The Maui News
The 2023 Festivals of Aloha will culminate this month with a falsetto contest on Maui and performances on Molokai.
The 21st Richard Ho’opi’i Falsetto Contest is set for Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music by the group Hoaka, featuring champion Kason Gomes and Kalani Miles, and the contest will commence at 6 p.m. with a performance by ‘Ohana Ho’opi’i. The afterglow will run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the salon pre-function area with music by Nuff Sedd. Admission is $5 or a festival ribbon.
The 2023 champion will receive a Kanile’a ‘Ukulele, $600 cash sponsored by Honua Consulting, a wooden award, Hawaiian Island Creations lifestyle apparel, a $150 Pulelehua gift certificate, lei hulu by Hulunani Leo Meyer and a performance opportunity at Keauhou Shopping Center on Hawaii island. Second place will receive $400 in cash, and third place will get $200 in cash from Honua Consulting.
The recipient of the ‘Olelo Hawai’i award will win a two-night stay at The Ritz.
Local artists will be showcasing in the salon foyer from 1 to 8 p.m., with featured artists including Missing Polynesia, Kapa Curious, Hulunani, Art by Tioni and Pearls by Eke.
Two other events are scheduled for this month, including a “Mahalo Moloka’i” concert at Hiro’s ‘Ohana Grill at Hotel Moloka’i on Nov. 17. The sold-out event will include a dinner buffet and entertainment by Keaka and Josh Tatofi.
“We just wanna say thanks to the boat folks who helped take supplies and support immediately after the Lahaina fire. That’s why we’re naming the dinner show ‘Mahalo Moloka’i,'” Festivals of Aloha Moloka’i Entertainment Chairperson Raymond Hiro said in a news release Wednesday. “Those guys and the community are real heroes.”
Closing out the 2023 festivities will be a concert at Paddlers Restaurant and Bar in Kaunakakai on Nov. 24, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Performances will include Kala, Homesteady, Esther Kaholoaa, Keldin from High Watah, iRoots, Miah Music and a special appearance by Pound 4 Pound. Tickets are $10 and include one pupu. They can be purchased in advance at Rawlins Texaco.
The events draw to a close the parades, concerts, games, luncheons and other events celebrating communities across Maui Nui throughout October and November.
“Amidst the highs and the occasional lows, the vibrancy of Wailea was brought to life through enchanting hula performances and the mesmerizing melodies of Amy Hanaiali’i,” Festival Director Daryl Fujiwara said in a news release. “Meanwhile, Hana displayed unwavering resilience as they brought their week-long events to a powerful conclusion, despite the heartfelt loss of their esteemed Ho’ike Night Chairperson and longstanding FOA Hana committee member, Ipo Mailou. May her legacy continue to rest in aloha.”
For more information, visit festivalsofaloha.com.
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