The event will feature hula performances and Hawaiian artisans and crafters demonstrating lei-making, wood carving and other traditional skills.

LAHAINA – Lahaina Cannery Mall is excited to host its annual Hula Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4, at the center’s main stage area.

The free, two-day cultural event will feature four different halau (dance troupes) from across the island presenting richly choreographed hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ‘auana (modern hula) that express the traditional values of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

The halau will take the stage between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day, with performances scheduled as follows:

Saturday, Aug. 3: 10 to 11 a.m., Hui Lanakila (Kumu: Marie Biga); 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Te Tiare Patitifa (Kumu: Keoni Manuel); 1 to 2 p.m., Na Kamali’i Nani O Lahaina (Kumu: Jan Kitaguchi); and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Halau Hula O Keola Ali’i O Ke Kai (Kumu: Iola Balubar).

The schedule on Sunday, Aug. 4, is: 10 to 11 a.m., Te Tiare Patitifa; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Na Kamali’i Nani O Lahaina; 1 to 2 p.m., Te Tiare Patitifa; and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Halau Hula Keola Ali’i O Ke Kai.

Along with the outstanding hula performances, the weekend-long celebration will also feature Hawaiian artisans and crafters demonstrating lei-making, weaving and other traditional skills. The daily cultural demonstration schedule is as follows: 10 a.m., Coconut Weaving; 11 a.m., Haku Lei; 12 p.m., Lei Po’o; 1 p.m., Ti Leaf Lei;

2 p.m., Lauhala; 3 p.m., String Flower Lei; and 4 p.m., Hula Lesson or Oli, Center Stage.

In addition to the cultural demonstrations, the public is encouraged to participate at various hands-on learning stations, such as flower and feather lei-making, kukui nut bracelet-making and coconut leaf weaving that will be located throughout the mall.

Also on Saturday, Aug. 3, the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will hold a School Supplies Drive benefitting the students at Hana Elementary School (see page 11).

Lahaina Cannery also continues to host Lahaina Arts Society (LAS) every Saturday and Sunday in August from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the lawn fronting Starbucks. Come out and talk story with LAS artists and view and purchase paintings, glass art, ceramics, photography, woodcarving, jewelry and more.

Other free family entertainment this month includes Maui magician Holden Mowat with his interactive, all-ages magic-comedy performance at center stage. The magic veteran from the award-winning Kupanaha Magic Dinner Show performs every Saturday at 12:00 p.m. (excluding Saturday, Aug. 3rd).

To get detailed information on all upcoming events, visit www.lahainacannerymall.com.