Maui News

WAILUKU–Festivals of Aloha is proud to announce its 2024 theme: “Ka La’i o Hauola – Hauola Peace”, in honor of the revered Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina, a historic symbol of healing and renewal.

As Maui Nui communities continue to recover from the devastating fires that occurred on August 8, 2023, this year’s event theme reflects our collective hope for peace and comfort, drawing on the ancient tradition of health and renewal of this stone.

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

Through a rich mosaic 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, visit FestivalsOfAloha.com.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

¯ First Friday in Wailuku – September 6th at Market St., Wailuku from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a small town evening supporting local merchants, local food and entertainment

¯ Aloha Friday – September 13 (tentative) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening of Hawaiian cultural exhibits, hands-on activities, Hawaiian music, and hula!

¯ Kū Mai Ka Hula – September 14 – Maui’s only adult hula competition at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Tickets and information at kumaikahula.com

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

¯ Lāna’i – October 5 – Ho’olaule’a: interactive activities, local food, artisans and live performances.

¯ Molokai – October 11 – Molokai Ho’olaule’a at the Community Health Center from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. featuring local food, local shopping and entertainment.

Hana – October 19–26, 2024

Saturday, October 19 – Hāna Ballpark – Hāna Parade and Ho’olaule’a: Craft Fair: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

¯ Sports Night in the Park: 3:00-9:00 PM – Kickball

¯ Sunday, October 20 – Hāna Bay – Keiki/Wahine Coast Fishing Tournament: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ohana Beach Day: Ohana Fun Day Games, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday, October 21 – Sports Night: 5:00-9:00 p.m. (Hāna Ballpark) – Tennis, volleyball and cornhole games begin.

Tuesday, October 22 – Hawaiian crafts: 1:30-3:30 p.m. (hotel), sports night: 5-9 p.m. (Hāna Ballpark) – tennis, volleyball and cornhole finals.

¯ Wednesday, October 23rd – Movie Night at Hāna Ball Park: 5:00–9:00 p.m.

¯ Thursday, October 24 – Hāna Bay – Annual Hāna Arts Talent Show: Registration – 4:00 PM, Program – 5:00 PM – Six categories with amazing prizes

Friday, October 25 – Flower Lei Contest: 9:00-11:00 AM (hotel) – Kupuna Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (hotel) – Po Hawaii and Aloha Costume Contests: 5:00-9:00 PM (Hāna Bay) – Hawaiian culture and entertainment.

Saturday, October 26 – Golf Course: 9:00pm-12:00pm (Farmers Market Parking Lot) – Hō’ike Night: 5:00pm-10:00pm (Hāna Bay).

Wailea – Four Seasons Resort Maui – October 25-27

All events at Wailea are FREE and open to the public! Event Parking – Free off-site parking with shuttle service will be available at the Wailea Event Parking lot, located across from Monkeypod on Wailea Ike Drive on Saturday, October 26 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sunday, October 27 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

¯ Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest – October 25, the first female falsetto contest in Hawaii. Traditionally a kāne (male) contest, Maui leads the way in establishing a new tradition that highlights another beautiful side of Hawaiian music.

¯ Hula is the Heartbeat – October 26, A celebration of Hawaiian music and hula, showcasing four of Maui’s most prestigious hālau (hula schools). A&B Lounge, 5:00 p.m. – Doors Open; 6:30–8:30 p.m.

¯ Sounds of the Sea – October 27, a free evening of Hawaiian music. Doors open at 4:00 PM, show begins at 5:00 PM on the Oceanfront Lawn.

The 22nd Annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Competition will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Entrants can still enter online and tickets can be purchased at festivalsofaloha.com/.

Our 3rd Carmen Hulu Lindsey Women’s Falsetto Contest is also still looking for participants. Amateur singers should apply at festivalsofaloha.com/haihai.

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

The theme for 2024 was chosen by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata. “Ka La’i o Hauola, the Peace of Hauola. The famous Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina was once the birthstone for those of exalted lineage; the place where the people of the region would lay the piko of their children along with prayers for health and longevity; and it is still revered as a healing stone for those who would seek its restorative powers.

As communities affected by the devastating wildfires of August 8, 2023 continue to navigate a path of renewal and restoration, the Aloha Festivals on Maui celebrates this year’s theme: Ka La’i o Hauola – The Peace of Hauola. This ‘ōlelo no’eau represents feelings of peace and solace. As this year’s theme, we express our continued commitment to standing with the kupa and ‘āina on Maui until peace and solace are once again restored.

2024 Festival Ribbons are now available. Proceeds from our ribbon sales support the events. Call or text (808) 268-9285.

For the latest information, please visit festivalsofaloha.com and “like” us on Facebook.

Mahalo to County of Maui Economic Development Office, 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 `Oma 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