ʻAha Mele 2014

Everyone from Hawaiʻi knows that Song Contest has been a long-standing tradition of Kamehameha Schools.  Broadcasted live across the state of Hawaiʻi, each high school grade level performs three songs: one girls' song, one boys' song, and one combined number (except for the Freshmen, who sing only a combined song).  All songs are performed a capella, typically in 4-part and sometimes 8-part harmony.  While three Song Contest judges count their tallies and determine who wins each of the six different awards, the Hō'ike commences.  This portion of the show features select students who perform hula and additional mele. Then the winners are announced and the night ends with lei after lei after lei after lei... until students can barely see over tons (literally) of lei around their neck. Almost like graduation.

Brandon's Mazda B2200

Since I made the decision to fully immerse myself into building Favoritism Photography & Design, I have been busy busy busy! The fact that I didn't post anything last Friday should be enough evidence. (Btw, I do apologize for that!)

So I've made the executive decision to do an easy post this Friday and give you nothing but sweet photos.  =]

FOMO & things I have yet to do on Maui...

One thing that makes us Mauians take living on an island for granted, is the lack of things to do here.  Oh, we've all said "Maui is so boring!" at least once or twice (a week).  Why?  We have just a handful of good shopping centers (only one true MALL), a 'barely there' club/night scene, and the only places that stay open past midnight are Safeway and the McDonald's drive-thru.

I'm not joking.

UHMC Autofest 2014

I got a chance to attend this year's Autofest event at the University of Hawai'i Maui College on Sunday, March 23rd.  Put on annually by UHMC's Auto Department, it's one of the biggest and best car shows on Maui.  Maui doesn't have a big car scene due to our small island population and limited (or should I say, expensive) automotive resources.

27th Annual Hoʻomau Fundraiser on Saturday 03/29

I urge all of you Mauians to attend one of the biggest fundraising events on the island -- Hoʻomau.  An annual fundraiser for Pūnana Leo o Maui Hawaiian Language Immersion preschool, the event features live entertainment, ʻono food, keiki games and crafts, live and silent auctions, and Hawaiian crafters and vendors from all over Hawaiʻi.

This is the first time that I am on the other end of the event, helping to organize and work at the fundraiser for my son who is in his first year of preschool and first year of Hawaiian immersion.  Pūnana Leo o Maui's program is the best.  Our keiki receive an excellent education, have the most caring and dedicated kumu, and it's all done in a true immersion setting.  I would recommend it to any 'ohana who is interested in revitalizing the Hawaiian language and culture through our youngest generation.

This year's theme, Kū Ha'aheo I Ka 'Ōlelo Makuahine, loosely translates to "stand proud in our mother-tongue," and thus reflects the school's mission statement: E ola ka 'ōlelo Hawaiʻi - "the Hawaiian language shall live."

Live entertainment includes:

• Kamaka Kukona, Piʻilani Arias & Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua
• Weldon Kekauoha
• Mark Yamanaka
• Nā Hoa
• ʻEkolu
• Ata Damasco
• ʻAipōhaku
• The Keiki & Mākua of Pūnana Leo o Maui
• Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Maui

27th Annual Hoʻomau
Saturday, March 29, 2014
9:00 am - sunset
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Wailuku, Maui, HI
$10 presale, $15 at the door

For more information, visit hoomau.com, or call Pūnana Leo o Maui Preschool at 808-244-5676.