Maui Haiku School Ho'olaule'a – Here it Comes!

The 18th annual Haiku Ho’olaule’a and Flower Festival is Saturday, March 5, 2011.

This is one of my all time favorite days on Maui. It is an event that brings together the rich heritage of Haiku while celebrating and building a better future for our children (more about that later).

The festival includes wonderful food from some of Maui’s best restaurants and local legends. John Cadman will show off his raw food delights, Max World Bistro, Rodeo General Store, Flatbread Pizza, Cafe Des Ami, and Ono Gelato to name a few.

This year’s entertainment line-up includes:

• Kathy Collins from Mana’o Radio
• Dr. Nat and Rio Ritmo
• Lia Live with the Kryptones
• Sundance
• Kanekoa

Usually, the day ends with dancing, but with this line-up we can expect the floor to be hopping all day! There is a book swap, crafter’s booth with unique Maui grown-crafts, and a floral and lei making contest.

Robin Inomonti will host the Famers Market again this year. Robin cultivated our very own community garden at Haiku School where she teaches the children about the importance of growing your own food. She will have the garden open for leisurely strolls throughout the day and in her market, you can purchase local fresh produce as well as cut flowers, plants, and trees.

There is an awesome silent auction which is the events biggest moneymaker. Co-chaired by yours truly, and Lisa Mosbarger of Island Style Kitchen and Bath, this is one of the highlights of the event.

We have donations from:

• Mama’s Fish House
• Grand Wailea two-night stay with $200 gift certificate to the Humuhumu
• Kaanapali Beach Hotel brunch for four
• Outback Steak House
• Nalu Kai Lodge in Paia
• Polli’s Mexican Restaurant
• YMCA Camp Keanea weekend stay on the cliffs
• Beautiful art from an array of Maui’s finest artists; Steve Smeltzer, Curtis Wilson Cost, and Avi Kuriaty

There is also a stand-up paddle board, golf certificates, Naish Board, activities, classroom art projects, collectibles, and much more! I am always humbled and amazed at the generosity of the local business and people of Maui. They give with delight. Mahalo Nui Loa Maui!

Mike Gagne is the co-founder of the event and also the Haiku Community Association President. He hosts the Community Living Booth where they showcase local businesses and non profit groups, Sierra Club, and Boy Scouts of America, to name a couple.

This is the second year where we are moving to a more sustainable event. Last year, we decided not to serve water bottles as we do not want to add to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It is an idea that is catching on. Of course, with the ban on plastic bags, we highly recommend you b.y.o.b. & b. (bring your own bag and bottle).

Now-for the why. The festival supports The Boys and Girls Club of Haiku as well as the Haiku Community Association and the Haiku School PTA. The PTA in turn funds our PE teacher and the arts and enrichment programs for the schools over 400 children. We have local artists, drama, and dance instructors teach our kids the beauty of the arts. This just would not happen without the success of this event.

Please come and enjoy the day-pop in and say hi (you’ll find me in the silent auction) the event is free—see what’s blooming at this year’s Ho’olaule’a!

For more details click here.