Hula Show
hawai‘i’s longest running weekly Keiki
& SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Over $372,000 Has Been Awarded to Our Graduates
For 57 years the Napili Kai Foundation has strived to preserve the Hawaiian culture by passing it on to Maui’s keiki through the teaching of dances, language, history, arts and crafts of Polynesia. Our keiki perform in the weekly keiki hula show at the Napili Kai Beach Resort and participate in travel every 2-3 years. This program is available free of charge to keiki ages 6-18.
The Foundation is a non-profit, 501 ©(3) organization. Our program emphasizes: mastering of ancient skills, pride in our forebearers and respect for their wisdom, building teamwork and leadership skills.
For membership information contact Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar through our website:
PUBLISHER
Alma Tassi
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Alexa Helge
COMMUNITY EDITOR
Kalia Kelmenson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kiegan Blake, Maile Crewdson, Hannah Freed, Lisa Garrett, Jessica Gleason, Jennifer Hamayelian, Erin Johnson, Kalia Kelmenson, Maja Liotta, Deb Marois, Marissa Molina, Mike Morris, Bailey Onaga, Cecilia Ortiz, Rachele Pezel, and Kristina Statler
PROOFREADER
Jennifer Hamayelian
EDITORIAL ADMIN
Zadie Tassi
ADVERTISING SALES
Alma Tassi
Call 808-250-2990 or email ads@mauifamilymagazine.com
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS
Email info@mauifamilymagazine.com
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
Email calendar@mauifamilymagazine.com
We at Maui Family Magazine want to inform, celebrate and participate in the nurturing and guidance of Maui’s children. We explore ways for parents to spend quality time with their children while also giving them information on health, safety and education. Maui Family Magazine is printed quarterly as Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter editions.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written permission of the publisher. All submitted materials become the property of Maui Family Magazine. Mahalo! Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.
CONTRIBUTORS
Get
to know our contributors. This issue we ask them to share: “In what ways do you support sustainability or eating local on Maui?”
Marissa Molina
kidspartiesmaui.com • @kidspartiesmaui
“My desire, both personal and professional, has always been to come alongside like-minded people and local businesses, to serve our community by creating joyful and unforgettable memories together."
Marissa is a free-spirited creative and children's book author with 16 years of experience with kids as an educator and entertainer. She shares the value of celebrating birthdays on page 78.
Mia A‘i
miaaiphoto.com • @miaaiphoto
“Besides shopping for local produce, my family grows vegetables and has two egg-laying hens in our backyard. We will be starting an aquaponics system too.”
Mia A'i has been a visual journalist for 13 years. She was born and raised on Maui and has been published with The New York Times , USA TODAY and Bloomberg. She captured our cover and page 50 at this past year's AgFest and 4H Livestock.
Lisa Garrett
https://lisa-garrett.square.site
“The biggest way we support sustainability in our family is through our garden. It’s been both fun and rewarding to see what foods we love that we can grow at our elevation, work together in harvesting, and share with our neighbors.”
Lisa Garrett is a student of Ayruveda and a retired massage therapist who used specialized tuning forks on pressure points. Currently she is an assistant teacher at Montessori School of Maui and a DJ on Mana‘o Radio’s Sound Is Movement. She talks about sound healing on page 48.
Kalia Kelmenson
@thesaltinus
“I carry a cup in my car for take out coffee or tea, I shop every week at the Saturday farmer’s market upcountry, and I support people like Sunny Savage (Savage Kitchen), Amanda Robson (Feast Hawaii), and Madame Donut for raising awareness of the thriving local and sustainable food scene on our island.”
Kalia grew up on Maui and can't imagine a better place to raise kids. She loves supporting groups and individuals to share their passion and purpose without burning out. She shares ways to maintain mobility and flexibility that supports healthy movement on page 46.
Our Keiki
Halloween Rice Cereal Treats
Searching for a spook-tacular treat that is sure to bring a smile to your keiki this fall? These gluten-free rice cereal treats are a fun, easy, and relatively inexpensive Halloween dessert! Bonus points: they can be made allergy-friendly, nut-free, and safe for sharing with most friends at school. If you are short on time, purchase already prepared plain rice cereal treats and move on to the decorating portion of this recipe.
Ingredients
• 4 tablespoons butter (plus more for greasing your pan and spatula)
• One 10 oz package of marshmallows or about 6 cups of miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups rice cereal
For decorating (optional):
• Popsicle sticks or straws to place as a holder in treats
• White chocolate candy melts or white chocolate chips
• Oil-based food coloring
• Edible candy eyes or other candies
• Piping bag or small plastic sandwich bag snipped at the end
Instructions
1. Prepare your pan. Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with parchment paper and butter pan or spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a hefty-sized saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
3. Once the butter is melted, add in all of the marshmallows and stir until everything is melted.
4. Remove the pan from the heat, turn off the burner, and add rice cereal to your pan. Stir well to coat all the cereal with melted marshmallows.
5. With a spatula lightly coated in butter or nonstick spray, transfer your rice cereal mixture into the prepared 9 x 13-inch pan. Try not to press too hard as the cereal could compact and become harder to chew.
6. Cool treats to room temperature on the counter.
7. When treats are cooled, cut into desired square sizes. Poke a popsicle stick or half straw into each treat and set aside.
8. Melt 1–2 cups of white chocolate candy melts or chips over a double boiler, being careful not to let your water boil—a gentle simmer is best. Or, you can microwave on a low setting in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second increments, stirring as you go.
9. Once the chocolate is melted, dip or smear chocolate onto rice cereal treats with a spoon, creating a design of your choosing. At this point, add in oil-based food coloring if using. (Note: regular liquid food coloring will seize your melted chocolate, while oil-based coloring should create a smooth finish.)
10. Place candy eyes on top of chocolate-coated rice cereal treats and any other candies before the chocolate sets.
11. To create a two-dimensional mummy design, coat the rice cereal treat in one layer of melted chocolate, add candy eyes on top, and let it firm up fast in a three to five-minute burst in the freezer before piping more white chocolate in a thin line back and forth across the top.
10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival
The 10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival will be held in-person at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on November 3 and 4, 2023. Considered Maui County’s largest products show, the event is dedicated to growing the islands’ small businesses. This year’s festival features over 140 Made in Maui County vendors offering hundreds of locally made products. The festival is happening in-person at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
Retail shoppers and wholesale buyers attend the festival to discover locally made food, art, crafts, jewelry, fashions, home goods, gifts, and more. Live and live streamed music, product demonstrations, food trucks, and entertainment complete the two-day event.
"For 10 years, this event has been connecting participating vendors with prospective retailers and wholesalers," shared Pamela Tumpap, Maui Chamber President. "The community looks forward to shopping for unique gifts for the holidays and supporting local businesses."
Building Big Dreams Festival
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH BINHI AT ANI, 780 ONEHEE AVE, KAHULUI
A festival fundraiser celebrating performing arts on Maui. Live performances by Marty Dread, Gretchen Rhodes, and the Houseshakers, Maui Pops Orchestra, Adaptations Dance Theater, and more! Enjoy food trucks and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit AAPA’s Building Big Dreams project of building an affordable and accessible venue for Maui performing arts organizations.
The in-person festival generally attracts approximately 10,000 people per year. Wholesalers and retail shoppers of all ages are invited to attend. Those wishing to attend should head to www.madeinmauicountyfestival. com and sign up for the email list to receive event updates. Join the discussion and follow along on social media using #MIMCF2023.
This event is presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce and supported by the County of Maui and Office of Economic Development, with title sponsor Hawaiian Airlines.
Call 808-878-8970 or email office@alexanderacademy.info for more information or visit our website www.alexanderacademy.info/building-big-dreams for more information.
I AM AN EXPLORER.
I AM A COLLABORATOR.
I AM A NAVIGATOR.
I AM AN INNOVATOR.
I AM A VISIONARY.
I AM A CHANGEMAKER.
I AM AN ‘ŌIWI LEADER.
I AM A WARRIOR.
We champion every Hawaiian learner to explore their potential to lead our lāhui and inspire the world. Applications for school year 2024-25 will open on August 15th. Learn more and apply at ksbe.edu/imua
Navigating Transitions
BY KALIA KELMENSONGetting back in the groove after summer break is not always a graceful glide. Lazy mornings, long summer days, and nights spent under the stars with sun-kissed skin and salty hair give way to early wake-ups, the morning dash to get everyone out of the door on time, and the sudden return of overly full schedules.
Adjusting to a new routine can feel bumpy at best, and downright derailing at worst. The back-to-school transition comes around every year, like clockwork, and yet, it always feels somewhat surprising. With a little preparation, the biggest bumps can be navigated with ease and perhaps even a little grace.
Start early. Begin adjusting your schedule before the actual transition time arrives. Slowly adjust your sleep and wake times in the direction you know you have to go. Adjusting by 10–15 minutes each day will cause much less disruption to your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal timekeeper), and ultimately your entire household.
