Festivals of Aloha announces 2023 schedule of events
Festivals of Aloha this week unveiled a two-month calendar of enchanting events spanning the picturesque landscapes of Maui, Lāna’i, Moloka’i, Wailea and Hāna.
The festival finds its essence in the enduring traditions of our charming small towns and revered kupuna (elders), extending a warm invitation to all to partake in the joy of learning through our theme: “Kāhuli leo leʻa-Hoʻōla o ka wao. Sweet-voiced kāhuli – Savior of the forest,” honoring the kāhuli snail.
The schedule may evolve over time, adapting to unforeseen circumstances and new opportunities. The schedule of events includes:
• Aloha Friday on Oct. 13 at Queen Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring an evening of Hawaiian cultural exhibits, hands-on activities, Hawaiian music and hula.
• A full slate of events in Hāna.
• Ke Kani Hone O Wailea on Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m.; a concert series at the Shops at Wailea will feature John Cruz. Visit shopsatwailea.com for more information.
• Hula is the Heartbeat, a hula concert at the Four Seasons Maui, on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.
• Sounds of the Sea, a free sunset concert at the Four Seasons Maui, on Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.
• The Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest on Nov. 11 at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
• Lāna’i, Nov. 4: Parade and Ho’olaule’a at Dole Park. Enjoy hands-on activities, local eats, crafters and live entertainment.
• Moloka’i, Nov. 14 “Mahalo Moloka’i” at Hiro’s ‘Ohana Grill at Hotel Moloka’i. A Hawaiian music concert.
“Because of the wildfires that devastated our Maui, the festival faced numerous scheduling challenges, and so we’re pushing back and running from October to November with Hāna and Wailea really anchoring the festival this year,” explained Daryl Fujiwara, the festivals’ director. “We thrive on challenges, especially when they’re in service to our community. The Expeditions Lāna’i Ferry, now departing from Ma’alaea, is operating on a limited schedule and the Emergency Proclamation. Nevertheless, we’ve united creatively to ensure the festival perseveres.”
The 21st annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. Contestants can still apply online at https://forms.gle/FUaN3VrHV5hrQJ8u6 or festivalsofaloha.com by Nove. 3.
Book your day trip to Lāna’i on Nov. 4 for the ho’olaule’a by contacting the Expeditions Lāna’i Ferry at go-lanai.com or (808) 661-3756
2023 is officially the “Year of the Kāhuli,” proclaimed by Gov. Josh Green on Feb. 23 and inspiring this year’s theme. There were once roughly 750 species of kāhuli, or Hawaiian land snails, across our islands and found nowhere else in the world. Our kāhuli are both ecologically important (as cleaners of fungus and bacteria from our native plants) and culturally important, as they are featured in Native Hawaiian mele, hula, oli, and lei.
In the Year of the Kāhuli, we both celebrate these snails and recognize their plight: of those roughly 750 species, 60 percent have now been lost forever. Our remaining kāhuli face serious threats, including invasive species predation, habitat loss, and climate change, and 100 or more species may go extinct in the next ten years without additional action.
2023 Festival Ribbons are now available. Proceeds generated from sale of ribbons help to produce the events. Please call or text (808) 268-9285 for information.
Mahalo to the County of Maui Office of Economic Development; Hawai’i Tourism Authority with funding provided through the Community Enrichment Program; Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau; the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; Hāna-Maui Resort; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Maui Health; Kanile’a Ukulele; Hāna Farms; Hulunani; Goodfellow Brothers; Keauhou Shopping Center; Hāna Business Council; Hasegawa General Store; Missing Polynesia; Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine; Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club; Pulelehua; Lahaina Restoration Foundation; LahainaTown Action Committee; Expeditions Lāna’i Ferry; and Lokahi Pacific.