‘Welcome Back to Wailuku’ First Friday

In March of 2020, COVID precautions had caused sweeping closures of Maui’s Friday Town Parties. Over four years later, Wailuku First Fridays is making a comeback. The free community street party returns to Market Street on Aug. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The reborn Wailuku First Friday event showcases local entertainers, dozens of artisans, handmade crafters and food vendors interwoven into the mix of charming shops and restaurants along Market Street, announced the planning committee Friday.

The evening will kick off with a special performance of musical selections from MAPA’s upcoming production ‘Man of La Mancha,’ featuring Amy Hanaiali’i, Richard Cray, and Francis Tau’a. Market Street stage performances continue with Maui’s Jordan Soon, and folk-music group Tempa and the Tantrums. Magician Brenton Keith and His Bag O’ Tricks, plus balloon twisting by Cirque Jolie, will dazzle event-goers throughout. A satellite entertainment stage, at the Wailuku Food Trucks on Main Street, will feature DjZ spinning dance favorites all night.

The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association (HSTA) will be giving away backpacks filled with select school supplies, made possible by a collaboration between HSTA, Kamehameha Schools and HSTA-Retired.

Look for recyclable receptacles throughout the event provided and managed by 4-H Wolves. The organization is recycling as a fundraiser to cover costs of sending some of their members to 4-H Congress this November in Atlanta, Georgia this fall.

“Wailuku First Friday celebrates the unique charm of our local merchants, many of whom are generational mom-and-pop establishments. It’s with this in mind that we’re excited to introduce ‘Merchant Moments’, a blend of ancillary events hosted by Wailuku businesses, enriching the tapestry of our First Friday festivities.”, shared event organizer Daryl Fujiwara.

Explore these venues during the street event:

• In its closing weekend, tickets are still available for Maui OnStage production of ‘Seussical’ at the Historic ʻĪao Theater, doors open at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. showtime. As an added bonus, through the generosity of Wave of Harmony Foundation, all youth 12 years and younger go free.
• Wailuku Art Space, located at 53 N. Market St. opens their August show, ‘Transcend’. Showcasing the work of eight local artists, they express the theme of resilience through art and their journeys created after last year’s wildfires.
• Photographer Daniel Sullivan will host a book signing of his new book, ‘Mauka to Makai’ while exhibiting photos from last September’s Lahaina Paddle Out at Daniel Sullivan Photography, 1997 Main St.
• Next door to Daniel Sullivan Photography at Caramiya, look for a live community art event.

Market Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 5:30 p.m. Vendors, merchants and entertainers are reminded that Market Street closes at 5:30 p.m. Signage will remind the public that no cars will be allowed on Market Street during the event. Cars left parked on the street during the event will be ticketed and towed at owner’s expense. 

Free parking after 6 p.m. is available at the new Wailuku Garage. Access is from Vineyard Street onto North Street.

Check out wailukufirstfriday.com for more information.