Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 11, 1 November 1988 — "Na Mele O Maui" Festival Nov. 4-6 in Kaʻanapali [ARTICLE]

"Na Mele O Maui" Festival Nov. 4-6 in Kaʻanapali

"Na Mele O Maui," a celebration of Hawaii's musical heritage, this year takes plaee November 4-6 in Ka'anapali, Maui. This weekend fundraiser event promises to be bigger and better than ever with five events highlighting the finest in Hawaiian entertainment from all the islands.

Since its inception in 1972, Na Mele O Maui has raised scholarship funds for Maui High school seniors who are interested in pursuing their education in Hawaiian studies and the arts. Chairman Tom Roche says the scholarships are awarded annually and are chosen by the Na Mele O Maui ex-

ecutive committee comprised of community leaders, OHA representatives, educators, entertainers and Ka'anapali Beach Resort volunteers. Na Mele O Maui, ine. is a registered, non-profit organization. All proceeds derived from festival events benefit the sponsorship of the festival and raise scholarship funds for students of Hawaiian art, music, dance or architecture. The organization was formed by a group of private citizens interested in preserving the Hawaiian culture through its music, dance, songs and art. According to its stated mission, "Na Mele O Maui is a living festival continuously growing, eonstantly changing, preserving the old, adding the new. It is a passing of the torch from generation to generation. It is a joyous occasion for Hawaiians of all races to eome together and onee again sing the songs of Maui." The schedule of events (and fees) is: November 4, Friday — Keiki Song Contest, 9 a.m. to noon, The Westin Maui. (Free). This is the signature event of the festival, where over 600 of Maui's school children gather to compete with songs in Hawaiian. November 5, Saturday — Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair, Hawaiian Elegance Fashion Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. Ancient and modern hula fill the festival highlight — the Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival — whieh honors Maui's beloved kumu hula, "Auntie" Emma Farden Sharpe. It takes plaee from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Maui. Admission. November 6, Sunday — Food, fun and music, Maui style at the Grand Ho'olaule'a, 5-8 p.m. at the first fairway, Royal Ka'anapali south golf course. Admission. For information about the festival contact the Ka'anapali Beach Operators Association, 2530 Kekaa Drive, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96791, or eall (808)661-3271.