Reset the routine. Part of the fun of summer is going with the flow and following where the wind blows you, but gradually easing back into more of a structured routine will feel much less jarring than going from free-for-all to timebound. Begin to eat meals at the same time each day, get back into a bedtime routine, and revisit the chore schedule, looking for ways to adjust it. This is also a great time to establish a family meeting routine where all family members can bring something they want to talk about to the table.
Find the fun. It’s easy to dread the transition, but that doesn’t make it easier. In fact, it makes it decidedly more difficult. Instead, actively consider the upside to this change. Talk about the parts of the upcoming schedule that are exciting. What is everyone looking forward to doing again? Maybe it’s participating in sports or drama, or getting back to piano lessons and seeing old friends again. Bringing the positive aspects of what lies on the other side of the transition will help overcome some of the challenges. No matter what phase of life your family is in, transitions are a big part of life. Becoming adept and nimble at making your way through them is an important skill to build. Help your kids learn to look ahead and adjust where they can, knowing that there will always be parts of any transition that will be a surprise. It will be easier to deal with the unknown if you’ve done your best to plan for the known.
Kalia Kelmenson grew up on Maui and can't imagine a better place to raise kids. She is the creator of The Salt in Us and helps women live on purpose without burning out. Follow her on Instagram at @thesaltinus
Starting School
BY JESSICA GLEASON BOOKMOBILE LIBRARIANTransitioning to kindergarten is an important time in a young person’s life. Sharing books about feelings, friends, and adapting to changes in routine and schedules is one way to help your little one get ready for starting school. Here are some books to check out at your local public library.
• Kindergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day by Vera Ahiyya and pictures by Joey Chou
• The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
• The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
• Hello School! with words and pictures by Priscilla Burris
• Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-day-of-school Dilemma by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina
• Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim
• Kindergarten Hat by Janet Lawler and illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez
• Lola Goes to School by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Library Card Sign-Up Month
Get in your element this September—sign up for a library card! From borrowing books, and ebooks, learning new skills, or attending story time, a library card helps you do more of what you enjoy. A library card is your most important school supply—it's elemental, really—and everyone should have one! Visit www.librarieshawaii.org and click on the “How Do I…” tab then on “Get a New Library Card”. Apply online for a virtual library card (valid for 45 days) and gain access to all online digital resources. To activate
• Getting Ready for Kindergarten by Mary Ann and Eric Nemoto with photography by Dana Gorecki and Michael Mazzola
• On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe and pictures by Laura Hughes
• Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate and illustrated by Ashley Wolff
all library card privileges (including placing requests online for materials and borrowing books, DVDS and more), please visit your local library with proof of Hawaii residency.
Nurturing Resilient Families on Maui
BY DEB MAROISParenting in today's fast-paced world is no easy task. That's why the Ho‘oikaika Partnership has launched a campaign to support families in building resilience and break the stigma around seeking help. The effort aims to promote protective factors, foster early literacy, and strengthen family bonds while celebrating the vibrant Hawaiian culture. Additionally, the campaign seeks to reach families in remote areas like Hana, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i.
What are “Protective Factors?”
When parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, keiki’s well-being increases and the risk of abuse is reduced. Research shows that one way to do this is by building protective factors. “ Protective factors” help keiki and youth feel nurtured and help adults paddle more smoothly through the waters of parenthood. These terms can sometimes be a bit academic, so Ho‘oikaika partners have developed family-friendly language to help describe the concepts:
• Nurturing and attachment: “Mālama ‘Ohana”
• Knowledge of parenting and child development: “Parenting Can Be Hard, But Can”
• Social and emotional competence in children: “Show Keiki Aloha”
• Social connections: “How You Stay”
• Parental resilience: “First, Make Yourself Pono”
• Concrete support in times of need: “No Shame”
Kalo Boy’s Adventure to Make Pono:
He Huaka‘i ‘Ohana
At the heart of this campaign is a captivating children's storybook titled "Kalo Boy’s Adventure to Make Pono: He Huaka‘i ‘Ohana." This enchanting tale brings the concept of protective factors to life in a way that's relatable and engaging for the whole family. Protective factors are like superpowers that help families navigate tough times, and include feeling loved, staying
informed, building meaningful connections, staying strong, and accessing helpful resources when needed.
But here's the real magic: the storybook immerses families in the rich Hawaiian context, using language and imagery that reflects our unique island culture. Illustrated by award-winning Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Robert Nui Enos, the book transports us into a world of wonder where families can see themselves reflected in the story and the lessons are even more meaningful. The book makes reading a joyous adventure by incorporating early literacy strategies that spark conversations and deeper connections between adults and keiki.
As you journey through the book's pages, you'll discover reflective questions and space to map out your families’ support network. These special features encourage family discussions and empower parents to strengthen protective factors and enhance their children's reading skills. The book also includes QR codes that whisk you away to the Ho‘oikaika Partnership website and an inspiring video called "A Journey to Healing". But the campaign doesn't end there! Beyond the storybook, products such as bookmarks, stickers, and posters help to reinforce the importance of protective factors.
The Ho‘oikaika Partnership is a coalition of community organizations, individuals, county, and state agencies working together to prevent child abuse and neglect in Maui County. For more information, visit www.hooikaikapartnership.com or contact Coordinator Deb Marois at 808-765-7254.
Recycled Crayons
BY MAILE CREWDSONHere’s an easy, simple, and inexpensive activity you can do with your keiki: recycled crayons! Made with crayon bits and pieces, which many of us have lying around our hale, keiki of all different ages can be a part of this activity. Bonus: the ingredient list is minimal and you can spend a whole afternoon as an ‘ohana doing this or complete the process within a couple of hours. Tips and tricks are listed below.
Ingredients
• Crayons in assorted colors, papers removed
• Silicone baking molds or metal tins (cupcake or donut shape)
• Baking sheet
Directions
1. Prepare your silicone baking molds by setting them on a baking sheet to hold them in place. There are so many fun and creative silicone molds to choose from, like letters or shapes!
2. Gather all your old and broken crayon pieces and remove the paper. If the paper is stubborn to come off, soak the crayons in a bowl of hot, soapy water for 10 minutes. (*Adults need to help keiki with this step to prevent burns.) Now, the paper should more easily slide off. Rinse the soap off the crayons with cool water and pat dry.
3. Now that crayons are free of paper, break them by hand into smaller pieces and place them in baking molds. Try alternating colors that contrast, or use all warm colors (red, orange, yellow) or cool colors (green, blue, purple) together. Have fun with this step! Let your keiki take the lead. Now is the time to explore color combinations and get creative.
4. Once your molds are filled, preheat the oven to 275º F.
5. Bake your trays at 275º F for 15-20 minutes or until all the crayons are melted.
6. Carefully remove hot trays from the oven (with the help of an adult and oven mitts) and set them on the counter to cool for 6-8 hours or overnight. Shortcut: Bring the trays to room temperature by allowing them to cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then transfer the trays to the freezer for another 30-40 minutes.
7. Once the crayons are cooled, set, and solid, remove them from the molds. Note: if you're having trouble removing crayons from metal tins, place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. They should pop right out. Enjoy!
8. These recycled crayons make great gifts for ‘ohana and friends and are also a wonderful addition to any family outing where you might spend extra time in the car or on an airplane. Pack a pad of paper and you’re all set for colorful fun!
Maile Crewdson is a local mom of three young children with severe food allergies. Maile loves writing about Maui and motherhood in its joy and challenges. She is currently a middle school teacher and recently won Food Network Canada's "Great Chocolate Showdown" season 3, which is available to watch on the CW network.
Zero Waste Party Kits
Are you hosting a graduation or birthday party and want to make it zero waste? Maui Huliau Foundation, a local environmental education non-profit, has recently launched new zero waste party kits to help events with 20 to 300 attendees reduce the waste they send to the landfill. The kits include a waste station, reusable food ware, and a water refill station. The new kits are a smaller version of the waste stations you may have seen at large community events, which their Huliau Green Events program has used to divert over 20 tons of waste from the landfill since 2017 through composting, recycling, and reuse.
Each kit is customized to fit your needs and comes with a brief online zero waste training. In addition to showing you how to use the stations, the training reviews various zero waste strategies in the Zero Waste Hierarchy from the highest and best to lowest use of materials. The zero waste party kits focus on the top four strategies, by helping you to rethink aspects of your event and reduce unnecessary waste. The kit also helps you to replace disposable items with their reusable plates, bowls, cups, and
utensils. Lastly, the training goes over strategies for composting and recycling most other waste at your event.
When food waste decomposes in the landfill it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, making it a significant contributor to climate change. Food waste collected via the zero waste stations is instead fed to pigs or composted on farms, contributing to local soil health and food security. Unfortunately, very few common party and food service items are actually recyclable, especially plastic, so the training also helps you identify and avoid non-recyclable items. Due to the difficulty surrounding global plastic recycling, the kit also includes a water refill station to avoid plastic water bottles, and directs you towards canned or glass-bottled beverages, if necessary.
