Press Release - Festivals of Aloha releases virtual ho‘olaule‘a series June 21-25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​CONTACT:
DARYL FUJIWARA
[email protected]
8082648779
PHOTOS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/u98Aja3RSsSoT5dq7

Festivals of Aloha releases virtual ho‘olaule‘a series June 21-25

Wailuku, Maui - Maui Nui’s premiere Hawaiian cultural showcase will release its virtual ho‘olaule‘a series June 21-25, 2021 on Facebook LIVE - www.facebook.com/festivalsofaloha. Viewers can tune in at 5:30pm each day that week and enjoy entertainment, food demonstrations, craft how-to’s and hear the stories from communities on Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and in Hana.

Filmed during the pandemic, the shows tell stories of resiliency and strength throughout our county, from small businesses to farmers. Funds generously granted by the County of Maui, Office of Economic Development from FY20-21 budget we’re released for this creative storytelling to take place. 

“We thought we were just highlighting our favorite businesses, and when the interviews got started, almost every origin story began with a challenge that needed solving and became the foundation for their work today,” shared Daryl Fujiwara, overall coordinator for the festival. It’s all really inspiring. I can’t wait for you all to learn more about our Maui Nui, from the backbone of our communities, the people.”

Festivals of Aloha Hana • Monday, June 21, 2021 
We head to Hana, Maui and enjoy performances by the Kula Kaiapuni ma Hana, Fawn Helekahi and ‘ohana, Cj Helekahi, Lahela Park, Ata Pata, Josh Martin, Keoni Darisay, Ian Aquino with Kealaheleikapo Tau‘a and Teresann Makaiwi Tau‘a. Learn to make a lauhala craft and pohole salad with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and check out the farmers market open Friday’s from 3:30pm-5pm. Mahalo to the Hana-Maui Resort.

Festivals of Aloha Molokai • Tuesday, June 22, 2021 
Molokai no ka heke! We taste Anahaki Farms proprietary tea, gather flowers and make lei at Molokai Plumeria, weave coconut fronds with Maui Grown 808, check in on Hawaiian fashion house Kealopiko Summer 2021 Collection, and get Kanemitsu Hot Bread! Featuring music by Pa‘apono, Keaka, Uncle Mango, Taye and Esther, Melia, and Heli Ducaroy Silva. 

Festivals of Aloha Maui • Wednesday, June 23, 2021 
Festivals of Aloha Maui heads to the kitchen at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua with chef Executive Sous Chef Meredith Maneé and Hawaiian Cultural Advisor Clifford Naeole who talk story and prepare “luau ravioli with he‘e (octopus), we’ll learn to make headbands out of coconut fronds with U‘i Kahue and Romeo Siatris, make ogo salad with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and enjoy music by Cj Helekahi at Lona Ridge and Josh Tatofi at the Cliff House Montage Kapalua

Festivals of Aloha Lanai • Thursday, June 24, 2021 
On Lana‘i we go sightseeing with local boy Makani Tabura, talk story with Phoenix the owner of Blue Ginger, learn about value-add Lana‘i honey from Ono Loa Lanai Fine Foods and enjoy music by Kapua Entertainment.

Festivals of Aloha, Aloha Friday • Friday, June 25, 2021
It’s Aloha Friday and we have special “Hana Hou” performances kicking off with Molokai girl, Keaka Kaiama fresh out of the Hawaiian Music Institute through UH Maui College Moloka‘i Co-hort with kumu Keola Donaghy and featured on their compilation “Awaiāulu ʻIa E Ke Aloha No Molokaʻi,” which you can get now at mele.com. Closing out our virtual Festivals of Aloha is Josh Tatofi.

“Annually Festivals of Aloha take over the months of September and October, celebrating on the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and in Hana with ho‘olaule‘a, concerts, royal court processions, parades and Uncle Richard Ho‘opi‘i’s Falsetto Contest. Last year due to covid we canceled all of our in person events, but while we wait to open up, we’re bringing our festival to you, safely on your personal devices, shared Alakai Paleka.”

Our 2021 theme, is “He aloha mauli hiwa, he aloha mauli ola.” Love from a cherished heart, a grace with the power to heal. Created by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata. “We could all use a little extra aloha in our day. What better way to start than with aloha, it can heal” exclaimed Paleka, a longtime festival host.

2021 Festival Ribbons are now available. Proceeds generated from sale of our ribbons help to produce the events. Please call or text (808) 268-9285.

For the most up to date info visit festivalsofaloha.com and “like” us on Facebook

Mahalo to the County of Maui - Office of Economic Development, Hiro’s ‘Ohana Grille, Blue Ginger Lanai, Hana-Maui Resort, Jaydon Isobe, Chris Cabotage, Kealopiko, Molokai Plumeria, Cody Pueo Pata, Anahaki Farms, Hana Arts, ‘Ono Loa Lanai Fine Foods, Heli Ducaroy Silva, Raymond Hiro, Simon Tajiri, Montage Kapalua, Koali Kine Snacks, and the Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club