<![CDATA[FOA ORG - Updates]]>

<![CDATA[FOA ORG - Updates]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:33:29 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Wailuku First Friday Opens Festivals of Aloha—Celebrating Maui Grown & Made with GoFarm Hawai‘i Pop-Up]]>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:32:18 GMThttps://www.festivalsofaloha.org/updates/wailuku-first-friday-opens-festivals-of-aloha-celebrating-maui-grown-made-with-gofarm-hawaii-pop-up

Wailuku, Maui – Wailuku First Friday returns on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, ushering in the Festivals of Aloha with a vibrant evening dedicated to community, culture, and connection to the land.
Farmers Market - Inside the Wailuku Garage, this month’s event spotlights Maui Grown & Made, a special pop-up market in collaboration with GoFarm Hawaiʻi, featuring a wonderful variety of products grown and crafted right here on Maui. Mahalo to Hawaiʻi Farmers Union and the Maui Farmers Support Network for helping bring this showcase to life. Together, we aim to highlight the richness of Maui-made and Maui-grown offerings directly to the local ‘ohana. Keeping the energy flowing, DJ Z will be spinning the tracks.
The evening’s live entertainment includes the celebrated trio, Ei Nei. Comprised of Dane Fujiwara (Wailuku), Grant Kono (Oneawa), and ʻEkolu Chang (Kāne‘ohe), they’re known for their smooth vocal blend, rich harmonies, and award-winning music rooted in Hawaiian tradition with an eye toward the future. Also taking the stage is Antonio “Akoni” Robles, a proud Wailuku native and the champion of the 22nd annual Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest (2024), honored for his performance of the Hawaiian standard Waikaloa.
Check out Sketchy Booth and the Labubu Party at Mystery Maui. From 6:30 - 8:30pm in front of the Iao Theatre, Sae Design will be hosting a Community Mural Activity.
Market Street will bustle with local artisans, ‘ono food from restaurants and trucks, and an array of Maui vendors. Free parking is available at the Wailuku Garage after 6:00 PM (entrance on Church Street between Vineyard and Main). Please note, Market Street closes to vehicle traffic beginning at 5:30 PM; cars parked in the closure area will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
Please note: Wailuku First Friday will take a pause in October and looks forward to returning on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Wailuku First Friday is supported by the County of Maui, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Kilohana by CNHA, and KPOA 93.5 FM. For more information, visit www.wailukufirstfriday.com.

]]><![CDATA[Festivals of Aloha Announces 2025 Schedule of Events]]>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:29:03 GMThttps://www.festivalsofaloha.org/updates/festivals-of-aloha-announces-2025-schedule-of-eventsMAUI, HAWAI‘I – Festivals of Aloha proudly announces its 2025 theme: “Hahai nō ka Ua i ka Ululā‘au – Rains Always Follow the Forests.” Selected by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata, this ‘ōlelo no‘eau honors the State of Hawai‘i’s designation of 2025 as the Year of Our Community Forests. It reminds us that the rains are drawn to the forests, and how our communities can become forests by planting trees and native plants right in our own backyards, helping to attract the rains and restore balance to the land.

This year’s Festivals of Aloha will span September through October, with celebrations across Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, Wailea, Hāna, and Makawao. Each event uplifts the traditions of our small towns and kūpuna, while inviting residents and visitors alike to join in the spirit of aloha as Maui continues on its path of healing.

For the most up-to-date information, visit FestivalsOfAloha.com or follow us on Facebook.
2025 Schedule of EventsWailuku

Wailuku First Friday – Sept. 5, 6:00–9:00 pm, Market St. | An evening of local merchants, food, and entertainment. More at wailukufirstfriday.com

Kahului

Aloha Friday – Sept. 12, 5:00–8:00 pm, Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center | Cultural exhibits, hands-on activities, music and hula. Featuring Kalama School ‘Ukulele Band.

Kahului

Kū Mai Ka Hula – Sept. 12–13 | Maui’s only adult hula competition at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets at kumaikahula.com

Kapalua

23rd Annual Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto Contest – Sept. 20, Ritz-Carlton Maui. Doors open 5:30 pm, contest begins 6:30 pm. Applications and tickets at festivalsofaloha.com

Lāna‘i

Lāna‘i Ho‘olaule‘a – Sept. 27 | Crafts, local food, hands-on activities, and live entertainment.
(Book your day trip on Expeditions Ferry: go-lanai.com or call (808) 661-3756)

Moloka‘i

Moloka‘i Ho‘olaule‘a – Oct. 10, 5:30–9:30 pm, Community Health Center | Local food, shopping, and performances by Hawaiian Style Band, Sons of Yeshua, and more.