Pricing varies based on the size of the event, supplies needed, and delivery/pick-up location. Pricing typically ranges from $150- $350, made more affordable by a grant from the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management. Proceeds from the program benefit Maui Huliau Foundation’s programs for Maui youth, making these party kit rentals an overall great way to give back to our ‘āina!
To receive a quote, complete the form on their website: mauihuliaufoundation.org/greenevents or contact macie@mauihuliaufoundation.org.
• Preschool – 6th grade
• Arts-integrated project-based curriculum
• Small school environment with individualized attention
• A focus on social and emotional learning in addition to academics
• Inspiring, caring and talented teachers
“Our daughter has been going to Roots since Pre-K (now in 3rd grade) and was very nervous in the beginning. She is now so eager to go to school everyday! We feel so blessed to send her to a safe, kind, and nurturing learning environment. She has developed so much confidence and truly loves learning.”
–Annie Polk, Roots parent
• Tuition Aid Program www.rootsmaui.org office@rootsmaui.org
Wealways want our children to be kind and thoughtful of others all while learning to express their own feelings. Developmentally, we also need to allow our children the space to differentiate from us, to have agency and to express displeasure to us. It can be a tricky balance and here are a few things to consider:
• Show it. Model manners at home, as well as verbalizing an array of feelings.
• Acts of kindness. Plan together to do something kind for someone, talk about how it feels to be giving the kindness as well how it feels to receive kindness.
• Set up for success. “Remember our pleases and thank yous!”
• Positive support. Give a lot of attention when your child does something thoughtful or remembers their manners, “I love it when you bring your breakfast dishes to the sink!”
• Talk about manners. Initiate asking your child what manners mean and why they are important; see what your child says.
• Practice. Make up different scenarios and ponder together what to say and why, such as saying “Thank you” for a gift you don’t really like; saying “Yes” to a chore you don’t want to do.
Kula Country Farms
6240 KULA HWY, ACROSS FROM RICE PARK
Kula Country Farms pumpkin patch special hours! Open every day in Oct., 9am–4pm, the Kula Country Farms pumpkin patch is a fall family tradition not to be missed. Pack up the kids and head up to the farm for their famous corn maze, stroll through the colorful garden, and pose at the many photo opportunities throughout the property while taking in the breathtaking views. Choose from a va-
What About Manners?
BY KIEGAN BLAKE, O.T.• If your child is shy. They may not respond to greetings and goodbyes which looks like disrespectfulness, however they may just be overwhelmed.
• Sassiness. When your child is having a big feeling they may use a sassy tone. Invite a conversation about feelings “You sound upset/ mad/disappointed, I want to hear about it”.
• Share daily experiences. When you are at dinner or in the car, discuss tricky situations where someone’s feelings got hurt and unpack each person’s feelings and expectation.
• Your own childhood. Reflect on your own upbringing and your ideas about manners and respectfulness. When do you get triggered?
• Becoming their own person. Allow your child to express a different opinion and ask them about it.
• “Cool down” space. If your child’s emotions are running high, have a designated cozy space where your child can go and cool down and then follow up with a discussion of feelings later.
Remember: Choose conversation about feelings over compliance.
Kiegan Blake is an Occupational Therapist, Behavioral Specialist and Director of Maui Center For Child Development. For more information, please call (808) 873-7700 or MauiChildDevelopment.com
riety of pumpkins and gourds of all sizes and shop for seasonal goodies and island-grown produce at the store. Check out the website, Instagram, and Facebook for daily pumpkin patch updates.
808-878-8381 • kulacountryfarmsmaui.com
Kiegan Blake
Kiegan works with families statewide providing assessment, direct therapy, and consultation for home and school programs, as well as Mentorship & Trainings to professionals in Hawaii, nationally and internationally. Trained in Developmental and Behavioral Interventions, Kiegan has been an Occupational Therapist for over 25 years, opening the Maui Center for Child Development in 2003.
Alexander Academy of Performing Arts
808-878-8970 • alexanderacademy.info
870 Hali’imaile Road, Makawao
Join Alexander Academy for the 2023–2024 dance season. Classes for kids ages 3+ include ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, acro, flexibility, hip-hop, and acting. Adult classes available. AAPA aims to provide accessible high-quality dance instruction and performance opportunities to the Maui community. Through the art and discipline of dance, we empower students to embody the aloha spirit, identify their self-respect and compassion, and feel connection. Fall semester will conclude with full-length Nutcracker performances. Visit our website to enroll today.
CALENDAR
Maui Academy of Performing Arts
808-244-8760 • mauiacademy.org
2050 Main Street, Wailuku
Fall semester: August 21–December 16
Ages 6 & up • Drama & musical theatre classes Register at mauiacademy.org.
DRAMA From keiki to kupuna, MAPA drama classes will help build confidence, incite creativity and encourage exploration of the world around us. Classes for all levels of experience. MUSICAL THEATRE Put your storytelling skills to work through acting, singing and dancing. Whether new to the stage or ready for Broadway, students will work together as a class to explore new musicals each week and prepare for auditions of MAPA’s spring musical!
Momentum Dance Maui
808-866-0212 • momentumdancemaui.com
230 Hana Hwy. Unit 4, Kahului, HI, 96732
Ages 3–adult
Join Momentum Dance Maui for the 20232024 dance season at their brand new Kahului location! Classes include creative movement, pre-ballet, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, tap, and more. Momentum Dance Maui aims to inspire well-rounded and enthusiastic dancers through excellent training for both the preprofessional dancer and recreational student. We believe in creating a safe and positive environment where dancers can thrive. Call for more information or visit our website to conveniently register online today.
Arts Calendar
Body in Balance
808-661-1116 • www.BodyBalanceMaui.com info@bodybalancemaui.com
142 Kupuohi St., #F2, Lahaina
Ages 3–adult. We provide a personalized fitness experience for the whole family! For the keiki we have Aerial silks, ballet, camps, and more. Adult classes include, reformer pilates, TRX, yoga, Zumba, and barre. Check out our Instagram for special events and workshops!
Evolution Dance
2050 Main Street, Wailuku evolutiondancemaui.com
Fall registration at Evolution Dance Academy. Hip-hop, ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and more! Classes for toddlers, minis, jrs, and teens. Adult classes are also available. Visit our website www.evolutiondancemaui.com and register.
Napili Kai Foundation
808-669-6271 (Nāpili Kai Beach Resort) napilikaifoundation.org
5900 Honoapi'ilani Rd., Lahaina, Nāpili
“Perpetuating Hawaiian culture through the children of Maui since 1966.” Membership in our cultural program is open to keiki 6–18 and is free of charge. For details on membership commitment, contact Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar through our website.
Maui Onstage Youth
808-868-0333 • mauionstage.com
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center (Across from Lens Crafters)
Fall camps and classes
Students of all levels will explore elements of theater including vocalization, character development, music, movement, dance, and ensemble-building. Classes and camps include acting, improv, and musical theater for all ages. Register at mauionstage.com.
Theatre Theatre Maui
808-661-1168 • ttmwestmaui.org admin@ttmwestmaui.org
In Lahaina: after-school classes, workshops, school-break and summer camps
Ages 5–adult
We offer performing arts experiences for the children and adults of the West Maui community while also cultivating and nurturing local artists in the production of their original
works. Visit ttmwestmaui.org to learn about upcoming classes and camps.
ArtLab Maui
808-666-0111 • artlabmaui.com
381 Huku Li’I Place, Suite 103, Kīhei info@artlabmaui.com
Ongoing after-school, weekend programs, camps and private events • Ages 2.5–18
ArtLab Maui programs include: creativity building, drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, and more. Providing quality teacher-led programs with engaging process based art activities, where kids learn, play and create! Let’s get a little messy and make some amazing art! Visit us online to see the current schedule and to enroll.
Island Art Party
808-419-6020 • islandartparty.com
1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Ste. 109, Kīhei
Great for families, showers, date night, birthday parties, any occasion that calls for a great time! Coming up are our monthly all-ages classes. These all-ages classes cost $10-$20 per person making them affordable for our local families. Our Wednesday afternoon classes are family classes when the public schools are on break.
Anuenue Music Maui
719-948-7789 • anuenuemusicmaui.com
Kindermusik.com
Aloha Open Marketplace 1794 S Kīhei Rd #10 Kīhei
Kindermusik classes: ages birth - 10 years
Private lessons: ages 7 years – adult
Kindermusik by Tamara for keiki and private lessons by Dan Anuenue Music Maui to continue their musical journey. Whether you are just beginning or a seasoned musician there is
Arts Calendar
something for everyone. Kindermusik is the world’s leader in childhood music & movement education. Based on decades of research, activities are carefully & creatively designed to enhance children’s cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development.
