KoAloha Ukulele artist partners TJ (right) and Maia Mayeshiro will perform from noon to 12:30 p.m.

KAANAPALI – The Okami ohana and artisans from KoAloha Ukulele are proud to sponsor the 18th annual Maui Youth Ukulele Contest hosted by Hula Grill Kaanapali. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Whalers Village in Kaanapali Beach Resort.

KoAloha Ukulele will donate seven custom ukuleles (bearing the Hula Grill Kaanapali logo on them) as prizes for the winners.

For the past 17 years, the staff and management of Hula Grill Kaanapali have conducted the annual contest as a way to bring keiki ukulele players together and give them an opportunity to play on stage in front of a live audience.

Keiki from kindergarten through grade 12 are invited to participate in the friendly competition. To enter the contest, go to www.hulagrillkaanapali.com/ukes.

The day will begin with Division I playing from 10 to 10:30 a.m., Division II playing from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and Division III playing from 11 a.m. to noon.

KoAloha Ukulele artist partners TJ and Maia Mayeshiro will perform from noon to 12:30 p.m., followed by the Groups Division from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Keoki Kahumoku, founder of the contest, along with his students will perform from 1:30 to 2 p.m., followed by the announcement of the winners and awards presentation.

KoAloha Ukulele is regarded as one of the premier ukulele builders among music lovers and professionals worldwide with a reputation for sound and quality.

The Okami ohana consisting of Patricia and Alvin “Pops” Okami, and sons Alan and Paul, are also known for their generous spirit and their outreach efforts into communities all over Hawaii.

Alan said, “Mahalo to Hula Grill for making this happen for the youth of Maui. We are happy to be a part of such a long-standing event.”

For more information about Hula Grill or the Maui Youth Ukulele Contest, call 667-6636 or go to www.hulagrill.com.