Festivals of Aloha Maui Events, Sept. 6 to 29

Po`okela Woods, was winner of the 2010 Richard Hoʻopiʻi Falsetto competition. Photo coutesy: Lisa Villiarimo from Festivals of Aloha photo library.

By Maui Now Staff

The annual Festivals of Aloha event returns for a series of events on Maui, beginning on September 6th.  A separate schedule of events is planned in the East Maui town of Hāna in October.

The Maui festivities are part of a state-wide series of events celebrating and highlighting the Hawaiian culture.

The activities begin with a First Friday street festival in Wailuku, featuring live entertainment, hula, food, artisans, crafters, and shopping in historic Wailuku town.

The event website released a list of upcoming activities including the following:

• September 6: First Friday Festivals of Aloha Kickoff event with live music and sidewalk vendors from 6 to 9 p.m. on Market Street.  Admission is free.
• September 27: Aloha Friday in partnership with Pacific Media Group and KPOA 93.5 FM.  This event will honor Queen Kaʻahumanu by featuring keiki entertainment, cultural projects and educational demonstrations at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center from 7 to 9 p.m.  The event is free and open to public.
• September 28: 12th Annual Richard Hoʻopiʻi Falsetto Contest.  This event showcases the Hawaiian music tradition and features falsetto contestants from across the islands. A Festivals of Aloha ribbon is required for entry. The event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Salon Ballroom from 6 to 10 p.m.  Applications to become a contestant are available at the following direct LINK.
• September 29: Festivals of Aloha Hoʻolauleʻa from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Historic Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina. Entertainment includes the 2013 Richard Hoʻopiʻi Falsetto winners, crafters, and artisans.

Official Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style event ribbons are $5 each and provide discounted admission to many events. For purchasing information, call 808-878-1888.  Button sales are cash-only and help fund countywide events.

***Supporting information courtesy: Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style.