La-ti-Da School of Music & Creative Arts
www.la-ti-daproductions.com
aloha@la-ti-daproductions.com • 808-280-2784 office
920-227-3406 text • @latidamusic 133 Makawao Ave, Makawao HI
Ages 3 months–adult
La-ti-Da offers early childhood and preschool music classes for ages 3 months–6 years as well as private and group music lessons for age 7+ on various instruments. We believe in creating an uplifting environment for children to explore the world of creativity. We strive to motivate kids through interactive learning, movement, games and innovation, inspiring confidence and teamwork. Join us for the 2023–2024 school year at our studio in Makawao!
Bounty Music
808- 871-1141 • info@bountymusic.com
Music lessons in 'ukulele, guitar, drums, voice, and keyboard • Ages 6+
Ongoing classes every day!
We offer a great variety of musical instruments for sale from beginner to advanced to fit all your musical needs. Bounty Music has a great selection of digital pianos, 'ukulele, guitars, and drums for children and adults alike.
Maui Violin Lessons
808-283-6945 • mauiviolinlessons.com
cambria808@gmail.com
Private violin lessons in central Maui • Ages 6–adult • Flexible times, beginning & intermediate students.
Experienced & patient teacher. Innovative teaching methods follow the interests & learning style of each student, keeping their passion for music alive. Contact Cambria Moss. If you do not have a violin yet, please call before shopping for one.
Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
808- 572-6560 • huinoeau.com
2841 Baldwin Ave, Makawao
Fall & camp classes • Ages 2.5–adult
Classes are online & open for registration! The Hui offers classes, workshops, and camps for all ages and artistic abilities. Taught by professional teaching artists, Hui classes include programs in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, glassblowing, Hawaiian arts, and more! The Hui also brings exceptional teaching artists to Maui as part of our Visiting Artist program. We offer classes for all ages, including family classes designed for multiple generations to participate in the arts together.
Education Education
CALENDAR CALENDAR
Seabury Hall
808-572-7235 • seaburyhall.org
480 Olinda Road, Makawao
Open House • October 21, 2023
Diverse student body • Rigorous academic curriculum • Award-winning arts programs • Outstanding athletics program • Personalized college counseling. Reserve your space. Email admissions@SeaburyHall.org or call 808-5720807 for details.
East Maui Watershed Partnership
808-573-6999 • eastmauiwatershed.org
Online watershed education • 3rd grade–adult Year-round by request • Weekdays
Carden Academy
808-573-6651 • Cardenmaui.org
55 Maka’ena Place, Pukalani
Admissions: 808-573-6651 ext. 102
Open House for grades pre-K through 8th
September 30, 2023
Please RSVP to cardenmaui.org/admissions
Join us to learn about pre-K through 8th grade at Carden Academy of Maui. Explore the classrooms, meet our homeroom and enrichment teachers, and see what an amazing education your child will receive at Carden Academy.
Montessori School of Maui
808.573.0374 • momi.org
2933 Baldwin Avenue, Makawao, HI 96768
Open House • Saturday, October 14, 2023
Interested in learning more about the value of a Montessori education for your child? Complete an Online Inquiry at momi.org/admissions to join us.
Let us bring the watershed to you with various online presentations and quizzes! Students will learn what a watershed is and why they are important. In-person hikes and volunteer service trips may be available, but subject to COVID-19 limitations.
Maui Center for Child Development
808-873-7700 • MauiChildDevelopment.com
MCCDmaui@gmail.com
244 Papa Place, Suite 102, Kahului
Kiegan offers a wide array of therapy services for children and their families including occupational therapy, behavior management, Sensory processing therapy, social and motor skills, and more. She is known throughout the islands for delivering results with her highly specialized therapies and state of the art equipment, and has helped hundreds of families find innovative solutions. She provides comprehensive and outstanding quality to Hawai'i’s families and communities.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui
808-298-4781 • bbbshawaii.org
Open enrollment for Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Maui
Youth (ages 6–16 years old) and adult volunteer mentors are matched in a one-to-one friendship based on gender, interests, personalities, and geographic locations. Volunteers are carefully screened and trained to create a positive impact by sharing their friendship, guidance, and support. Pairs meet two to three times per month to spend quality one-on-one time together and form meaningful memories just by hanging out. Matches are professionally supported by one of our staff members who also provide resources and support to the entire family unit. If you are interested in enrolling your child or becoming a volunteer mentor please e-mail us at ctomas@ bbbshawaii.org or call 808-298-4781.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui
808-242-4363 • bgcmaui.org
Beginning August 7th our Central, Ha‘ikū, Lahaina and Makawao clubs are open after school until 7 pm Mon to Fri for ages 9-18 (if still enrolled in high school). We offer a variety of programs supporting the academic success of our members, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all club members graduate from high school on time, and are ready for post-secondary education and their future careers. Register online today!
Reading Tutoring
248-564-1999 • cindyteachesreading.com
Cindy Shuster
Personalized one-on-one tutoring for beginning readers and readers needing extra support to achieve grade level. Students are initially assessed to establish their knowledge of letters and sounds, concepts about print, and writing skills. Lessons are then designed around the child’s ability level. Children are guided through lessons that include reading, word work, and writing strategies. The goal for each lesson is to build confidence, independence, and a love of reading.
Maui Tutoring
808-500-8881 • mauitutoring.com • Kīhei
Private & Group Tutoring
PreK–3rd Grade • Mon.–Sat. • 8am–6pm
Maui Tutoring creates a solid academic foundation to provide the child with the confidence and skills needed for future academic excel-
lence. Private and group tutoring PreK– 3rd grade. Maui Tutoring also offers (one time) individual assessment visits, and curriculum kits. Mon.-Sat., all year, 8am– 6pm.
Maui ‘Ohana Collective—Homeschool Resource Support & Educational Garden Program
209-259-3017 • mauiohanac@gmail.com
Maui ‘Ohana Collective is an educational non-profit, providing Waldorf-inspired and ‘Ohana-based curriculum and activities to students in grades 1–8. Offerings include drop-in classes, cultural festivals, and resources including Laulima Garden ‘Ohana— our operational farm and living classroom for regenerative agriculture education for children and families.
Hawaii State Public Library System
Your library card gives you access to free digital resources available 24/7. You can check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers as well as stream movies, documentaries, and TV series. Parents and caregivers can also access BookFlix for Kids, Scholastic Teachables, streaming movies, TV series, and story time and virtual programs featuring your local librarians. Please visit www.librarieshawaii.org to find out about our current services, or feel free to stop by or call your nearest library during open hours. Library staff is here to help!
Wailuku Public Library
808-243-5766 • www.librarieshawaii.org
251 High Street, Wailuku
Kīhei Public Library
808-875-6833 • www.librarieshawaii.org
35 Waimaha‘iha‘i St., Kīhei
Makawao Public Library
808-573-8785 • www.librarieshawaii.org
1159 Makawao Ave., Makawao
Kahului Public Library
808-873-3095 • www.librarieshawaii.org
90 School St., Kahului
Temporarily closed for repairs. Call for updates.
Lahaina Public Library
808-662-3950 • www.librarieshawaii.org
80 Wharf St, Lahaina
Education Calendar
Maui Huliau Foundation
http://mauihuliaufoundation.org
Huliau Environmental Filmmaking Club
Grades 7–12
Monday, 9/4/2023 • 8:30am–2pm • In person at Hawaiian Canoe Club
On Zoom: 9/12/2023 & 9/26/2023 • 4pm–5:30pm
Apply: http://mauihuliaufoundation.org/hefc
Students will work in teams to create a short environmental film on a topic of their choice. After the September intro sessions, most filming will take place during fall break. All equipment and assistance in planning, filming, and editing is provided. No prior experience is needed. The program fee is $75 and need-based scholarships are available. See website for full schedule.
Huliau Leadership Council • Grades 9–12
Orientation: Sept. 16th • 8:30am–1pm at Hawaiian Canoe Club
In-person and virtual meetings on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays from Sept. until May
Apply: http://mauihuliaufoundation.org/ leadership
Students will meet and participate in occasional service projects on weekends throughout the year. The program kicks off with a beach cleanup and in-person orientation on International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 16th! A great opportunity for students looking to learn more about environmental issues on Maui and build leadership skills along the way.
PRESCHOOL | GRADE SCHOOL | MIDDLE SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL
We empower and inspire our keiki to uncover their gifts, find their passion and discover their voices.
