Puana Aloha no Lahaina: Night of music, memories and community with surprise drone show

To cap off Friday’s community-inspired events honoring Lahaina, upwards of 500 people attended “Puana Aloha no Lahaina” at the Lahaina Civic Center on Friday night.

The tribute concert brought together local musicians to perform traditional and contemporary songs of Lahaina. It also came with a few surprises.

Kuhinia Maui, the community-led program supported by the County that organized the event, gathered local heroes Jason Kale Phillips, Makana, Cody Pueo Pata, Lahaina Grown and many others to share their aloha on stage.

The event kicked off with a pule by Kumu Kaponoaʻi Molitau, a heartfelt introduction from emcee Alakai Paleka and a cameo from Mayor Richard Bissen, who will reportedly sing at Saturday-afternoon’s event.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., performers took the stage, including Kalani Peʻa, Nestor Ugale, Namaka Pauʻole, Steve Grimes, ʻOhana Palakiko & Papa Hula o Lahainaluna, Jason Kaleo Phillips, Cody Pueo Pata, Makana and Kalaʻe Camarillo. Grammy-nominated artist Henry Kapono made a surprise appearance to sing a tribute to Lahaina.

After two hours of performances, feasts and provisions provided by volunteers and various West Maui kitchens and hotels, the audience was informed of a surprise ‘drone show.’

Hundreds were guided outside of the Civic Center to chairs and an open area to view the 15-minute show consisting of 300 drones, reminiscent of the drone show at Lahainaluna months ago (although with a different drone company). According to Daryl Fujiwara of Kuhinia Maui, the group’s Lahaina committee came up with the visuals and the music.

Keiki, kūpuna and everyone in between watched and sang along as the drones oded to Banyan Tree, Lahainaluna and memories of Front Street one year after the devastation of fires. Finishing off the night, the crowd funneled back into the arena for Lahaina Grown and to hug neighbors and friends.

Puana Aloha no Lahaina was one of 12 community-inspired events presented by Kuhinia Maui taking place from Thursday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 11. For a full list of events, click here.