Festivals of Aloha announces 2024 schedule of events

Festivals of Aloha has announced its 2024 theme, “Ka Laʻi o Hauola – The Calm of Hauola,” honoring the revered Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina, a historic symbol of healing and restoration. As Maui Nui communities continue to recover from the devastating wildfires of Aug. 8, 2023, this year’s theme reflects the collective hope for peace and comfort, echoing the stone’s ancient legacy of health and renewal, organizers said.

The festival’s two-month celebration will have events on Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, Wailea, and Hāna, showcasing the traditions of our small towns and cherished elders (kūpuna). “Through a rich tapestry of events, we invite all to embrace and learn from our heritage, standing together in the spirit of Aloha as we honor Maui’s path to healing,” organizers said.

Schedule of Events:

• Wailuku First Friday – Sept. 6 on Market St., Wailuku from 6pm – 9pm for a small town evening supporting local merchants, local eats, and entertainment 
• Aloha Friday – Sept. 13 (Tentative) from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of Hawaiian cultural exhibits, hands-on activities, Hawaiian music and hula!
• Kū Mai Ka Hula – Sept. 14 – Maui’s only adult hula competition at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. For tickets and info visit kumaikahula.com
• Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto Contest – Sept. 21 at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Contest starts 6:30 p.m. 
• Lāna‘i – Oct. 5 – Ho‘olaule‘a with hands-on activities, local eats, crafters and live entertainment.
• Moloka‘i – Oct. 11 – Moloka‘i Ho‘olaule‘a at the Community Health Center from 5:30-9:30 p.m. with local eats, local buys and entertainment.
• Hāna – Oct. 19-26, 2024
  • Saturday, Oct. 19
    • Hāna Ballpark – Hāna Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a: Crafters Fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Sports Night at the Park: 3-9 p.m.; Kickball
  • Sunday, Oct. 20
    • Hāna Bay – Keiki/Wahine Shoreline Fishing Tournament: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. ‘Ohana Beach Day: ‘Ohana Play Day Games, 12-5 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 21
    • Sports Night: 5-9 p.m. (Hāna Ballpark) – Tennis, Volleyball and Cornhole starts.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22
    • Hawaiian Craft Classes: 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Hotel)
    • Sports Night: 5-9 p.m. (Hāna Ballpark) – Tennis, Volleyball and Cornhole Finals.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 23
    • Movie Night at Hāna Ball Park: 5-9 p.m. 
  • Thursday, Oct. 24
    • Hāna Bay – Hāna Arts’ Annual Talent Show: Registration – 4 p.m., Program – 5 p.m. – six categories with prizes
  • Friday, Oct. 25
    • Floral Lei Contest: 9-11 a.m. (Hotel)
      Kupuna Luncheon: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Hotel)
    • Po Hawaiʻi & Aloha Attire Contests: 5-9 p.m. (Hāna Bay) – Hawaiian Culture and Entertainment.
  • Saturday, Oct. 26
    • Cross Country Golf: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Farmers Market Parking Lot)
    • Hō‘ike Night: 5-10 p.m. (Hāna Bay)
• Wailea – Four Seasons Resort Maui – Oct. 25-27
  • All Wailea events are free and open to the public. Event parking – complimentary off-site parking with roundtrip shuttle service will be available at Wailea Event Parking, located across Monkeypod off of Wailea Ike Drive on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4–9 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 27 from 4–8 p.m.
    • Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Contest – Oct. 25, the first female falsetto contest in Hawai‘i. Traditionally a kāne (male) competition, Maui has led the way in establishing a new tradition that highlights another beautiful facet of Hawaiian music. 
    • Hula is the Heartbeat – Oct. 26, A celebration of Hawaiian music and hula showcasing four of Maui’s most prestigious Hālau (hula schools). Salon A&B, 5 p.m. – doors open; 6:30–8:30 p.m.
    • Sounds of the Sea – Oct. 27, A free evening of Hawaiian Music Doors Open at 4 p.m., Show starts at 5 p.m. on the Oceanfront Lawn.

The 22nd annual Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Contestants can still apply online and admission may be purchased at festivalsofaloha.com/

The 3rd female falsetto contest in the name of Carmen Hulu Lindsey is still seeking contestants as well. Amateur singers should apply at festivalsofaloha.com/haihai

Book a day trip to Lāna‘i Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 for the ho‘olaule‘a by calling Expeditions Lāna‘i Ferry at go-lanai.com or calling 808-661-3756

The 2024 theme was selected by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata. “Ka Laʻi o Hauola, The Calm of Hauola. The famed Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina was once a birthing stone for those of exalted lineages; a place for residents of the region to deposit the piko of their children with prayers of health and longevity; and, it is still revered as a healing stone for those who might seek its restorative powers. As the communities affected by the devastating wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023, continue on the path to recovery and restoration, Mauiʻs Festivals of Aloha raises forth this year’s theme, Ka Laʻi o Hauola – The Calm of Hauola. This ʻōlelo noʻeau represents sentiments of peace and comfort.

“As this year’s guiding theme, we express our ongoing commitment to stand with Maui’s kupa and ʻāina until peace and comfort have once again been restored,” event organizers said.

2024 Festival Ribbons are now available. Proceeds generated from sale of our ribbons help to produce the events. Call or text 808-268-9285.