• Small class sizes... creates a warm and caring environment focused on your child’s individual strengths, needs and learning style
• Strong values-based campus... focused on spirituality and building moral character through Catholic Christian principles
• An experienced, caring and dedicated staff... creates and inspires a true sense of 'Ohana
• A generous tuition assistance program .... supports families in investing in your child’s future
Baby Keiki
The 4th Trimester by Hannah Freed
Often as mothers, we can feel pressure to be social and return to our “normal” lives right after giving birth. However, taking the first three months of your baby’s life—in other words, the 4th trimester– can be a beautiful time of bonding and connection for mother and baby. This is an important time of physical, mental, and emotional development for the new baby. When supported by a more inward, quiet, calm, secure, softly lit, and safe space, this allows both mama and baby to adjust, heal, recover, and learn how to work together to successfully breastfeed. Baby needs time to adjust to the world outside the womb. Mamas also need time to adjust to having a new baby, navigating all the life changes that come with
that, and figuring out how to manage daily household needs. Even though this can be a magical time, it can also feel overwhelming. Helpful tips for mother and baby:
1. Limit visitors so mama and baby can put their energy and attention toward connecting and bonding.
2. Set up a meal train so meals are ready to heat up and eat.
3. Have a spouse, grandparent or friend come to help with dishes, laundry, cleaning, and holding the baby while mama tends to selfcare—taking a shower, for example.
4. Meet with a lactation consultant to support with breastfeeding.
5. Be patient with yourselves and be ok with not getting more than one thing checked off the to-do list.
6. Swaddle baby to help them feel safe and secure.
7. Hold baby skin to skin. This helps calm and relax both mama and baby and has many other benefits.
8. Sway or rock baby while holding them.
9. Explore different baby-wearing options. Mamas, remember to:
1. Eat healthy, whole foods, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
2. Hydrate. Drink your water.
3. Move your body with light exercise. Give your body at least six weeks to heal before going “full on” with exercise. Consult with
your midwife/doctor, and use your postpartum bleeding as a barometer to see if you are overdoing it.
4. Sleep and rest when your baby is sleeping.
5. Get book recommendations from friends to read while nursing.
6. Be patient with yourself and your body.
7. Join a mama and baby group to make new friends and be in a community of new moms that shows you that you are not alone.
Hannah Freed has been a classroom teacher and remedial specialist for 25 years. She currently runs a private practice helping both children and adults integrate and regulate mind and body. Learn more at koruintegration.com
Why Learning to Swim Matters
Let's explore the importance of learning to swim for your little island adventurers. Join us as we dive into safety, excitement, and the joy of exploration on our island paradise. Safety first. Living on an island means being surrounded by water, making swimming a vital skill for your children's safety. Learning to swim equips them with water safety skills, provides confidence, and prevents accidents whether they're at the beach, pool, or on a boat. Your peace of mind is priceless.
Embrace island activities. Island life offers thrilling water activities that your children can fully enjoy when they know how to swim. Surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding become accessible and fun-filled adventures. These activities promote physical fitness, coordination, and a love for the great outdoors.
Explore the underwater world. Our island is a treasure trove of marine wonders, and swimming opens the door to these captivating experiences. With swimming skills, your children can immerse themselves in vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside graceful sea turtles, and discover hidden treasures underwater. It's a chance for them to connect with nature and develop a deep appreciation for marine life. Build lifelong skills. Swimming is more than just a leisure activity; it's a skill that benefits your children throughout their lives. It promotes physical fitness, cardiovascular health,
and muscle strength. Swimming also teaches discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting, empowering children to face challenges and excel in life.
Socializing and safety in numbers. Learning to swim not only opens the door to thrilling activities but also fosters social interactions. Your children can participate in pool parties, water sports clubs, and community events, making new friends and developing essential social skills. It also creates a sense of camaraderie among peers, engaging in water-based activities together safely.
Living on an island is an extraordinary adventure, and ensuring your children can swim is a crucial aspect of their island experience. Equipping them with swimming skills provides safety, opens the door to thrilling water activities, and ignites a lifelong love for the water. So, parents, let's encourage our children to dive into learning, exploration, and the wonders of island living!
Swim with Hoku offers private swimming lessons for children of all ages. Learn more at swimwithhoku.com.
Pack a Nutritious Lunchbox
BY RACHAEL KENT FRIAS, MAUI HEALTH REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONISTHaving a healthy lunch at school is important in so many ways — it supports learning and concentration, keeps immune systems strong to fight off those classroom colds, and provides the energy needed to get through a long school day. Here are some tips for packing a healthy lunch that will satisfy both you and your kids.
Protein power. Having a serving of protein supports growing bodies and helps kids feel full for longer. Try lean meats, eggs, fish, or plant-based proteins like tofu, beans, or nut butter.
Eat a rainbow. Colorful fruits and vegetables not only give kids the variety of vitamins and minerals they need, but they also add visual appeal to the lunchbox. Bonus challenge – try to fill half the lunchbox with fruits and veggies for the most nutritious meal!
Make it whole grain. Whole grains have more fiber and nutrients than their refined counterparts, and help kids maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Healthy fats. Healthy unsaturated fats, like those found in avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish, are important for brain development and health.
Don’t forget calcium. Support growing bones by making sure your child is getting enough calcium with dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese, or plant-based sources like beans, tofu, fortified plant milks, and cruciferous vegetables such broccoli and bok choy.
Pack a water bottle. Kids need plenty of hydration during recess or PE class. For more flavor, add a splash of juice or squeeze of lemon. Or try adding slices of fruit or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Eat local. Take advantage of Hawai‘i's abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables with local favorites like mango, papaya, star fruit, sweet potato, and taro. Keep it safe. Avoid food-borne illness by packing perishable items in an insulated container with ice packs and remind your child to always wash their hands before eating.
No matter what’s in the lunchbox, a great way to encourage healthy eating habits is to get your child involved in planning and preparing meals. Talk with your kids about what foods they like for lunch, and let them help you plan a menu of healthy options. You can also enlist their help preparing and packing their lunch each morning, or the night before if school mornings are too busy. Kids are often more willing to eat healthy meals and try new foods when they’re involved in preparing it. Back-to-school means new friends, new routines, and new learning, so it’s more important than ever that kids have the nutrition and energy they need. By packing a lunch that’s healthy and enjoyable, you can help set your child up for a successful school year.
For more, visit mauihealth.org/kidslunch.
Packing a Healthy Lunch
For growing keiki, having a healthy lunch at school is so important! A healthy lunch supports concentration and learning, keeps immune systems strong to fight off classroom colds, and helps provide kids the energy needed to get through a long school day.
From protein power, to creative calcium and eating the rainbow, Maui Health’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Rachael Kent Frias provides tips and tricks for packing a healthy lunch that will satisfy both you and your kids.
Read more in this issue of Maui Family Magazine and visit mauihealth.org/kidslunch for more healthy lunch ideas!
Pregnancy is a time of great change. Not only do bodies undergo physical transformations, but minds and emotions also experience shifts. As a birth doula, I often remind pregnant people that this is the time to tune into their primal beings and gather all the things they need into a figurative basket.
One of the things hāpai folks need to gather is information about their chosen care provider and birth setting. This includes protocols for screenings and assessments, safety measures, labor management options, and available resources. Gathering this information and making solid decisions can allow the release of little details and help families embrace the bigger picture of how they will care for themselves during labor.
Another important thing to gather is the support of other positive families who are going through the same journey. Birth classes, prenatal yoga classes, group prenatals, and other opportunities to learn and socialize with other expectant parents in the community can be fulfilling and helpful. They can also reinforce the information and boost confidence during pregnancy.
Gathering While Hapai: Resources and People for Empowerment
BY KRISTINA STATLERHere at Pacific Birth Collective, a dream long in the making has come true: we will be opening a gathering place for both families and professionals. The new location is in the Aloha ‘Āina Center at 810 Kokomo Road in Ha‘ikū. This place will be a treatment center, a place for all kinds of classes, and a safe space for people to socialize and make friends. We will feature the professionals from PBC’s directory, an extensive list of midwives, Native Hawaiian birth keepers, ko‘okua (doulas), birth advocates, and kumu (educators) in the fields of acupuncture, massage, and bodywork who are nurturing, revitalizing, and bringing back the traditions around pregnancy, birth, and postpartum here on Maui.
Gathering information, positive people, practitioners, and new friends into your “basket" can help you prepare for the birth of your baby and make it a more positive and empowering experience.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @pacificbirthcollective, check out our website pacificbirthcollective.org and sign up for our quarterly newsletter to get news of what is happening here on Maui and across the islands.
Kristina is a birth keeper, mother, and Pacific Birth Collective board member.
According to the American Dental Association, child athletes who don’t wear mouth guards while playing sports are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth, gums, and jaw. An athletic mouth guard reduces the adverse effects of trauma and injury to the teeth and gums during sports.
Most HDS dental plans covers one athletic mouth guard for patients ages 18 and younger. Because every child deserves to play hard, live well, and smile more.
Learn
Build a Sustainable Body
BY KALIA KELMENSONOur culture is clearly fixated on image. There’s a lot of attention paid to how our body looks with less emphasis on how we feel. In a quest to tighten and tone the parts of us that no longer match our self-image in motherhood, we unwittingly set ourselves up for a certain amount of pain and discomfort by limiting our ability to move in all the ways we are designed to move. Creating strength in the body is crucial, especially core strength that supports all of our movement and becomes most destabilized after pregnancy. Maintaining muscular strength throughout life is an important part of healthy aging.
