The Maui News

WAILUKU–Festivals of Aloha proudly announces its 2024 theme, “Ka La’i o Hauola – The Calm of Hauola,” honoring the revered Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina, a historic symbol of healing and restoration.

As Maui Nui communities continue to recover from the devastating wildfires of Aug. 8, 2023, this year’s theme reflects our collective hope for peace and comfort, echoing the stone’s ancient legacy of health and renewal.

The festival’s two-month celebration will span Maui, Lāna’i, Molokai, Wailea, and Hāna, showcasing the traditions of our small towns and cherished elders (kūpuna).

Through a rich tapestry of events, we invite all to embrace and learn from our heritage, standing together in the spirit of Aloha as we honor Maui’s path to healing. For the latest updates, please visit FestivalsOfAloha.com.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

¯ Wailuku First Friday – Sept. 6 on Market St., Wailuku from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. for a small town evening supporting local merchants, local eats, and entertainment

¯ Aloha Friday – Sept. 13 (Tentative) from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.. Enjoy an evening of Hawaiian cultural exhibits, hands-on activities, Hawaiian music and hula!

¯ Kū Mai Ka Hula – Sept. 14 – Maui’s only adult hula competition at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. For tickets and info visit kumaikahula.com

¯ Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest – Sept. 21 at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Contest starts 6:30 p.m.

¯ Lāna’i – Oct. 5 – Ho’olaule’a with hands-on activities, local eats, crafters and live entertainment.

¯ Molokai – Oct. 11 – Molokai Ho’olaule’a at the Community Health Center from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. with local eats, local buys and entertainment.

Hāna – Oct. 19-26, 2024

¯ Saturday, Oct. 19 – Hāna Ballpark – Hāna Parade and Ho’olaule’a: Crafters Fair: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

¯ Sports Night at the Park: 3 p.m.-9 p.m. – Kickball

¯ Sunday, Oct. 20 – Hāna Bay – Keiki/Wahine Shoreline Fishing Tournament: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.. ‘Ohana Beach Day: ‘Ohana Play Day Games, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

¯ Monday, Oct. 21 – Sports Night: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. (Hāna Ballpark) – Tennis, Volleyball and Cornhole Starts.

¯ Tuesday, Oct. 22 – Hawaiian Craft Classes: 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (Hotel), Sports Night: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. (Hāna Ballpark) – Tennis, Volleyball and Cornhole Finals.

¯ Wednesday, Oct. 23 – Movie Night at Hāna Ball Park: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

¯ Thursday, Oct. 24 – Hāna Bay – Hāna Arts’ Annual Talent Show: Registration – 4 p.m., Program – 5 p.m. – Six Categories with awesome prizes

¯ Friday, Oct. 25 – Floral Lei Contest: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. (Hotel) – Kupuna Luncheon: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Hotel) – Po Hawaii & Aloha Attire Contests: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. (Hāna Bay)- Hawaiian Culture and Entertainment.

¯ Saturday, Oct. 26 – Cross Country Golf: 9 p.m.-12 p.m. (Farmers Market Parking Lot)- Hō’ike Night: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (Hāna Bay).

Wailea – Four Seasons Resort Maui – Oct. 25-27

All Wailea events are FREE and open to the public! Event Parking – Complimentary off-site parking with roundtrip shuttle service will be available at Wailea Event Parking, located across Monkeypod off of Wailea Ike Drive on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4-9 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m.

¯ Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest – Oct. 25, the first female falsetto contest in Hawai’i. Traditionally a kāne (male) competition, Maui has led the way in establishing a new tradition that highlights another beautiful facet of Hawaiian music.

¯ Hula is the Heartbeat – Oct. 26, A celebration of Hawaiian music and hula showcasing four of Maui’s most prestigious Hālau (hula schools). Salon A&B, 5 p.m. – Doors Open; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

¯ Sounds of the Sea – Oct. 27, A free evening of Hawaiian Music Doors Open at 4 p.m., Show starts at 5 p.m. on the Oceanfront Lawn.

The 22nd annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Saturday, September 21, 2024, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Contestants can still apply online and admission may be purchased at festivalsofaloha.com/.

Our 3rd female falsetto contest in the name of Carmen Hulu Lindsey is still seeking contestants as well. Amateur singers should apply at festivalsofaloha.com/haihai.

Book your day trip to Lāna’i Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, for the ho’olaule’a by calling Expeditions Lāna’i Ferry at go-lanai.com or calling (808) 661-3756.

Our 2024 theme was selected by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata. “Ka La’i o Hauola, The Calm of Hauola. The famed Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina was once a birthing stone for those of exalted lineages; a place for residents of the region to deposit the piko of their children with prayers of health and longevity; and, it is still revered as a healing stone for those who might seek its restorative powers.

As the communities affected by the devastating wildfires on August 8, 2023, continue on the path to recovery and restoration, Maui’s Festivals of Aloha raises forth this year’s theme, Ka La’i o Hauola – The Calm of Hauola. This ‘ōlelo no’eau represents sentiments of peace and comfort. As this year’s guiding theme, we express our ongoing commitment to stand with Maui’s kupa and ‘āina until peace and comfort have once again been restored.

2024 Festival Ribbons are now available. Proceeds generated from sale of our ribbons help to produce the events. Please call or text (808) 268-9285.

For the most up to date info visit festivalsofaloha.com and “like” us on Facebook.

Mahalo to the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kilohana by CNHA, Hāna-Maui Resort, Hāna Arts, Hāna Business Council, Valley Isle Excursions, Old Lahaina Lū’au, HPM, Maui Ocean Center, Keauhou Shopping Center, Joey’s Kitchen/Balai Pata, Napili Kai Beach Resort, Wailea Resort Association, Kā’anapali Beach Resort Association, Sheraton Maui, KPOA93.5FM, Pacific Media Group, Maui ʻOma Coffee, Maui Health, Kumu Farms, Roy’s Kā’anapali, Castaway Cafe, Mala Ocean Tavern, Point Break Pizza & Panini, Maui Ocean Center, Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Kanile’a Ukulele, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, Papa Ola Lokahi, Nā Pu’uwai, Hui No Ke Ola Pono