On Sept. 16 and 17, the Festivals of Aloha Lahaina Banyan Tree Ho‘olaule‘a (pictured) will feature live entertainment, crafters, artisans, keiki activities and local food in Banyan Tree Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. On Sept. 16, the 16th annual Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto Contest will be held in the Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s Kanahele Room. Showcasing amateur male falsetto performers, contestants belt their most exquisite high-register voices in the event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the contest starts at 6:30 p.m.

LAHAINA – From September through October, join the Festivals of Aloha in celebrating the Hawaiian culture.

On Maui, don’t miss the 16th annual Richard Ho’opi’i Falsetto Contest at Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Sept. 16 and Molokai’s Poke and Ulu-Uala-Kalo Contest on Oct. 6.

Enjoy an evening on Lanai and return with a courtesy Festivals of Aloha ferry on Sept. 30.

Kealii Reichel and Halau Ke’alaokamaile will perform in Hana on Oct. 14.

Enjoy ‘ono eats, hands-on activities, Hawaii-made artists, Mele Hawaii and hula – something for everyone.

The 2017 theme is “Aloha ka ho’i a ka holokahiki” (Beloved is the seafarers return home).

Join in the celebration of the return of Hokule’a and Hikianalia, the Polynesian voyaging canoes that sailed across Earth’s oceans.

The Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage began in 2013 with a Malama Hawai’i Sail around our archipelago, and circled back to Polynesia after circumnavigating the globe.

They used the opportunity to study sustainability and pass the torch of navigation to the next generation of wayfinders. Be proud of our wa’a and their crew, their accomplishments, showing the world the strength of our Hawaii.

“To honor them, we dedicate our 2017 festivities to the crew and all of the wayfinders who continue to uphold traditions, promoting and celebrating our culture, fulfilling the vision of Festivals of Aloha and our people,” said Coordinator Daryl Fujiwara.

“Aloha Week was created to keep Hawaiian culture and traditions alive. On Maui, our celebration of aloha is called Festivals of Aloha.”

For the latest information and schedule of events, go to festivalsofaloha.com.

Official Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style ribbons are $5 each and provide discounted admission to many events. For information on purchasing a ribbon, call (808) 268-9285.

Sales are cash-only and help fund countywide events.

For overall event information, contact Fujiwara at sfdhawaii@gmail.com.