Equally vital is maintaining the mobility and flexibility that supports healthy movement patterns. Given the amount of sitting we do, even as busy parents, it bears noting that being aware, and integrating practices into our day that keep us mobile and flexible will serve us long into the future. The bonus is that these moves are fun for the whole family.
Go barefoot. How we move begins with our feet. Most shoes, including slippers, create unnatural movement patterns in the feet which filter up through the body, creating misalignment in the knees, hips, and throughout the body. Practice standing barefoot and finding neutral alignment with your feet balancing your weight equally between the front and back of your feet. Check in a few times a day to notice how your weight is distributed through your feet.
Shake it out. Shaking the body is a foundational part of many Eastern medical movement systems. There is an energetic component to it, and it also helps to move our lymph, which helps to move toxins out of our body. This simple practice simply involves a full body shake, letting your muscles shimmer, your joints gently bounce, and consciously releasing any tension you feel any-
where in your body. Turn on your favorite song or simply begin to bounce and shake while coffee brews in the kitchen.
Keep your hips happy. Sitting, whether at a desk, in the car, or on the couch binging Netflix, creates tightness in the muscles of your hips. Tightness in the hips can easily translate into back pain and unhealthy posture. It might seem inconsequential in the moment, but left unattended, tight hips will create an imbalance in the body and pain down the road. A few times a day, practice bringing your hips into extension. Extension, where your leg extends behind you as opposed to bending in front of you, lengthens the deep muscles of the hips that can get shortened by too much sitting. One way to do this is to step one leg forward into a lunge. Tuck your hips under and straighten the back leg as much as is comfortable. Without straining through the hips, feel those deep muscles release. Contract the glutes of the back leg to help support and deepen the stretch. Take 5–10 breaths, and be sure to relax your jaw as you do.
Kalia Kelmenson grew up on Maui and can't imagine a better place to raise kids. She is the creator of The Salt in Us and helps women live on purpose without burning out. Follow her on Instagram at @thesaltinus
• Botox (wrinkle smoother)
• Restylane/Radiesse (wrinkle ller)
• Eyelid surgery
• Acne/Rash
• Skin lumps & bumps
• Legs Varicose veins
Dr. Ly Loves Kids!
Specializing in Children’s Skin, Hair, and Nails!
Walk-ins Welcomed! Accepting New Patients!
877-6526
89 Ho’okele St., Suite #101, Kahului (Behind Home Depot and across from Target)
www.Aloha-Dermatology.com
Helping Children Reach New Heights
Dr.
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
ALL INSURANCE ACCEPTED Central, Upcountry, Lahaina Locations
335 Hoohana St. Ste F, Kahului 1043 Makawao Ave. Ste 110, Makawao 40 Kupuohi St. #206, Lahaina
808-446-2032
PediatricTherapiesHawaii.com
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Ph: (808) 875 -4808 Fx: (808) 875-4841
Web: callyadamsdds.com
Email: pediatric-dentist@callyadamsdds.com
What Is Sound Healing?
BY LISA GARRETTYou might think, “Sound healing, yeah, that’s where you lay down with all the crystal bowls, chimes, bells, and the gong, right? Maybe hear some singing or chanting?” Sure, it can and has looked like that. But sound healing can describe any type of vibration or rhythm for therapeutic purposes. If you’ve ever wondered why people love it, or how it works, read on!
Long before the Big Bang Theory, ancient texts told of our universe beginning with a sound, AUM (or OM). Its vibration, or movement, began all life. Still lingering in all creation, it is said to bring us back to the beginning, or true primordial form. In modern scientific terms, the movement of atoms are responsible for all that exists, as atoms are the building blocks of all matter. If atoms move with vibration or sound waves, wouldn’t it be possible to change the way they
move by changing the vibration of a sound? Yes! A whole lot of experimenting later, and a healing movement was born.
The beauty in using sound for healing is how it can work for everyone, and in different therapeutic needs. The key is a thing called entrainment. It simply means two differently moving things synching to the same rhythm. For example, try this: pick a well-known, easy path to walk with a friend. Start up a conversation while you walk. Somewhere before your destination, while still talking, glance down at your feet. You will most likely find you are “in step” with your friend. This synch-up works with any rhythm – music, drumming, chanting - you get where this is going. So play some relaxing music next time you’re stressed, or chant words you are trying to memorize, and you may fall in love with sound healing, too.
Lisa Garrett is hosting her next workshop on Learning Through Sound in October. Visit: https://tinyurl.com/learningthroughsound to learn more.
All ‘Ohana
A Journey of Food, Connection, and Family
Adecade ago, an initiative was born that would ignite a movement toward sustainability and foster a deeper connection to the land we call home. Ashley Lindsey, a proud Kānaka Maoli, and Lauryn Rego, a settler to Hawai‘i met in 2013 during the inaugural EAT LOCAL MAUI Challenge to eat only food grown in Hawai‘i for seven days. Little did they know that this would mark the beginning of an incredible journey.
At the start, Ashley wanted to reconnect with her cultural foods and language. Embracing traditional Hawaiian foods and language is a way to honor her ancestors while preserving and revitalizing cultural knowledge. Ashley shares, "Hawaiians need to eat Hawai‘i’s food. We need to recreate that connection to what feeds us (this ‘āina), in this language (‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i).”
For Lauryn, the challenge represented a powerful stand against the vulnerability of an island reliant on imported food. Supporting local farmers and producers ensures access to fresh and nutritious food while strengthening the island's food security. Lauryn emphasizes, "Every bite we take from our local farms is a step towards a more resilient and sustainable future for Maui. We're nourishing our bodies, supporting our community, and safeguarding our environment."
When Lauryn and Ashley embarked on motherhood, they realized that the challenge had taken on an even deeper meaning. Nurturing their children with wholesome, locally sourced foods became a priority, intertwining their personal journeys with the evolution of
the challenge. Enriched by the incredible spirit of sharing within the community, through an abundance of recipes and invaluable advice generously contributed by participants, the journey towards eating local has become accessible, inspiring, and truly community-driven.
Over the past decade, administered by their non-profit initiative Project Locavore, the group has grown from a small gathering of passionate individuals to a thriving community of over 6,000 members. Project Locavore has been a catalyst for individuals and families to reevaluate their food choices and embrace the abundant offerings of Hawai‘i's agricultural products, including both women. They have experienced personal growth, connected deeply with their community, and embraced a commitment to food security and sustainability.
Embark on your own EAT LOCAL MAUI adventure this fall, celebrating the abundance of Hawaiigrown products, fostering connections, and cultivating a sustainable future for generations to come. Take part in any way that works for your family. Whether embracing the full 7-day challenge, dedicating one day to local eating, or using the challenge's bingo card (see pg. 52), the goal is to create awareness and inspire mindful food choices that align with each family's unique circumstances.
Learn more about Project Locavore’s EAT LOCAL MAUI Challenge (Nov. 12–18, 2023) at projectlocavore.com
Challenge
E
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (translation by Ke Kula ʻo Piʻilani)
E koho i ka wai ma mua o ka wai huaʻai
E kūʻai mai me ke ʻeke pāmia
E pūʻai aku me ke aloha
E ʻai i ka huaʻai hou
E ʻai i kou ʻaina ma waho o ka hale
E ʻai i ka meaʻono huaʻai
scan for printable version in English & additional resources
Nurturing Maui's Youth Through Farm-to-School Programming
In an era of increasing disconnection between children and their food sources, Grow Some Good's Farm-to-School Program on Maui works diligently to bridge that gap. This initiative combines hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement to foster a deeper understanding of food systems and sustainable practices among the island's youth. This program empowers Maui's young minds by cultivating a strong connection between local agriculture, community, and schools.
Grow Some Good creates invaluable learning experiences for children. Through experiential education, students can engage in activities like planting, nurturing growth, and harvesting fresh produce. These hands-on experiences bring the learning process to life, teaching children about nutrition, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
Garden coordinators are pivotal to the success of Farm-to-School programming. These educated and experienced individuals work closely with teachers, collaborating on lesson plans and integrating hands-on gardening experiences into the curriculum, such as math, science, and history. They also assist in designing and maintaining school gardens, providing guidance on plant selection, soil preparation, and irrigation methods. Working alongside educators, they help create a rich and exciting learning atmosphere where students can explore, discover, and connect with the natural world.
Beyond their role of creating an outdoor learning classroom, garden coordinators serve as mentors to students, nurturing their curiosity, encouraging their questions, and instilling a sense of wonder about the food they grow and their environment. They encourage their
students to deeply appreciate nature's cycles and the importance of sustainable practices. Through their guidance, students learn life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility. They empower their students to take ownership of their education, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment as they witness the growth of their plants and taste the fruits of their labor.