Hāna – Oct. 18–25 | A full week of community events at Hāna Ballpark and Hāna Bay:

Oct. 18: Hāna Parade & Ho‘olaule‘a, 11:00 am–closing (Crafters Fair 10:00 am–3:00 pm, Music 1:00–3:00 pm)
Oct. 19: Keiki & Wahine Shoreline Fishing Tournament (7:00 am–noon), ‘Ohana Beach Day (noon–5:00 pm)
Oct. 20: Sports Night (3:00–9:00 pm)
Oct. 21: Teen Night (6:00–9:00 pm, Helene Hall) & Sports Night (5:00–9:00 pm)
Oct. 22: Food Contests (2:30–5:00 pm) & Hāna Arts Talent Show (5:00 pm)
Oct. 23: Kūpuna Luncheon (11:00 am–2:00 pm), Floral Lei Contest (5:00–7:00 pm), Hawaiiana Night (5:00–9:00 pm)
Oct. 24: Jamboree Night (6:00–10:00 pm)
Oct. 25: Cross-Country Golf (9:00 am–1:00 pm, Farmers Market Parking Lot), Ho‘ike Night (5:00–10:00 pm, Hāna Ballpark)

Wailea – Four Seasons Resort Maui, Oct. 24–26 | Free & open to the public. Complimentary off-site parking with shuttle service available.

Oct. 24, 4:00–9:30 pm: Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Contest – the first wahine falsetto contest.
Oct. 25, 4:00–10:30 pm: Hula is the Heartbeat – performances by Maui’s award-winning hālau hula and special guest artists.
Oct. 26, 4:00–9:30 pm: Sounds of the Sea – sunset and surf paired with live music.

Makawao

Oskie Rice Memorial Rodeo – Oct. 26 | Honoring Hawai‘i’s paniolo heritage with three rodeo performances, beginning with the Friday Bull Bash and continuing through the weekend with traditional events and the VIP Suite Race Car Challenge.

Mahalo to Our SponsorsCounty of Maui – Office of Economic Development, Hāna-Maui Resort, Hāna Arts, Old Lahaina Lū‘au, HPM, Napili Kai Beach Resort, Wailea Resort Association, KPOA 93.5FM, Pacific Media Group, Maui Health, Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Kanile‘a Ukulele, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, Papa Ola Lōkahi, Nā Pu‘uwai, Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Hawaii Petroleum, Keauhou Shopping Center, Kar Mart, Ledcor Maui, American AgCredit, Bacon Universal, Alpha Construction, The Odom Corporation, The Limo Company, Maui Soda & Ice Works, Honua Consulting, Native Intelligence, Goodfellow Bros., and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.]]><![CDATA[Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival]]>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:27:38 GMThttps://www.festivalsofaloha.org/updates/emma-farden-sharpe-hula-festival

Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival to Honor Phyllis Ross and Showcase Maui’s Local Artisans
August 22–23, 2025 | Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, Kāʻanapali Beach
KAHULUI, MAUI – The Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival proudly returns to Lahaina August 22–23, 2025, at the beautifully reimagined Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, bringing together hālau hula, cultural practitioners, artisans, and Hawaiian music in a free, family-friendly celebration of aloha. This year’s festival will shine a spotlight on Phyllis Ross, a lifelong student, dancer, and teacher of hula whose journey has been deeply intertwined with the legacy of Aunty Emma Kapiʻolani Farden Sharpe while also featuring a vibrant mākeke where Maui small businesses and artisans will share their locally made apparel, jewelry, cultural goods, and ono treats.
Phyllis began dancing hula at the age of four, later assisting Aunty Emma’s University of Hawaiʻi classes and spending summers immersed in hula and cultural teachings at Aunty’s home. After performing with Nelsen Waikiki and on Hawaiian Airlines promotional tours worldwide, she returned to Lahaina to dance with the Emma Sharpe Entertainers until Aunty’s passing. On June 14, 1975, Phyllis received her Kumu Hula teaching certificate, formally carrying forward the values and traditions instilled in her by Aunty Emma. Today, she is celebrated for her devotion, humility, and aloha that continue to inspire generations of haumāna.
A special tribute honoring Phyllis Ross will take place on Friday, August 22, at 11:15 a.m. at The Branches at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.
Festival HighlightsFriday, August 22

Opening Performance: 2024 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Falsetto Champion Leimana Purdy
Evening Concert: Award-winning vocalist Natalie A‘i Kamau‘u at The Branches

Saturday, August 23 (10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
A full day of hālau hula performances featuring:

Nā Pua O Kapi‘olani Hula Studio – Kumu Holoaumoku Ralar
Napili Kai Foundation – Kumu Holoaumoku Ralar
Hālau Ka Pā Hula ʻO Kawaiolanoelaniokāne (Reno, NV) – Kumu Kawaiola Noelani Deguilmo
Pukalani Hula Hale – Kumu Hi‘ilei Maxwell Juan
Hālau Ke‘ala Kahinano O Pua – Kumu Joy Salvador
Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua – Kumu Kamaka Kukona

Cultural Workshops (Saturday, August 23) (Register here: Workshop Sign-Up)

Pūpū Weuweu – Regenerative resource stewardship through a hula lens | 10:30 a.m.
ʻUkulele Workshop with Jason Jerome (Lahaina Music) | 12:30 p.m.
Intermediate Hula Workshop with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata | 2:00 p.m.

Festival Mākeke: Shop Local, Shop MauiAlongside the performances, a signature part of this year’s festival is the mākeke, inviting everyone to experience the best of Maui’s small businesses. From stylish apparel for men, women, and children to handcrafted jewelry, unique cultural goods, and delicious local treats, the marketplace offers something for everyone.
The mākeke is more than shopping, it is a chance to connect with Maui’s creative community and support local entrepreneurs while taking home a piece of aloha.
Festival ExperienceRediscover “the people’s place” at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. Festival guests booking through the exclusive link will enjoy waived resort fees and free self-parking, just steps away from all festivities.
Honoring Aunty Emma’s LegacyThe festival continues the mission of Aunty Emma Farden Sharpe, a renowned Kumu Hula and cultural leader who dedicated her life to preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture. Originally an extension of Nā Mele O Maui, the festival today brings new life to Aunty Emma’s vision, celebrating both kahiko and ʻauana styles of hula.
Mahalo to Our Generous SponsorsCounty of Maui Office of Economic Development, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Kilohana by Hawaiian Council, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, ʻOhana Farden, Pacific Media Group – KPOA 93.5 FM, KS Kaiāulu, and the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.

For more information, visit: facebook.com/efshf
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"Hula is the language of the heart, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people." - David Kalakaua. The energy that exudes physically and spiritually from the dancer is used to move not just the dancer itself but everything around the dancer. It can change the world – change the world for the better. The energy could be the hula, a visual display, it could be the mele, touching our sense of hearing – that all touch us – its a motivator, a way to connect, not just with the culture, but with each other.

About Emma Farden Sharpe
“From the 1920s through the late 1980s, this fabulous Farden, as she was known, dominated entertainment in the Hawaiian style. She brought authentic hula to uncounted thousands of visitors as well as dancers who themselves would become leading kumu (teachers) – who joined in her vision to preserve the dances of antiquity. These include the legendary Nina Maxwell and grand niece Kathy Holoaumoku Ralar. All brought or bring these traditions to an even newer generation of dancers. Auntie Emma learned the traditional hula she passed on to thousands from three teachers. Her first, as a young girl, was Kauhai Likua, dancer for Kamehameha IV’s royal court. Another was hula master Joseph Ilala’ole, from whom some 90 percent of hula taught today can be linked. Likua was her true mentor, whose style she passed on to her own dedicated students. Sharpe’s third kumu was Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui.”

ABOUT ROYAL LAHAINA RESORT & BUNGALOWS
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is one of Maui’s first resorts, unfolding across 27 acres of sun-kissed, tropical gardens on the world-renowned Ka’anapali Beach. The intimate property, once the preferred retreat for Hawaiian royalty, remains independently owned and curated by locals who share the values of the islands. With stunning panoramic views of neighboring islands, Lanai and Molokai, and premier access to over a mile of secluded Ka’anapali Beach, the intimate oasis offers 333 guest rooms and 127 private bungalows, exquisite open-air dining, the dazzling Myths of Maui Luau, The Spa at Royal Lahaina, two serene pools, recreational and tennis/pickleball courts, an adjacent golf course, and above all, its hallmark warmth of personalized hospitality with aloha. The resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich culture of Maui, offering a restoring and re-energizing blend of relaxation and adventure. For more information, please visit www.royallahaina.com | @royallahainaresort or call 808-661-3611.

