Queen Kaʻahumanu Center hosts inaugural 808 Bash, Aug. 24

To celebrate community pride and local culture, cities across the nation have been transforming their area codes into holidays and events. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center is excited to bring this tradition to Hawaiʻi with the launch of 808 Bash, a new signature event for the center.

Although traditionally, the area code 808 would be aligned with the date of Aug. 8, the 808 Bash will instead take place on Saturday, Aug. 24 in light of the anniversary of the Maui wildfires. The day’s activities will run from 12 to 9 p.m. and will be hosted by Luana Kawaʻa and Alakaʻi Paleka.

A marketplace, located in the front parking lot of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, will feature local food and crafts, including offerings from Kahiau’s Poke Truck, Yumtastic, HI Freeze Treats, HI Darling Shop, and SKYE HI. Don’t miss the chance to dunk Kauaʻi-native comedian and social media star Zavier Cummings, aka “How Dis Guy,” who will be hosting a dunk tank by the market.

From 12 to 5 p.m., cultural groups and non-profits will take Center Stage sharing about their organization with a performance or presentation. Each group will also have a resource booth at the event to share their mission and opportunities with the community. Look forward to engaging with local organizations such as Maui Hui Mālama, Family Life Center, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, and ʻOhana Keiki Exchange.

During this time, Keiki Zone will be open, featuring soft play by Luxe Play Maui, games from Yard Games Hawaiʻi, craft stations, and more. Entry to the Keiki Zone requires a donation, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit organizations volunteering within the zone. The first 50 keiki will receive a $5 Fun Factory Gift Card.

The evening will transition to a concert from 5 to 9 p.m. with musical performances by Jordan Soon, Nuff Sedd, and Kamalei Kawaʻa, to name a few, at Center Stage.

“Our community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Kauwela Bisquera, General Manager of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. “We hope that 808 Bash will become the new annual event for our Maui people to celebrate and enjoy what makes our culture, food, and people ‘nō ka ʻoi.’”