82% of Maui County teachers surveyed for the 2022-2023 school year agreed that students who attend Grow Some Good's garden classes have improved attitudes with respect for others and demonstrate nurturing behaviors. 89% agreed that the garden class improved their students' enthusiasm for learning, and 97% saw improvement in their students' connection to the natural world.
Grow Some Good's Farm-to-School Program is a transformative educational experience that plants the seeds of sustainability and environmental stewardship in the minds and hearts of students. By promoting this style of education, supporting local farmers, and fostering community engagement, this program ensures a brighter, healthier future for Maui.
To learn how you can become involved, follow us @GrowSomeGood on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter through our website, www.growsomegood.org.
Help Native Hawaiian Birds
Do you wake up in the morning to birds singing in your yard? Did you know that you’re likely not hearing native birds singing? Native Hawaiian birds used to live everywhere on Maui, from sea to summit. But now they are restricted to high-elevation, native forest areas that protect them from avian malaria, a disease transmitted by non-native mosquitoes that is deadly to our native honeycreepers. In many places across the island, these birds are entirely absent from low and mid-elevations.
Birds from all over the globe were introduced to Hawai‘i in the last 200 years. As you go about town, sit at the park with your keiki, or tend to your home garden, take time to recognize the birds present. You might see or hear: Northern Cardinals, Chestnut Munia, Common Waxbill, Common Myna, White-rumped Shama, Melodious Laughingthrush, Red-billed Leiothrix, Japanese Bush Warbler, and Warbling White-eye. Because these birds are visible to the public eye, they are often mistaken for being native Hawaiian birds.
Hawaiian honeycreepers, a unique family of birds only found in Hawai‘i, once included 56 species that evolved to fit diverse ecological niches, similar to the 14 species of Finch that Darwin studied on the Galapagos Islands. Today, there are only 6 species of honeycreepers left on Maui. If you were born in the 1970’s in your lifetime 3 species of honeycreeper on Maui have gone extinct: Maui ‘Akepa, Maui Nukupu’u, and Po’ouli. Hawaiian honeycreepers represent the incredible biodiversity that nurtured Hawai‘is landscapes for as long as 7.2 million years and were some of the first voices echoed on our island landscape. They are the island’s kupuna and worth protecting. One day we may be able to attract native honeycreepers to your keiki’s backyard garden – but this will take time. Diminishing mosquito-borne diseases are one aspect, but there are
also problems to solve due to predation by cats, rats, and mongooses, and habitat destruction. Even though your home yard or garden is unlikely to attract native Hawaiian birds, you can still support native species in your day-today life. It could make a significant difference in their survival.
Help our community understand, share, and educate others on these issues.
• Support stringent biosecurity to protect Hawaii’s native species
• Teach keiki to value native species and learn how science can expedite solutions to their problems.
• Start planting native plants so that honeycreepers and native insects will have recognizable food and shelter from sea to summit. Hopefully they will begin to travel back to lower elevations and find familiar plants to live and feed on in your backyard.
With these actions, hopefully, we can one day enjoy native birds in our yards and gardens again in Hawai‘i.
Learn more about how you can help native Hawaiian birds at mauiforestbirds.org.
Seascape & Canoe Crops
Seascape, the award-winning restaurant at Maui Ocean Center, participated in the inaugural Restaurant Week fundraiser for Grow Some Good, a Maui-based nonprofit organization known for its garden-based education experiences. Funds raised support the group’s Farm to School and Community Food Systems programs. That includes bringing participating chefs, such as Seascape’s Executive Chef Henry Tariga, to school gardens so they can lead culinary demonstrations and volunteer workdays.
“Our ‘āina is what sustains us all. It must be protected and cultivated for future generations,” Tariga says. “From cultivating the land, we learn techniques that can be taught to our keiki so that dependency on foreign crops is not as necessary as it is today.”
With his commitment to a sustainable Maui, Tariga hand selects fresh fish from Mā‘alaea Harbor’s local fisherman, grass-fed protein from island ranches and canoe crops from area farmers. Many of Seascape’s dishes feature “canoe crops,” or plants originally brought via canoe to the Hawaiian Islands by Polynesian voyagers. For example, ‘ulu (breadfruit) is featured in everything from appetizers (Upcountry ‘Ulu Hummus) to dessert (Mocha ‘Ulu Pie). A recent addition to the menu is the Moloka‘i Venison Burger served with kalo (taro) fries.
Seascape will serve a sampling of canoe plants, including kalo and ‘uala (sweet potato), as part of Maui Ocean Center’s new Hawaiian Culture and Plant Tour.
The tour is a multi-sensory experience: not only will participants taste an assortment of crops originally brought to Hawai‘i by Polynesian settlers, but they will also smell the subtle fragrance of the pōhinahina leaf and recite ‘ōlelo no‘eau (Hawaiian proverbs).
Additionally, participants will use papa ku‘i ‘ai (poi pounding boards) and pōhaku ku‘i ‘ai (poi pounding stones) to mash kalo into a paste-like substance called poi. Maui Ocean Center staff handmade the pounding implements under the instruction of nonprofit organization Lo‘iloa in Kula.
This innovative, hands-on tour is one of the many ways that Maui Ocean Center is redefining what an aquarium can be. The tour will focus on native plants (species that are found naturally in Hawai‘i) and endemic plants (those that are found only in Hawai‘i and nowhere else on Earth).
Maui Ocean Center developed the tour with the support of the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG), a native Hawaiian ethnobotany garden in Kahului. A portion of ticket sales will support MNBG’s coastal native plant restoration efforts.
Space is limited on the 90-minute tours. Reserve your spot at mauioceancenter.com. For more information about Grow Some Good, visit growsomegood.org
Time to Create a Household Budget
BY JENNIFER HAMAYELIANNot everyone enjoys thinking about their personal or family finances. For many, money can be a stressful, complicated issue. More than half of U.S. households maintain some form of a budget and it is an incorrect assumption that only those faced with financial strain are motivated to budget their money. Creating a budget may seem daunting but with a little time, effort, and willingness to examine your habits, any household can create one that works for their particular needs.
Whether you live paycheck to paycheck or have substantial excess at the end of the month, there are many good reasons to budget your money. Financial benefits may include reducing or avoiding debt and meeting short- or long-term goals. Just as important are the self-improvement opportunities that a budget analysis may offer. Evaluating what your money is spent on, how much is spent, and where, may shine light on personal habits that inspire you to change your consumption patterns. Narrowing down your goals may help with the next step: choosing the best method or
budgeting tool to fit your needs. One of the most common methods is the 50/30/20 rule. First, start with the dollar amount you take home each month. 50% of that number goes to your needs (rent, utilities, food, transportation), 30% is allotted for wants (hobbies, dinner with friends, streaming services), and 20% goes to savings. This method is not ideal for those with very low or very high incomes, but can serve as a simple framework that ensures some money goes into savings.
The zero-base method’s intention is to account for every dollar you take home each month. Subtract your spending from the amount you take home and the difference should be zero. That doesn’t mean you “spend” every dollar; as with any budget plan, both long & short term savings should be included. Although the zero-base method is more time consuming to create, it can take the stress out of your finances by planning ahead and knowing where every dollar is going.
Finances and money can be an interesting, and complicated, issue in households. Being aware of your emotional and psychological relationship with money, your spending and consumption habits, your motivations and weaknesses can improve your personal finances, even if your budgeting method is informal and requires only mental space.
Cool stream water trickles down my giant rubber boots as I slip into the gooey wet mud of our family’s kalo patch. My cousin Isaac and I laugh wildly as we chase a crawdad, the poor little creature trapped in the stream water flowing into our farm.
“We almost got him!” I scream, as my cousin and I dart forward. Moments later, the two of us are covered in mud head-to-toe without any sign of said crawdad.
It’s a sticky-hot summer day in the mid-'90s, and the creamy sludge refreshes my skin. We are kids, it’s school break, and I feel unhurried by time. Peace washes over me in this moment, my heart and mind relax. Glancing up at the sun, it looks about midday. In the background, I hear the faint cry of my uncle’s voice summoning us to come and help with chores. My cousin and I snuck out of washing dishes and sweeping the old plantation house and it is time to come clean. Also, the mud is drying and tightening on my bare skin, a reminder that time and sunlight can change a thing.
Memories like this of me as a keiki here on Maui come flooding back. My biggest anxiety was whether I’d wake up in time to watch the next
Growing up Maui
BY MAILE CREWDSONepisode of “Sailor Moon” on our little TV, the only technology besides our corded, wall-connected telephone that we owned. Hours spent doing chores with my family, and taking care of our home and property. Adventures to ‘Iao Valley stream to cool off after a long day. These sweet memories make me wonder about how I’m raising my own family. Am I teaching my keiki the value of playing outside? The importance of working hard with your hands? And how to stay grounded in a world that can seem shakey?
“Mom! Look! It’s a guppy! And little fishes!” My eight-year-old daughter squeals with delight, breaking my deep concentration. “Mom, put your feet in the cold water. It’s icy and wakes you up real fast.”
