#MAPA
The Naylor Theatre, the ‘Jewel of Wailuku,’ is this philanthropist’s latest gift to Maui
The Naylor Theatre is the Maui Academy of Performing Arts facility in the old Dollar General Store space at 2027 Main Street is named for Susan Naylor’s family after her $1 million donation was the catalyst to get the $15 million building open.
AARP accepting 2026 Community Challenge grant applications
AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.
The Sewing Hui seeks holiday funders for ‘Stitching Futures’ costume mentorship
The Sewing Hui of Maui is trying to close a $16,000 funding gap by Dec. 31 for its program “Stitching Futures: Costume Design & Production Mentorship Program.”
MAPA executive director to speak at Lahaina Rotary meeting
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Carolyn Wright will be the speaker at the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset meeting. The topic of her presentation is “Maui Academy of Performing Arts: Enriching Lives and Building Community through the Arts for 50 Years”
MAPA launches final phase of capital campaign for new theatre
Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) is launching the final phase of its $15 million capital campaign to create the Main Street Arts Project, MAPA’s new performing arts campus in Wailuku. This project is the culmination of MAPA’s decades-long dream to own its own home and revitalize Wailuku through the arts.
MAPA presents the comedy ‘Love, Loss, and What I Wore’ at its Living Room venue, April 11-26
Coming up next in MAPA’s Living Room is the comedy “Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” written by Nora and Delia Ephron and based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman.
Single lane closure on Main Street in Wailuku for sidewalk work
One lane on Main Street (Route 32) in Wailuku between Mile Posts 0.21 and 0.23 will be closed for sidewalk replacement work as part of the Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) Black Box Theater project.
‘Welcome Back to Wailuku’ First Friday
In March of 2020, COVID precautions had caused sweeping closures of Maui’s Friday Town Parties. Over four years later, Wailuku First Fridays is making a comeback. The free community street party returns to Market Street on Aug. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Amy Hānaialiʻi and Richard Cray star in ‘Man of La Mancha’ on Maui this summer
Hawai’i’s top-selling female vocalist of all time, Amy Hānaialiʻi, will return to her roots in musical theatre to perform with professional actor Richard Cray in MAPA’s production of the iconic musical Man of La Mancha. The show runs August 16-25 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater.
MAPA receives $1,000,000 donation for new theatre in Wailuku
Maui Academy of Performing Arts has received a $1,000,000 donation for its new black box theatre in Wailuku from philanthropist Susan Naylor Moulton. Currently under construction, the Naylor Family Theatre will open in spring 2025.
MAPA starts construction on black box theater; puts up two Wailuku buildings for sale
Maui Academy of Performing Arts has started construction on its new black box theater in the former National Dollar Store building at 2027 Main Street in Wailuku. With plans to consolidate programming in the new facility, the Board of Directors made the decision to list MAPA’s other two commercial buildings across the street for sale with Commercial Properties of Maui.
Maui Academy of Performing Arts presents: ‘The Lion in Winter’, featuring Broadway veterans
The Maui Academy of Performing Arts presents its latest production, “The Lion in Winter,” with performances Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 and Dec. 14 to 17. This classic play, set during the reign of King Henry II, features Broadway veterans Paul Jackel and Peggy Harmon, along with Jefferson Davis, Shane Borge, Rocco Dahl, Mehra Park and Joseph Duncan.
Top 20 things to do on Maui, Oct. 12-22: Polynesian voyagers festival, The Voice’s Jason Arcilla performance, LGBT Pride Party
Topping our 20 things to do on Maui this week is the three-day Gathering of the Voyagers event in Wailea that celebrates Polynesian culture through story, music, voyaging and dance. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.
‘Birthday Candles’ debuts at Maui Academy of Performing Arts Oct. 6-22
Noah Haidle’s play, “Birthday Candles,” directed by David C. Johnston and featuring a talented cast of Maui actors, will take center stage at the Maui Academy of Performing Arts from Oct. 6 to 22.
MAPA’s Summer Musical Theatre Camp presents Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.
Maui Academy of Performing Arts’ Summer Musical Theatre Camp production of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. opened Thursday night.
“Shop the Street” on Small Business Saturday in Wailuku, Nov. 26
A Small Business Saturday event takes place this weekend, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Wailuku Town. This year, there are 13 participating shops and retailers on Market and Main Streets.
MAPA begins Living Room Theatre Series with production “Almost, Maine”
The Maui Academy of Performing Arts begins its Living Room Theatre Series with the production of “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani.
Small Town * Big Art Shares Overview of Pilot Year, Asks Community Feedback
Small Town * Big Art shared an overview of its pilot year of public arts programming for Wailuku Town and is encouraging the public to provide feedback on its projects to improve next year’s programming.
Tickets on Sale Now for Live-Stream MAPA Musical Theatre Production
The first show in the series is the uplifting and inspiring musical Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown. The show will be live-streamed Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at 7 p.m. HST.
SMALL TOWN * BIG ART “Birds of a Feather” Free Shows Feb. 7
On Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, during the Wailuku First Friday event, the Maui Academy of Performing Arts will present its SMALL TOWN * BIG ART project “Birds of a Feather” free of charge for the public at the 2027 Main Street studio. Show times are at 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
