WEST MAUI — With the theme “E Hi’ipoi i Ka Lei Aloha, Cherished is the beloved child,” the 2011 Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style is under way.

Festivals of Aloha events are slated throughout Maui County in September and October.

The annual festival honors and celebrates Hawaiian heritage.

On Friday, Sept. 9, keiki entertainment, cultural projects and educational demonstrations at Maui Mall in Kahului from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

On Sept. 10, the Richard Ho’opi’i Falsetto Contest is set for 6 to 10 p.m. in the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s Salon Ballroom.

Na Palapalai will perform at the event, where emerging falsetto singers compete for prizes. A Festivals of Aloha Ribbon is needed for admission.

Falsetto contest winners will perform the next day at the Festivals of Aloha Ho’olaule’a in Banyan Tree Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The fete will also feature crafters and artisans. For information, contact Darryl Fujiwara at 264-8779.

Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style also includes events on Lanai on Sept. 23-25, Molokai on Oct. 13-15 and Hana from Oct. 15-22. For a full schedule of events, go to www.festivalsofaloha.com.

For overall event information, contact Yuki Lei Sugimura at 878-1888 or YukiLei.Sugimura@gmail.com.