Maui-style Christmas

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maui christmas

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!)

Wailuku Inn
The beautiful Old Wailuku Inn will set the stage for a classic Hawaiian holiday celebration. The inn is listed on the Hawai’i Registry of Historic Places, and has been honored by the Hawai’i Convention Bureau as the most Hawaiian accommodation in the entire state. Guests are invited to tour the grounds and take a step back in time.

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.

Maui Lauhala artist
Lauhala artist Daphne Cummings Sing continues the legacy of her mother (Kahili Long Cummings) by continuing to make lauhala ornaments for Lei of Aloha. They always sell out, so be there early to scoop these up!

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.

lauhala ornaments
Hand-crafted lauhala ornaments will be available.
hawaiian holiday wreath
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!
maui notecards for sale
These are just a few of the note cards that will be on sale.
Don Blanding poetry books
Kumu Hokulani Holt will read poetry by Don Blanding.
hand blown wine glasses
Hand-blown wine glasses by artist Malcom Wong will be available at the event.
maui jewelry
Jewelry made by halau members will be on sale.

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