]]><![CDATA[Summer Fun at Wailuku First Friday]]>Sun, 25 May 2025 23:57:51 GMThttps://www.festivalsofaloha.org/updates/summer-fun-at-wailuku-first-friday

Celebrate the start of summer in the heart of historic Wailuku Town at Wailuku First Friday on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This month’s free, family-friendly street festival promises a lively mix of music, culture, food, and community connection—perfect for locals and visitors alike.
The Market Street Stage will come alive with the award-winning voice of Cody Pueo Pata from 6-7:30pm, followed by the sweet island sounds of Maui Jam from 7:45pm-9pm. Just a short walk away, DJZ will be spinning your favorite beats all night long inside the Wailuku Garage.
A special highlight of the evening at 7:30pm will be a 3-song teaser performance by cast members from Maui OnStage’s upcoming summer production of “Come From Away”—a moving, must-see Broadway musical coming soon to the Historic Iao Theater.
Don’t miss the Canoe Crop Corner, a cultural and culinary showcase presented by the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. This unique experience features free tastings and cultural demonstrations, with June’s spotlight on Chef Alvin Savella of Coco Deck Lahaina and U‘i Kahue of Maui Grown 808.
Parking and Road Closures:
Free parking is available after 6:00 p.m. at the Wailuku Garage, accessible via Church Street between Vineyard and Main. Please note that Market Street will close to vehicle traffic starting at 5:30 p.m. Cars left parked on Market Street during the event will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
Whether you're enjoying the live performances, tasting local flavors, or shopping from street vendors and local merchants, there’s something for everyone at Wailuku First Friday.
Mahalo to our event partners: County of Maui, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Kilohana by CNHA, Lokahi Pacific, and KPOA 93.5FM.
About Wailuku First Friday:
Wailuku First Friday is a free, family-friendly event held in the heart of Wailuku Town. Featuring live music, cultural activities, and local businesses, this monthly celebration highlights the vibrant community spirit of Maui.

For more information, visit www.wailukufirstfriday.com.
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]]><![CDATA[Parade Marshals Needed June 21, 2025!]]>Tue, 13 May 2025 20:13:28 GMThttps://www.festivalsofaloha.org/updates/parade-marshals-needed-june-21-2025Seeking parade marshals to help with the safety and support of the Kamehameha Parade on Maui Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 8am - 11:30am
Check in at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center at Old Sears entry area.
Park at the back of shopping center
Please prepare for full sun exposure - water, sunglasses, hat, long sleeve, sunscreen, umbrella
https://forms.gle/ZEjWYK29r9j3XoaRA]]><![CDATA[Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā‘u Parade Entries]]>Tue, 13 May 2025 20:12:02 GMThttps://www.festivalsofaloha.org/updates/na-kamehameha-commemorative-pau-parade-entriesParade Entries Now Open for the 2025 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā‘ū Parade
Kahului, Maui – The 2025 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a is set for Saturday, June 21, 2025, and invites the community to take part in the annual celebration. The festivities return to Central Maui, with a parade along Ka‘ahumanu Avenue followed by a ho‘olaule‘a at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center.
This year’s statewide theme, “E Ho‘omau – Celebrating Mary Kawena Pukui,” honors the renowned Hawaiian scholar, linguist, and historian whose work has helped preserve the Hawaiian language and culture for generations.
Parade applications are now open, and interested participants must submit their entries by May 30, 2025. To apply and review parade rules, judging criteria, and other details, visit: https://forms.gle/A2i2AuppCERNtuYW9.
The parade route will begin at Maui Lani Parkway and proceed east along Ka‘ahumanu Avenue toward Kahului Beach Road. Detailed staging information will be provided upon acceptance of entries.
Participants can enter the parade under the following categories:

Float: A decorated, self-propelled vehicle or trailer that is transformed into a themed display. (Max height: 20 feet)
Decorated Vehicle: A decorated car, truck, golf cart, or similar vehicle that remains recognizable. (Max height: 20 feet)
Marching Units: Precision drill teams, flag units, cheer squads, marching bands, or military units performing in cadence.
Walking Units: Groups or organizations walking the parade route without choreography or precision movement.

Entry Divisions:

Commercial: Businesses and for-profit entities ($50 entry fee)
Non-Commercial: Nonprofits, schools, and community groups (No entry fee)

"Last year’s event was a huge success, and we were moved by the outpouring of community support," shared event coordinator Daryl Fujiwara. "The energy, the smiles, and the pride in our culture were truly inspiring. We look forward to another amazing event this year and invite everyone to participate in honoring the legacy of Kamehameha I and his lineage.”
Road Closure Notice: Motorists are advised that Ka‘ahumanu Avenue will be closed on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. between Lunalilo Street and Kane Street/Kahului Beach Road. Please plan accordingly.
The Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā‘ū Parade serves as a commemoration rather than just a celebration. While we encourage creativity and enthusiasm, we ask all participants to remember that this parade is dedicated to honoring King Kamehameha I and his lineage. Please keep this in mind when designing your parade entry to ensure it reflects the dignity and respect of this important occasion.
This event is made possible through the generous support of the County of Maui – Office of Economic Development, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Kilohana by CNHA, Pacific Media Group, and KPOA 93.5FM
For more information and updates, follow us on social media. We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a!
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