of campy, interactive opportunities. Audience participation bags will be on sale. The musical had sold-out performances last year.

The plot begins with sweethearts Brad and Janet searching for help after getting a flat tire during a storm and discovering the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter. Their innocence is lost as they meet a house full of wild characters, including a creepy butler and rocking biker as well as Furter, who unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”

For more information, including dates, times and tickets, click here.

No. 8 – Holo Holo Halloween at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center – (Oct. 31, Kahului)

The Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center is hosting a spook-tacular Halloween event filled with candy, a costume contest, prizes and more. The first 50 kids to attend will receive a free keiki smoothie coupon to Jamba Juice.

Adults can pre-register children up to 13 years for the costume contest by clicking here. Winners will receive a Fun Factory gift card, a $25 check sponsored by Hawaiʻi USA Federal Credit Union and more goodies.

For more information on all the fall events, visit the Center.

No. 9 – Funk-O-Ween at Mulligans On The Blue (Oct. 31, Wailea)

A Funk-O-Ween takes place to celebrate Halloween at Mulligans On The Blue on Oct. 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. Join the band Three to 5 for a funky Halloween jam and dance.

Astral Nomad, the mastermind behind Art=Mixx and FuzzBox visuals and visions, will be doing a special haunted and creepy visual showcase for this Halloween show. Funky costumes are highly encouraged. Doors open at 6 p.m. Fore more information including tickets, go to Funk-O-Ween and make table reservations.

No. 10 – Scream Queens Drag Show at da Playground Maui (Oct. 29, Māʻalaea)

Scream Queens Drag Show takes place at da Playground Maui on Sunday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Age 21 or older.

For more information including tickets, go to daplaygroundmaui.com. Parking is free after 5 p.m. with a local ID For more information including tickets, go to daplaygroundmaui.com or call 808-727-2571.

No. 11 – A Monster Masquerade at da Playground Maui (Oct. 31, Māʻalaea)

Prizes will be awarded for the coolest costumes in a Monster Masquerade Halloween Party that starts at 8 p.m. on Halloween at da Playground Maui.

The local live band Espresso performs. Age 21 or older. Parking is free after 5 p.m. with a local ID For more information including tickets, go to daplaygroundmaui.com or call 808-727-2571.

No. 12 – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience with Zoso (Oct. 27, Māʻalaea)

The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience by Zoso takes place at da Playground Maui on Friday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Zoso celebrates its 28 years as America’s Led Zeppelin Tribute Band. The L.A. Times said the band is “head and shoulders above all other Led Zeppelin tributes.” Age 21 or older. Parking is free after 5 p.m. with a local ID For more information including tickets, go to daplaygroundmaui.com or call 808-727-2571.

No. 13 – 25th Annual Oktoberfest with benefit for fire survivors (Oct. 27 & 28, Kahului)

The last weekend of Oktoberfest at Brigit & Bernard’s Garden Cafe takes place Friday and Saturday, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event features an Ohmpah Band, with more than 15 food items in an all-you-can-eat celebration. The menu includes German pork Roast, Bavarian style meat loaf, Hungarian goulash, veal sausage, apple strudel and vanilla sauce, and a shot of Jaegermeister.

Chef Bernard Weber said there will be an auction of beer steins and other items, with proceeds every Saturday in October going to the nonprofit Maui Strong for the survivors of the wildfires. For more information including reservations, go to Brigit and Bernard’s or call 808-877-6000.

No. 14 – Award-winning John Cruz performs at ProArts Playhouse (Nov. 1, Kīhei)

Nā Hōkū Hanahano winner John Cruz performs as a resident artist to an intimate audience at ProArts Playhouse on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. Cruz, a guitarist and singer, is known for his song, “Island Style” and also his participation in the Playing for Change youtube video, “All Along the Watchtower.”

You can see some of his latest songs, including “It’s Time To Build A Bridge” at his website johncruz.com. For more information including tickets, go to proartsmaui.com or call 808-463-6550.

No. 15 – Marc Broussard performs solo at da Playground Maui (Oct. 28, Māʻalaea)

An evening with singer-songwriter Marc Broussard takes place at da Playground Maui on Saturday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

He performs classic R&B and rock and soul. His performance of “Cry To Me” has more than 10 million views. His latest blues cover record, “S.O.S. 4 – Blues for Your Soul,” featuring Joe Banamassa and Josh Smith, is out now.

Age 21 or older. Parking is free after 5 p.m. with a local ID For more information including tickets, go to daplaygroundmaui.com or call 808-727-2571.

No. 16 – Lahaina Restoration Foundation presents Marvin Tevaga (Oct. 26, Wailuku)

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is having its free Hawaiian Music Series featuring Marvin Tevaga at a new location. The event, promoting Hawaiian culture, takes place at Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House Museum on Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your mats, blankets and low beach chairs for the outdoor event.

Tevaga’s music is available at his website and instagram at @marvint_music. His performance of the song “O Koa Aloha” is on his youtube channel. The event is sponsored by the Maui County Office of Economic Development. The usual concert location at the Baldwin House Museum was devastated by the Lahaina wildfire.

COMING SOON

No. 17 – Drew Martin album release show at ProArts Playhouse (Nov. 2, Kihei)

Singer-songwriter Drew Martin, who plays the 12-string guitar, ukulele and harmonica, will perform songs from his new album at ProArts Playhouse on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The performance with folk, blues and Hawaiian slack key also features Desert Hollow.

Martin has performed at the 51st Northwest Folklife Festival, the historic Shelburne Pub, and other U.S. venues. Desert Hollow, with its EP Thirsty, has received good reviews from country critics includes Xander Hitzi from the West Virginia countryside and Nicole Olney from the California desert. For more information including tickets, go to ProArts or call 808-463-6550.

No. 18 – 10th Annual Made in Maui County Festival at the MACC (Nov. 3-4,

The 10th Annual Made in Maui County Festival at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center features products made on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. The first day of the festival is an “exclusive shopping day” from 1:30 to 6 p.m., and the second day is the “big festival day” from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets for both days of the festival are available at MauiArts.org.

The more than 125 Festival vendors represent industries and specialties including accessories, apparel, art, bath and body, beverages, crafts, food products, home decor, jewelry, photography, woodworking, wellness and others. To learn more about the vendors and the festival, visit the Festival or follow the festival’s account on Facebook and Instagram.

No. 19 – Falsetto contest at Festivals of Aloha in West Maui (Nov. 11, Kapalua)

The 21st annual Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest takes place at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua on Nov. 11 as part of the Festival of Aloha in West Maui. Contestants come from all parts of the state to compete in this prestigious Hawaiian song event. Contestants may apply until Nov. 3 here or go to FestivalsOfAloha.com for more information including admission.

No. 20 – Makana’s Songs of Maui Nui (Nov. 11, Kahului)

Acclaimed slack key guitarist and singer Makana performs at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. “MAKANA: Songs of Maui Nui” celebrates Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe with songs and stories — personal and historical — of each island. Maui Nui refers to the four islands that long ago comprised a single island.

Makana will be performing with special guest Miss Aloha Hula 1980 Kaʻula Kamahele who will weave a musical and visual tapestry honoring Maui Nui. Makana also will debut his yet unrecorded tribute to Lahaina: “Lahainalalo.”

Patrons who bring a Maui Food Bank donation will be given access to an exclusive post show meet-and-greet with Makana. For more information including tickets, go to Maui Arts.

Editor’s Note: Send inquiries or events listings with attached photographs about Maui Entertainment, Arts and Community events to garytkubota@gmail.com. To add events directly to the Maui Now Events Calendar, click here.