LahainaTown Showcases
its Multi-Cultural Heritage

by Karee Carlucci

Lahaina– often called "the jewel in the crown of Maui"– is nestled in between the calm waters of the Auau Channel facing Lana'i island and the fertile peaks and valleys of Mauna Kahalawai in West Maui. Over the centuries, Lahaina has been the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, a center of change in the island chain, and has provided a home for many cultures. Through it all, Lahaina has always welcomed visitors to its inviting shores.

The destination management office for Lahaina, LahainaTown Action Committee, recognizes the cultural significance of its beloved town, which is referred to as the Home of Hawaii's Heritage. In creating a real sense of place for Maui's visitors, this organization has developed and now produces ten annual festivals, each of which honor some aspect of Lahaina's cultural and historical essence. There are three major events that have become more popular with visitors each year.

As "Maui's Signature Cultural Event," International Festival of Canoes is one of the most colorful and exciting of Lahaina's festivals. For two weeks every May, this event honors Hawaii's heritage with Polynesia by assembling delegates from Pacific island nations to showcase traditional skills and focus on canoe-carving. What's unique about the festival is that Master Carvers are invited to LahainaTown, usually from the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga and Hawai'i, to create traditional canoes out of solid logs using both old-style hand adzes and modern power tools, all in full view of the public. Other features include ancient protocol ceremonies, workshops in traditional Hawaiian skills, the Festival of Canoes & Parade with warrior demonstrations and live music under the stars. Outrigger canoe rides, Polynesian crafts and food are also part of the fun. A jubilant launching of the completed canoes is held on the last day at Lahaina's oceanfront park. Crowds gather on the beach near sunset to watch history in the making.

Each September for over ten years, Maui visitors and residents have banded together to enjoy A Taste of Lahaina & The Best of Island Music in one great family event. Now held in the three-acre arena mauka (mountainside) of Honoapiilani Hwy., "Taste" is bigger than ever. Showcasing new and popular restaurants in Maui County, this weekend festival features tents for each restaurant's food sampling, a beverage garden, country store with Hawai'i products and logo items, top chefs cooking demonstrations, kid's games and inflatable rides, and continuous live entertainment on stage with Hawaii's current and legendary musicians. Admission is just $2; kids 6 and under go free, and scrip is sold for rides, food and beverages. Proceeds benefit Maui youth groups, so festival-goers support community resources.

For those who "just wanna have fun," there's nothing like Halloween in Lahaina, known as the Mardi Gras of the Pacific. Since 1990 on October 31, over 30,000 revelers from around the world merge on Front Street, which is closed to vehicle traffic, decked out in the most outrageous costumes. Even little ones can show-off in the annual children's costume parade through town. Other features are Halloween crafters and activities, food booths, live music and dancing in the street and park. LahainaTown sponsors The Great Halloween Costume Contest in Banyan Tree Park, and merchants offer costume contests throughout the evening as well as haunted houses for kids during the week.

To find out more about Lahaina's annual festivals and traditions, contact the Lahaina Visitor Center at 808-667-9193. This information center and retail gift shop is managed and operated by LahainaTown Action Committee. Located on the ground floor of the Old Lahaina Courthouse facing Lahaina Harbor at Banyan Tree Park, the Visitor Center's purpose is to provide friendly and unbiased information to visitors seeking knowledge about Lahaina and West Maui. It is staffed by volunteers from the community. Hours of operation are 9am to 5pm daily.

Call the Event Hotline 1-888-310-1117 (toll-free) or 667-9194 (on Maui)
for monthly updated information about LahainaTown events.
Website: www.visitlahaina.com