Chinese New Year 2019

Happy Chinese New Year! 2019 is the year of the Pig! Chinese New Year officially kicks off today February 5th. The zodiac symbols repeat every 12 years. The next time you will have a year of the Pig will be in 2031.

The symbolic feeding the dragon is a tradition done to bring good luck. Red envelopes are fed to the dragon by those seeking good fortune. If you’ve never had a chance to experience this it is truly a fun sight to see!

A full day of celebration is scheduled to take place on February 8th in Lahaina. Lions will dance through the streets of Lahaina and there will be plenty of festivities at the Wo Hing Museum and Cookhouse at 858 Front St. Chinese New Year exhibits will be on display beginning Monday, February 4th through Thursday, February 7th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Wo Hing Museum.

On Saturday, February 9th Lahaina Cannery will have the traditional “feeding of the lions” from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Martial arts display an firecrackers during the celebration, or come out at 1:00 pm for a pre-celebration hula performance!

On Sunday February 10th the Tiki Terrace Restaurant located at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel will host the Year of the Pig brunch buffet. Buffet will include shrimp egg fu young, braised short ribs and noodles. Reservations are a must!

Queen Kaahumanu Center will be hosting two different events for Chinese New Year. First event will be held on Sunday, February 10th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The annual event will consist of martial arts demonstration, fireworks, lion dance, and crafts for keiki under the age of 12. On Saturday, February 16th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm the Chinese New Year Festival will be held at the Queen Kaahumanu Center. Activities include good luck photos with ancient lion head, calligraphy writing, keiki ribbon dancing, plus so much more! This will be a fun event for the entire family!

The Grand Wailea Hotel has posted via their website that you can experience the Lion Dance in the resort lobby tomorrow, Wednesday February 6th at 4:00 pm.

In Paia, Maui Mediation Services will be celebrating tonight from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Flatbread Co. This annual fundraiser will feature a silent auction with items from Grand Wailea, Maui Laser Tag, and many others! A portion of all pizza sales throughout the evening will be donated to Maui Mediation Services.

So many events its impossible to choose just one! As more events unfold we will keep you updated! Enjoy the celebrations! Gong hei fat choy!

Wailuku Town Friday Party

Tomorrow, Friday February 1st, is the Wailuku First Friday party from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This event takes place along Market Street. Street closure starts at 5:30 pm. Free parking is available at the Maui Medical Center parking lot.

Live musical entertainment provided by Kuala, Luna Overdrive, Gene Argel, Johnny Z, Mark Johnson Live Funk and Jazz, The Goods with DJ Boomshot, DJ Carone, and Jay P. Magical act The Magic of Kamishibai will have two free showings at Mapa Warehouse on Main Street.

Local restaurants include Gianotto’s Pizza, 808 On Main, Saigon Cafe, Kings BBQ plus many more! Enjoy craft booths from local artisans! This is a great free family event that also supports the community!

Great Economic News!

Great news for our economy and our real estate market.  The Federal Reserve has indicated that it will not raise interest rates in the near future.  The Federal Reserve said that the economy is strong but that they will be “patient” before any future increases.  The Stock Market answered with the Dow up 434.50 on the day.

Families Receive Gifts From Lahaina Strong Benefit Concert

10 families were recipients of $5000 thanks to the Lahaina Strong Benefit Concert held on October 21st. 8 of the 10 families were present at Lowe’s to receive their gifts as well as 10% off purchases.

Entertainers that donated their time included Willie K, Amy Hanaialii, Ekolu, Damon Williams, Na Wai Eha, Nuff Sedd, Piilani Arias, John Cruz and Matagi. The concert organizers partnered up with Maui United Way to obtain donations. Other donations included hotel stays for silent auction and food donations. The community really came together not only with donations but volunteering time.

The Maui Fire Department determined the fire was fueled by winds caused by Hurricane Lane. In total 21 homes and 27 vehicles were destroyed. Families who received money raised by the benefit did not have insurance or other financial assistance at their disposal.

The true meaning of aloha was shown during the communities time in need. Mahalo to all!

Classical Guitarist Derek Gripper

Classical guitarist Derek Gripper will be performing Thursday night, January 31st at the McCoy Studio Theater. The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm and run until approximately 10:00 pm.

His concerts explore the styles that have influenced his music to date. Bach, Malian songs, kora compositions, Southern African bow music, and avant-garde Brazillian guitar music. When combined it creates an unusual explosive sound.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center members can receive a 10% discount off tickets. Kids 12 and under are free.