Maui No Ka Oi will jump start the Festival of Aloha celebrations with a lively First Friday street festival in Wailuku, highlighting our Native Hawaiian culture.  Enjoy live entertainment, hula, food, artisans, crafters, shopping in historic Wailuku town. Honorary Council Chair Danny Mateo and Cultural Practitioner Kaponoai Molitau will host.

September 7th:  First Friday Festivals of Aloha Kickoff. Hookena, live music, blessing, Free Admission, Market Street, Wailuku, 6 pm - 9 pm.  Contact Yuki Lei Sugimura for more info, 878-1888.

September 14th:  Queen Kaahumanu Center’s 40th Anniversary celebration in Kahului will honor its famous namesake, Queen Kaahumanu.  Homegrown activities feature keiki (children) entertainment, cultural projects, educational demonstrations.  Free and open to public, 7 pm - 9 pm. Contact Tina Thompson for more info, 268-9285

September 15th:  11th Annual Richard Hoopii Falsetto Contest offers a rich showcase of Hawaiian music tradition and Hawaiian language learning for falsetto contestants across the islands. Evening also features cultural demonstrations, craft booths and kids’ activities.  Festivals of Aloha ribbon for entry.  Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Salon Ballroom, 6 pm - 10 pm.

September 16th:  Festivals of Aloha Ho`olaulea, Lahaina Banyan Tree Park.  Entertainment includes 2012 Richard Hoopii Falsetto winners, crafters artisans. Historic Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina, 9 am - 5 pm.

Oct 19th-21th:  Maui Nui Canoe Race - Maui to Moloka‘i to Lana‘i  and back to  Maui.  Like our ancestors, we believe the sea is more than just a place to spend the day swimming at the beach. It is a gateway to food, a place of cleansing and a highway -- connecting our people to other islands, to the elements and to our akua (higher beings). This race will challenge the skill and endurance of all participants, spanning 3 islands in 3 days and over 100 miles. We invite everyone to come and support our paddlers and to celebrate the wa'a (canoe).

1. ▪Oct 19:  9 am start, Maliko to Moloka'i.  Moloka'i Stargazing Talk Story (Tentative)
   

2. ▪Oct 20: 8 am start, TBD to Hulopoe Bay.  Lana'i Beach Day at Hulopoe Bay, Lana'i - Ho'olaule'a/Entertainment/Exhibits
   

3. ▪Oct 21: 8 am start, Hulopoe, Lana'i Bay to Hanakao’o Beach.  End of the Race Luau;  Awards at Hanaka'o'o Beach Park (Canoe Beach, Lahaina)
   

More information: call Maui Manager Daryl Fujiwara, 264-8779, sfdhawaii@gmail.com