Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce to honor 120 years of Filipino legacy at annual flag raising event

The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the County of Maui and Office of the Mayor, announced today that the annual Filipino American History Month Flag-Raising Ceremony will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. on the front lawn of the Kalana O Maui Building, 200 South High Street in Wailuku.

This year’s ceremony commemorates the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first 15 Sakadas in Hawaiʻi in 1906, paying tribute to the generations of Filipino immigrants whose labor, sacrifice and perseverance helped shape Hawaiʻi and the community we know today.

Maui County became the first county in the State of Hawaiʻi to host a Philippine flag-raising ceremony in observance of Filipino American History Month on Oct. 1, 2011. The ceremony has remained an annual tradition, with the Philippine flag continuing to fly at the County building throughout the month of October.

“This ceremony is about remembering the generations who came before us while celebrating the community they helped build,” said Grace Sales, President of the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce. “As we commemorate 120 years since the first Sakadas arrived in Hawaiʻi, we honor their courage, sacrifice and legacy. We are also deeply grateful to the County of Maui and the Office of the Mayor for continuing this meaningful tradition and for standing with our Filipino community year after year.”

The program will include the raising of the Philippine flag, a County proclamation, community remarks and cultural presentations. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to remain for Filipino bites, art, culture and fellowship. The event is free and open to the public.

The Chamber is joined by Filipino community partners Maui Filipino Community Council, Bahay Kubo Heritage Foundation and Kaibigan ng Lahaina Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Filipino history, culture and heritage on Maui

The Chamber also extends its appreciation to the businesses and community supporters helping make this year’s observance possible, including Sabado Art Studios, The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Tante’s Island Cuisine, Maui Beach Hotel Rainbow Dining, Bayer’s Kīhei team,  Four Sisters Bakery and Haiku Farms, along with the many individuals and volunteers generously contributing food, resources and their time to the celebration.

The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen Maui’s Filipino business and professional community by promoting business growth, professional development, education, civic engagement and the perpetuation of Filipino culture and heritage.

For more information about this event and the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, visit MauiFilipinoChamber.com, email MauiFilipinoChamberCC@gmail.com, or call 808-359-1616.