The Lahaina event will feature exhibits, free keiki activities, local eats, Maui Made artists, and Hawaiian music and hula with Reiko Fukino, Cody Pueo Pata, Kaniala Masoe, 2022 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Falsetto Champion Lahela Park, Halau Keala Kahinano O Puna and Kason Gomes.

WAILUKU — With the theme “Ku i ke ʻ’Aki — Stand Upon the Highest Point,” Festivals of Aloha is returning to in-person events throughout September and October in Maui County.

Maui Nui’s premiere Hawaiian cultural showcase, Festivals of Aloha will launch on Saturday, Sept. 3, with the Banyan Tree Ho’olaule’a in Lahaina.

Kick off the celebration of aloha at Keawaiki, under the Lahaina Banyan Tree, with exhibits, free keiki activities, local eats, Maui Made artists, and Hawaiian music and hula with Reiko Fukino, Cody Pueo Pata, Kaniala Masoe, 2022 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Falsetto Champion Lahela Park, Halau Keala Kahinano O Puna and Kason Gomes.

On Sept. 16, enjoy Aloha Friday at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring Hawaiian cultural exhibits, free keiki activities, Hawaiian music and hula.

Maui’s early events continue on Saturday, Sept. 24, with the 20th Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Sept. 5.

This year, the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea joins the roster of special experiences with events starting on Oct. 28.

In addition, Festivals of Aloha events begin on Oct. 1 on Lanai, Oct. 7 on Molokai and Oct. 15 in Hana.

Event schedules are subject to change; visit festivalsofaloha.com for the latest updates.

“We are excited to return to in-person events to celebrate the traditions of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Hana and now Wailea,” said Daryl Fujiwara, overall coordinator for Festivals of Aloha.

“We are taking over your September and October. There is something for the whole ‘ohana — Uncle Richard’s Falsetto Contest is celebrating 20 years at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; day trip to Lanai October 1st for their ho’olaule’a; and Hana always over the top with 2-3 events each day for a whole week! Wailea rounds out of the festival with a weekend you won’t forget. Get a festival ribbon, check out our schedule and plan to attend.”

Festival ribbons are $5. Proceeds generated from ribbon sales help to produce the events. For more information, call or text (808) 870-7546.

For the most up to date information, visit festivalsofaloha.com and “like” the festivals on Facebook. For questions, e-mail sfdhawaii@gmail.com.

Exploring this year’s theme, in the Hawaiian Dictionary, the related term “‘aki” (height, tip, top) is accompanied by the example “Ku i ke ‘aki, to stand at the top,” figuratively meaning “to have success.”

Mai uka a kai — from the ‘aki (highest point) of our ahupua’a to the limu ‘aki’aki down below — it is in our best interest to ensure that everything is pono in between.

Let us all “Ku i ke ‘Aki (Stand Upon the Highest Point),” so that we may achieve success for the health and benefit of future generations to come.

This year’s Festivals of Aloha sponsors include the County of Maui Office of Economic Development; Hawaii Tourism Authority; Kaulua’e Hawaii; Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate; The Original Maui Crisps; The Maui Cookie Lady-Mitzi Toro; Queen Ka’ahumanu Center; Kauwela Bisquera; One-Eighty Boardshop; Na Koa Brand; Ari South; Manaola Hawaii; Makaku Maui by Kamaka Kukona; Hana-Maui Resort; Hana Arts; Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; Maui Disposal; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Noah Harders; Agnes Mililani Terao-Guiana; LahainaTown Action Committee; Lahaina Restoration Foundation; Ke Kumu Hawaii: Kumu Kumula’au Sing Jr. and Kumu Haunani Balino-Sing; Encore; Maui Health; Kanile’a Ukulele; Goodfellow Bros; Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club; Maui Disposal; Haku Collective; Papa Ola Lokahi; and Old Lahaina Luau.