The entertainment program will feature continuous Okinawan music and dance (Sensei Chihiro Irei is pictured). PHOTO BY RICK SHIMOMURA.

KAHULUI – The Maui Okinawan Kenjin Kai (MOKK), along with co-sponsor Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, will hold its Maui Okinawan Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at QKC’s Center Stage.

“Chibariyo” is the theme of the festival being chaired by Christine Hondo with lots of support from MOKK members and friends.

New this year: genealogy! Representatives from the Okinawa Prefecture Library will assist Maui residents with Okinawan backgrounds to research their family history during the festival. Multi-lingual staff will be present to help. This is a free community service.

The entertainment program will feature continuous Okinawan music and dance performed by homegrown talent from Maui, as well as performers from Oahu.

Taiko and sanshin performers as well as odori dancers will also take the stage.

There’ll be something for everyone at the Maui Okinawan Festival, even a craft fair featuring the arts, crafts and jewelry of vendors from Maui and Oahu.

Artifacts reflecting Okinawan history will be on view at the cultural display room.

Of course, no Okinawan festival is complete without lots of Okinawan food.

The Maui festival will feature delicious pig’s feet soup, an Okinawan plate lunch, chow fun, andagi and more!

The Country Store will feature homemade maki sushi, baked goods, along with different types of mochi, including nantu and baked mochi.

Festival T-shirts will also be available for sale.

The Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai welcomes all Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu-at-heart!

Mark your calendars and don’t forget to bring your recyclable bags.

For more information on the festival, call the Maui Okinawan Cultural Center at 242-1560.