Lei of Aloha 8
WHAT: music, hula, a tour of the historic Old Wailuku Inn, poetry readings, Hawaiian Country Store
WHERE: Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono (2199 Kahoʻokele Street in Wailuku)
WHEN: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
TICKETS: $25 presale, $35 at the door
Benefit for Hokulani Holt’s halau hula, Paʻu O Hiʻiaka
Over the years, I’ve had many folks ask me for Maui recommendations—from where to stay and what to eat, the finest beaches to explore, or best hikes to lay their boots. These requests almost always come with one simple requisite: “I wanna do what the locals do.” I have a special place in my heart for these kinds of travelers. I appreciate that they want to see the real Hawaiʻi.
The upcoming Lei of Aloha celebration at the Old Wailuku Inn is a perfect example of the real Hawaiʻi, holiday edition. This annual open house is a Christmas tradition hosted by Hokulani Holt’s halau hula (hula school), Paʻu O Hiʻiaka.
(Full disclosure: I’m a member of this halau, so of course I’m a bit biased. That said, I’ve been attending this event long before I joined the halau, and have always loved it!)
The experience includes a tour of the historic Old Wailuku Inn, plus a celebration of 1930s Hawaiʻi, with live music, hula by the halau, and poetry readings of Don Blandingʻs poems.
This is also your chance to scoop up some unique gifts. A Hawaiian Country Store will be filled with goodies like handmade jewelry, gift cards, glassware, ornaments, lots of gorgeous flower lei and more. Then thereʻs the lilikoʻi butter. Oh, the lilikoʻi butter—or “Hawaiian gold” as I like to call it. This stuff is legendary. In fact, halau members are limited to two each. Otherwise, the jars would be completely sold before even hitting the shelves!
There are familiar faces who attend Lei of Aloha every year, and fresh faces are always welcome. If youʻre on Maui, this is a holiday celebration not to be missed!
If you would like to purchase discounted tickets, simply email me at lehia@mauimagazine.net.
