Mele for Maui Is a Community Celebration This Weekend
Our take
The spirit of Maui shines brighter than ever this weekend with the return of Mele For Maui, a free concert at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. It’s more than just a summer evening of music; it’s a powerful demonstration of resilience and community, a vital celebration of the legacy of Lahaina, Kīhei, and Kula. The event’s return, especially after the recent hardships faced by the island, feels particularly poignant. We've seen firsthand the incredible strength of Hawaiian communities in the face of adversity, as highlighted in our recent piece Supporting our ʻOhana on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi, and Mele For Maui embodies that same unwavering spirit. The fact that the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra (HSO), newly designated as the official state orchestra, will grace the stage for the first time in a decade adds another layer of significance, underscoring the importance of this cultural moment. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art and music to heal and connect.
This concert isn’t simply a return to normalcy; it's an active affirmation of Maui's identity and a commitment to honoring its heritage. The designation of the HSO as the official state orchestra speaks volumes about the renewed appreciation for Hawaiian culture and artistic expression across the islands. We’ve explored the richness of Hawaiian experiences before, like with our feature A Taste of the North Shore, which highlighted the unique blend of luxury and local flavor that defines the Hawaiian hospitality. Mele For Maui builds upon this foundation, offering a free and accessible opportunity for everyone to partake in a shared cultural experience. The “People’s Place” moniker perfectly encapsulates the concert’s ethos – a welcoming space where community gathers to celebrate and support one another. The choice of the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows as the venue also holds symbolic weight, representing a connection to the region’s history and a hope for its future.
The significance extends beyond the immediate event. Mele For Maui serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing recovery efforts and the importance of supporting Maui’s communities. While the focus is on celebration and remembrance, it's equally important to acknowledge the challenges that still lie ahead. The concert provides a platform to raise awareness and inspire continued generosity. The HSO’s return, after ten years, signals a renewed commitment to bringing world-class performances to Maui, further enriching the island's cultural landscape. It also underscores the vital role that arts organizations play in fostering community and resilience, particularly during times of crisis. Seeing the orchestra’s return alongside the community's response mirrors the dedication to rebuilding highlighted in Supporting our ʻOhana on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi, showing a united front in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how events like Mele For Maui contribute to the long-term healing and revitalization of Maui. Will this concert become an annual tradition, a permanent fixture on the island’s cultural calendar? More importantly, how can we, as visitors and supporters, best contribute to the ongoing recovery and ensure the vibrant spirit of Maui continues to thrive? The resilience demonstrated by the community is truly inspiring, and Mele For Maui serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the Hawaiian people.
The community is invited to Mele For Maui, a free summer concert on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. Fondly considered “The People’s Place,” the concert celebrates and commemorates the legacy and resilience of Lahaina, Kīhei, Kula and the vibrant spirit of Maui.
In its 15th season, the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra (HSO) returns to Maui for the concert. Recently designated the official state orchestra of Hawaiʻi, this is the first time the orchestra will perform on Maui in 10 years.
“The arts have a unique way of bringing people together across generations and backgrounds,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a news release. “I’m grateful to everyone who made this free event, Mele for Maui, possible so that residents and visitors alike can experience the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and celebrate the richness and resilience for our island community.”
Led by Dane Lam, HSO’s music and artistic director, the orchestra will present an evening of live music inspired by Mauiʻs natural landscapes and people. The concert series also brings together the Islands’ award-winning artists, including Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom, Raiatea Helm, Keola Beamer, John Cruz, Jeff Peterson, Kalaʻe Camarillo and others. Attendees will also be treated to music by composer Michael-Thomas Foumai and the world premiere of “Rain Shadow” by composer Sean Hickey.
“After all that Maui has overcome, it’s fitting Lahaina is the location for HSO’s return to interisland touring—making sure that everyone in Hawaiʻi has access to world-class, transformative music-making of HSO,” Lam said in a news release.
Celebrating the vibrancy of Maui through music, the special event will be livestreamed on Hawaiʻi News Now’s digital platforms and televised on K5.
The event will take place at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. Guests can also enjoy a local mākeke (market) at The Branches, featuring local products.
The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows has become a gathering place in West Maui. The resort invites local musicians to perform at The Branches, an intimate outdoor music venue. Resort guests and local residents are invited to experience a beautiful evening of live music underneath the branches of a century-old banyan tree.
Kelly Sanders, Group President of Highgate Hawaiʻi, said “When you bring the community together with the intention of honor, reflection and celebration—paired with the transformative mele of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, something very special happens, and I believe we will experience that on Sept. 19. It will be a night to remember.”
What to Know About Mele for Maui:
- All ages are welcome.
- Admission is free and open to the public.
- Seating is first-come, first-served.
- Overflow parking will be available at designated lots within the Kā‘anapali Resort area, with a complimentary event shuttle to the event.
- The complimentary Kā‘anapali Trolley will also stop at the Royal Lahaina Resort entrance.
- No pets, fireworks, tents, canopies or umbrellas.
- No outside food or beverages; water is permitted.
- Low lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.
Schedule of Events for Mele For Maui
- 4 p.m. – Gates Open with food trucks and the market available.
- 6:30-9 p.m. – Mele for Maui Concert from 6:30-9 p.m.
- 9 – 10 p.m. – Post Concert Fellowship at The Branches
- 10 p.m. – Celebration concludes
For more information about Mele For Maui, visit the website here. For more information about Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, visit the website here.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience