It’s that time again!
On the First Friday of every month, Wailuku throws a monster block party on Market Street between Main and Vineyard. The theme of this month’s First Friday in Wailuku is the Makahiki Celebration.
The Makahiki season was the ancient Hawaiian New Year Festival spanning four consecutive lunar months, from October or November through February or March held in honor of Lono, the Hawaiian fertility deity. You can take part in reviving the old tradition at the November 6th celebration, fit for a deity and replete with entertainment, food and vendors.
In the old days the high priest was blindfolded for the duration of the three day peace and sport fest while participants engaged in demonstrations of boxing, spear throwing, sled riding and other thrilling games and sports to the astonishment of onlookers. Best of all, work was forbidden during that period.
Wailuku’s modern day version allows everyone to gaze on with eyes wide open. Makahiki starts at 6 p.m. when the festivities kick off with live chanting and hula followed by the 1st annual Pa’i Ai (Taro Pounding) competition with prizes, live music and games like ulumaika, hukihuki (tug of war) and konanestationed in front of the Native Intelligence arts and crafts shop.
George Kahumoku
George Kahumoku
Maui OnStage will present a Hawaiian Film Festival at the Iao Theater starting at 6 p.m., including performances by Grammy Winner, George Kahumoku, who takes the stage at 7:45, and Mojomana appearing at 8:15. The theater showcase wraps up with screenings of a surf movie.
Other First Friday Wailuku entertainment includes an Aloha Slam at Gallerie Ha Ha and the always delightful Keiki Hula Show at 6:30 p.m., while Kama’aina Properties presents Mika and Friends Band plus basket weaving demonstrations.
Various street vendors will provide a hearty selection of casually presented local style food but if you’d like a sit-down dining experience, sidle into Café Marc Aurel and listen to the Electric Haiku Hillbillies twang their thang. Tom Conway pops on vocals and lead guitar, Bob Harrison digs on the electric bass, Kerry Sofaly bangs the drums & Randall Rospond pulls it all together with lead vocals and guitar.
Electric Haiku Hillibillies
Electric Haiku Hillibillies
“This unique combination of musicians will be improvising music ranging from folk, blues, country, reggae, psychedelia and rock with jazzy flavorings, most of which will be original compositions written by Randall and the occasional eclectic cover!” according to Café Marc’s website description. While there, enjoy delicious vittles, aka Tapas, Salads, Sammies or Marc’s signature the Landjäger Pie, organic spinach pizza topped with smoked, cured Landjäger sausage.
Main Street Bistro Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Main Street Bistro Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Another great option for sit-down dining and Live Jazz can be found at Main Street Bistro, on Market Street. In fact, every Friday night patrons decompress from the work week between 5-8 p.m. in this soul-soothing oasis while downing any number of truly delicious Tapas choices.
All the activities honoring Hawaiian Makahiki at the Wailuku First Friday event are sponsored by the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, Wailuku Community Association, the County of Maui, Native Intelligence, Kama‘āina Properties, Sae Design and Maui Thing.
For more information about the Wailuku First Friday Makahiki, contact Yuki Lei Sugimura at 878-1888 or email yukilei@hawaii.rr.com. For sidewalk vendor information, contact 429-6319 or 1stFridayWailuku@gmail.com.
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