3,000 guests attend Mele for Maui at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
MELE FOR MAUI, a free oceanfront community concert celebration brought together the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and award-winning Hawaiʻi artists for an evening honoring Hawaiian music, culture, community and Maui’s vibrant future. The event took place on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.
MELE FOR MAUI welcomed more than 3,000 attendees to the iconic resort’s oceanfront grounds along the Kā‘anapali Golf Course and marked the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra’s first performance on Maui in 10 years.
Led by Music and Artistic Director Dane Lam, the orchestra was joined by celebrated Hawaiʻi artists Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom, Raiatea Helm, Keola Beamer, John Cruz, Jeff Peterson and Kala‘e Camarillo, among others. The evening concert began with welcome remarks by Maui Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. and also featured music by composer Dr. Michael-Thomas Foumai and the world premiere of “Rain Shadow” by composer Sean Hickey, all set against the backdrop of Kā‘anapali Beach.
“The return of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra to Maui after 10 years gave our community an opportunity to come together and enjoy an evening of music and culture,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “Music has a special way of bringing people together, lifting our spirits and creating moments of healing and connection. Mahalo to the artists, organizers and sponsors who made this free concert possible and brought this meaningful experience to our community.”
Ahead of the concert, guests explored the Mākeke at The Branches, which showcased over 20 local Maui businesses, makers and artisans, all invited to participate at no cost, allowing vendors to keep 100% of proceeds from their sales. The market also featured food and beverage offerings from Royal Lahaina Resort’s signature restaurant Lahaina Noon and Chef Joey Macadangdang from Joey’s Kitchen, Balai Pata and the recently opened Dang Dang Noodle. The evening reflected Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows’ continued commitment to celebrating and supporting the Maui community through experiences rooted in local culture, community connection, and collaboration…at the heart of why it is fondly called “The People’s Place.”
Enjoy An Encore Broadcast of Mele For Maui Exclusively on Hawaii News Now
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | KHNL (NBC)
Also LIVE ON DEMAND: www.hawaiinewsnow.com/
WHO: Mele for Maui was made possible by its presenting sponsors, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Council, Hawaii News Now, in partnership with Kā‘anapali Golf Course, Hawai‘i Stage, Roberts Hawai‘i, Kā’anapali Operations Association, Matson Inc., Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 2 Shrugs LLC, Rhema Services, NMG, Pacific Media Group and Highgate Hawai‘i, with additional support from a Grant in Aid from the State of Hawai‘i Legislature.
WHERE: Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows | Kā‘anapali, Maui
“RETURN TO THE MAGIC OF MAUI” SWEEPSTAKES | www.hawaiinewsnow.com/
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows Invites You To Return To The Magic Of Maui
The magic and mana of Maui is unlike any other island paradise. The warmth of its people. The beauty of its shores and lush valleys. The feeling of aloha that makes you want to come back and celebrate what makes this island so special. Now, you have the chance to return to Maui and experience its magic for two, courtesy of The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows and Hawaiian Airlines | Alaska Airlines.
The “Return to Maui Giveaway” Includes:
- Three-night stay for two in an Oceanfront Bungalow
- Daily breakfast at Lahaina Noon
- Daily oceanfront cabana leisure
- Pair of VIP tickets to Myths of Maui
- A couples massage at The Spa at Royal Lahaina
- Air transportation for two to Maui from any gateway city served by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines
Enter for your chance to return to Maui and celebrate the aloha that makes island memories truly unforgettable. Must be redeemed by Sept. 30, 2027. Additional terms and conditions apply.
More information on Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows visit www.royallahaina.com.
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