Maui Prep’s Class of ‘28 prepares for their 2021 May Day performance.

NAPILI — On Friday, May 6, Maui Preparatory Academy will present its 15th annual May Day Celebration.

The program begins at 8:45 a.m. at the Maui Prep campus located in Napili.

May Day is an annual celebration of Hawaiian culture celebrated through music and hula.

It originated in 1927 when Honolulu Star-Bulletin writer Don Blanding suggested that a holiday be created to honor the custom of making, wearing and exchanging lei.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Columnist Grace Tower Warren suggested that Lei Day be held annually on May 1 in conjunction with May Day, a public holiday that marks the return of spring and anticipation for summer in American culture.

Maui Prep will embody its theme “I Ola Kakou” (so that we shall thrive) with a performance by each class in the lower and middle schools.

Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar thoughtfully chose this theme in light of the current state of our global and local community.

“No matter the challenges or hardships that come our way, beyond surviving, we will thrive,” noted Kumu Ralar of the Na Pua O Kapiolani Hula Studio.

Parent volunteers generously sew traditional Hawaiian pa’u skirts and sashes in vibrant colors, and string lei and other hair ornaments for the special day.

The May Day court features a prince and princess from each kindergarten through seventh grade class, with the court presided by eighth-graders Cameron Henry (son of Thad and Sandy Henry) and Alyssa Condrey (daughter of Michael and Liliana Condrey).