This Week on Maui: June 28-July 4

Our week on Maui comes to a close this week with Independence Day. Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was actually approved on July 2nd? As John Adams wrote to Abigail, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival."

(Why do we celebrate the 4th instead of the 2nd? That's the day the Declaration was printed for the first time.)

Some great things are happening this week on Maui. First, on Friday, July 2nd, it's the First Friday celebration in downtown Wailuku. Every month, food and craft vendors come, stores stay open late, and there's plenty of live music and entertainment. This month, Maui Thing -- a clothing boutique on Market Street -- is celebrating its 2nd anniversary with a fashion show and a concert by the great Willie K. It should be a great night.

The next morning, head upcountry to the old cowboy town, Makawao, for the annual 4th of July paniolo parade starting at 9:00 a.m. Paniolo are Hawaiian cowboys and this annual parade coincides with the 55th Annual Makawao Rodeo at Oskie Rice arena on Olinda Road. Rodeo events on Saturday begin at 1:00 p.m.

This Week on Maui: June 7-14

Aloha and welcome to our new regular feature, "This Week on Maui" where we highlight two or three interesting events that will take place this week on the Valley Isle. As always, our focus is mainly on the culture, arts, and history of our island, but as you will see from below, we will also highlight other events that impact all of us, whether we live in Hawaii or not.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8, at 6:00PM

TAPPED

Under the auspices of the Pacific Whale Foundation, come to the Kihei Charter School for a free screening Tapped, a documentary about the bottled water industry's effects on our health, climate change, pollution and our reliance on oil. And in a place like Maui, with our reliance on so much imported material, our culture's addiction to bottled water takes on added dimensions. While the screening has been underwritten by the Pacific Whale Foundation, $5 donations are welcomed at the door. 

Kihei Charter School is located at 300 Ohukai Road.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 -- ALL DAY

KAMEHAMEHA DAY

Friday marks the 138th annual celebration of Kamehameha Day, a holiday created by King Kamehameha V in 1872 to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha the Great, who unified Hawaii into one kingdom. It is a state holiday, so public offices and many banks will be closed.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, at 9:45AMNA KAMEHAMEHA PA'U PARADE
In honor of Kamehameha Day (see above), come to Lahaina to see the Kamehameha Pa'u Parade and Ho'olaulea (celebration). The parade will include many local groups and floats but what is most stunning to see are the Pa'u riders -- women riding horseback in colorful pa'u (skirts) and wearing fragrant floral lei. The horses are are also garlanded with flowers making for a beautiful display. Following the parade, the celebration will continue in Banyan Tree Park with food, crafts, and music.

The parade will run down Front Street in Lahaina. Arrive early for a good spot.