Maui Ocean Center released five juvenile green sea turtles into the ocean in front of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel last week Thursday morning. Many of the aquarium’s employees — who spent two years feeding, cleaning and caring for the honu — were joined by staff of the state Division of Aquatic Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and the hotel to witness the turtles’ release into the open ocean. Here, excited onlookers watch Maui Ocean Center curatorial staff member Arik Dadez carry a green sea turtle to the ocean. Photo by Maui Ocean Center.

LAHAINA — LahainaTown Action Committee will host the Po’alima Arts Festival on Friday, Sept. 9, in Campbell Park.

Set for 4 to 8 p.m., the festival is a family event that will feature live entertainment, special art demonstrations, a keiki area with face painting, and food booths.

That evening, LAC will join with Lahaina Arts Society for the 23rd annual Lahaina Poster Contest, with selected entries featured at the LAS Old Jail Gallery in the Old Lahaina Courthouse.

The winners will be announced at the LAS reception from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the Po’alima Arts Festival.

Come enjoy a fun, family friendly evening of art, food and music in beautiful Lahaina Town at the Old Lahaina Jail Gallery and in Campbell Park along Front Street, located between the Baldwin Home and the Wharf Cinema Center.

All poster contest entries are due on Sept. 2 and must be turned in at the Old Lahaina Courthouse. For information, call 667-9175 or visit www.visitlahaina.com.