Festivals of Aloha brings Aloha Friday to Queen Kaʻahumanu Center on Sept. 11

Festivals of Aloha continues its 2026 season with Aloha Friday at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center on Friday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. The free, family-friendly evening invites the community to kick off the weekend with live Hawaiian entertainment, cultural demonstrations and activities for the entire ʻohana.

The evening’s entertainment will feature the Kalama School ʻUkulele Band, Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Champion Leimana Purdy, and Hālau Keʻala Kahinano O Puna with Kumu Joy Salvador.

Throughout the evening, community and cultural organizations will also offer hands-on activities, educational exhibits and opportunities to learn more about Hawaiian culture, community and our natural resources. Participating organizations include the Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, Kaʻehu, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and Waiheʻe Limu Project.

Aloha Friday celebrates the spirit of aloha while creating an opportunity for residents and visitors to gather, support Maui’s small businesses and community organizations, and experience the music, culture and traditions that make Hawaiʻi special.

“I look forward every year to hearing 30 ʻukulele strumming together as we open Aloha Friday,” shared Daryl Fujiwara, overall coordinator. “Festivals of Aloha—our Maui Nui version of Aloha Festivals—began more than 75 years ago, and it’s through gatherings like these that we keep our small-town traditions alive. We’re fortunate that our celebration isn’t limited to just one island. We celebrate across three islands and in communities like Hāna, Makawao and Wailea, each with its own traditions, stories and sense of place.”

Guests are also encouraged to pick up their official 2026 Festivals of Aloha ribbon at the event. More than a keepsake, the ribbon connects participants to this year’s festivities and unlocks special offers from participating community partners.

Festival ribbon holders can enjoy:

• Sonic Hawaiʻi: Buy one Teri Smashburger at regular price, get one free.
• Nāpili Kai Foundation: Receive 50% off admission to the Foundation’s weekly Tuesday evening show at Nāpili Kai Beach Resort.

The September 11 celebration is part of the 2026 Festivals of Aloha season and this year’s theme, “Ea Mai Ke Kai Mai – Rise Up from the Sea,” which celebrates Hawaiʻi’s enduring connection to the ocean, culture and community and supports Governor Josh Green’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana.”

Throughout September and October, Festivals of Aloha celebrations will continue across Maui Nui, with events on Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. Each gathering uplifts the traditions of Hawaiʻi’s communities and kūpuna while inviting residents and visitors alike to share in the spirit of aloha as Maui continues on its path of healing.

EVENT DETAILS

Festivals of Aloha — Aloha Friday at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
Friday, September 11, 2026
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, Maui
Admission: Free and open to the public

Entertainment:
Kalama School ʻUkulele Band
Leimana Purdy
Hālau Keʻala Kahinano O Puna with Kumu Joy Salvador

Hands-On Activities & Exhibits:

Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club
Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club
Kaʻehu
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Waiheʻe Limu Project

Festivals of Aloha extends its sincere mahalo to the organizations and businesses whose support makes these celebrations possible:

County of Maui – Office of Economic Development; Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority; Kilohana by the Hawaiian Council; Hāna-Maui Resort; Hāna Community Association; Hāna Arts; Old Lahaina Lūʻau; HPM; Wailea Resort Association; KPOA 93.5 FM; Pacific Media Group; Maui Health; The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; Kanileʻa ʻUkulele; Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club; Papa Ola Lōkahi; Nā Puʻuwai; Hui No Ke Ola Pono; Keauhou Shopping Center; Hawaii by Storm; Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi; PacificSource; Hulunani by Leo; Akamai Broadcasting; The Limo Company; Honua Consulting; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Sonic Hawaiʻi; Mokulele Airlines; and MANAOLA Hawaiʻi.

For the most up-to-date Festivals of Aloha schedule and information, visit FestivalsOfAloha.com or follow Festivals of Aloha on Facebook.