I slowly wade into the stream with my little girl, wincing. We are out on an early morning mommy-daughter walk. Ruby turns to me, giggling and barefoot, with a wide smile spreading across her bright face. It’s just the two of us listening to the nearby cardinals singing. In their happy tune, I hear my own heart singing. My keiki are crafting a magical childhood all their own, and I know they’re going to be OK.
Maile Crewdson is a local mom of three young children with severe food allergies. Maile loves writing about Maui and motherhood in its joy and challenges. She is currently a middle school teacher and recently won Food Network Canada's "Great Chocolate Showdown" season 3, which is available to watch on the CW network.
Drug Use Among Teens
Dear
Cici is
a family
resource for accurate informaton about sex and relationships. Email your questions to: info@mauifamilymagazine.com.
Dear Reader,
Instead of responding to one of your questions, I am writing this column to explore my own concerns regarding the recent surge in accidental fentanyl overdoses. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl overdose is now the number one cause of death for people 18-45 years old.
What do we need to know and how can we protect our kids?
Fentanyl is a pain medication, a synthetic opioid that is fifty times stronger than heroin and one hundred times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is an effective medication for individuals with severe pain. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a dangerous substance that is being added to other drugs to make them cheaper, stronger, more addictive, and often deadly.
Although drug use among teens is decreasing overall, the average number of overdose deaths involving IMFs has more than doubled among adolescents. The majority of those who died had no history of opioid use. For some, it may have been their first time taking pills.
There is a common misperception that prescription drugs are safer than other substances. Research shows a significant increase among young people sharing prescription meds. Kids can get pills from friends at school and can even buy pills on the Internet. Traffickers connect to kids through social media; fake prescription pills are advertised with emojis and dyed bright colors to make them more appealing to young people.
Another important factor is that many individuals who accidentally overdose have a history of a mental health diagnosis. Given that
rates of depression and anxiety among children and teens continue to increase and some will try to self-medicate, it’s especially important to pay attention and talk with our kids about the risks of taking pills.
If you're not already talking to your kids about drug and alcohol use, start now. We know that adolescence is a time of experimentation; risktaking behavior is a normal part of development and provides the opportunity to test their skills and discover who they are. Parents can help decrease the risks of drug and alcohol use by being actively engaged with their kids. Kids whose parents talk to them about drug and alcohol use, express disapproval, and have clear rules and consequences are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.
The reality is that some young people are going to experiment, but harm reduction strategies can be important tools to help keep young people safe. Talk with your kids about how to stay safe in situations where drugs and alcohol may be involved. Let them know they can call on you for help if they find themselves in a risky situation. Most importantly, try not to be judgemental if you find out your young person has tried drugs or alcohol. Community connectedness and parental involvement are the main protective factors against drug and alcohol abuse. Open and honest communication is key.
Cecilia Ortiz, LCSW is a clinical social worker and a mom. She has nearly 20 years of experience including working with kids, teens and adults in the areas of sex education, abuse, trama and prevention.
Avocado Rolled in Sesame & Sumac Tacos
by Maja LiottaVariety is truly the spice of life and when it comes to lunches, thinking “out of the box, or lunchbox” might be just what you need to create a healthful, colorful, and delicious creation that will make your kid the envy of his lunchroom friends.
True fact: Growing up, my parents owned and operated a restaurant that our family of 6 lived on top of. It was actually called, The Spice of Life, thus my lead-in. Our daily school lunches would consist of the most creative and most definitely bizarre combinations of food: its value was only calculated by how many Little Debbie brand cupcakes we could trade for. Unfortunately, the previous night’s dining room special—an apricot honey-glazed roasted quail. (Imagine a gangly tiny chicken covered in orange slime)—was a very hard trade among the fluffernutter and Wonder Bread crowd.
We can do better now and I’m healing from my early lunchbox trauma, thanks to our beautiful Maui growers and food artisans. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up, incorporate some of our local vegetables, and bring some pizzaz to your kids' lunchbox:
Ingredients
• Avocado
• Tortillas
• Sesame seeds
• Rice (brown or white) Hummus
• Black beans
• Lime
• Sumac
• Salt
• Garlic Salt
Directions
Popular in Middle Eastern cooking, sumac is a red spice that consists of ground-up dried berries. They not only provide gorgeous contrast from the beautiful green hues of the avocado but have a nice lemony zing paired with a sprinkle of salt. A gorgeous half of a ripe avocado sprinkled with some sumac and sesame seeds looks as great as they taste. Add a scoop of brown or white rice. Enclose a nice scoop of some hummus or Maui Raw cultured mac nut dip. I personally love the chipotle flavor or the spinach/artichoke when available.
Black beans seasoned with a squeeze of lime, salt, and some cumin and garlic salt. Enclose some toasted tiny tortillas and your child can make up some colorful and tasty little tacos for their lunchtime break.
Chef Maja Liotta is a private events chef and Maui-based mother of three. Additionally, Maja is passionate about sharing the holistic benefits of food and cooking, providing nutritional consultations and private cooking classes for clients looking to broaden their practice of using foods to optimize their well being.
Sports Sports
for ages 4-12 years old, ninja tumbling, and camps!! At IAM we desire for all of our athletes to be Inspired to learn and grow, that through their developed self-confidence and experience they can Achieve their goals that they have set for themselves, and through effort and Motivation, they may be able to see their dreams take flight!
Maui Tumblers
808-205-7922 • www.mauitumblers.com info@mauitumblers.com
Gymnastics classes • Pre-K through elementary Island wide • Year round
Hawaii All-Stars Cheer
808-269-1066 • info@hiallstarcheer.com 106 S. Kane St., Unit #103, Kahului
Hawaii All-Stars Cheer offers a chance to not only learn tumbling, stunting, jumps, and dance, but life lessons on dedication, teamwork, and accountability. Is your child ready to be a part of our 'ohana? We can not wait to see you all in our gym! Please contact us via email at info@hiallstarcheer for information on how to register!
Island Athletics Maui
808-385-4066 • islandathleticsmaui@gmail.com
https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/islandathleticsmaui 106 S. Kane Street, Suite 101, Kahului
Island Athletics Maui offers a wide range of classes from our parent & tot program, preschool gymnastics, tumbling, recreational gymnastics
Maui Tumblers Mobile Gymnastics offers recreational gymnastics classes island-wide, special Ninja Nights, and private events. Check out our website for a full list of locations near you.
Keiki Soccer Pros
808-633-4070 • keikisoccer.com
Island-wide
Keiki Soccer Pros is Maui’s most fun, exciting soccer program. Our professional, creative, caring coaches your child will love. We have been teaching soccer in Maui to thousands of kids over the past 8 years. Visit our website to find out what classes are available.
Classes Available for Ages 2–18+
• Tiger Cubs (ages 2-4)
• Little Tigers (ages 4-7)
• Kids/Teens (ages 8-17)
Adults (18+)
SPORTS CALENDAR
Vertical Sports Maui
808-281-5443 • verticalsportsmaui.com
verticalsportsmaui@gmail.com
Vertical Sports Maui is dedicated to inspire and equip youth through sports. World-class sports programs are made accessible to all on a donation basis. Visit our website or contact us to register!
ALBION Juniors
808-212-9611 • albionschawaii.org
West side & central locations • Ages 6–12 ALBION Juniors is a developmental program designed to give your child the opportunity to build a solid foundation in technical development, confidence and a love for the ball in the very early years of playing while enjoying the game of soccer.
Tennis at Kalama Park
808-250-3656 • citanmaui@gmail.com
Kalama Park Tennis Courts, Kīhei Courts 3 and 4 near the ocean
Tennis classes • Age 6–17 • Wednesday/Friday
Beginner: 4-5pm • Intermediate: 5–6pm
Beginning skill building, movement and strategy, combined in a fun atmosphere. Skill based, not age. Call and reserve with Coach Barb 808-2503656. Class size will be limited to 5 students. Check monthly calendar posted at the park.
Tennis Made Easy
808-283-1925 • Coach Petra
War Memorial Tennis Courts (Upper Level)
Beginner & advanced classes
Wednesdays & Fridays • 4pm–6pm
Registration required. Limit is 10 participants per class. All equipment is provided. Please call for details.
Swim with Hoku
808-384-9626 • swimwithhoku.com
Island-wide classes and private instruction
Swim in 10 days or less. Accepting students age 32 months and older (younger children will be considered on a case by case basis). Check our schedule for additional classes at swimwithhoku.com.
Emerging Light Martial Arts
808-205-0403 • emerginglightmaui@gmail.com
Build character, self-confidence, self-defense skills, focus. Improve physical balance as well as a balanced and cohesive view of fellow human beings. Family friendly, member of the World Tang Soo Do Association. Lead instructor, Master 4th Degree + 26 years in elementary education on Maui. Ages 8+
Maui Taekwondo & Hapkido Center
808-344-5244 • info@mauitaekwondo.org
Mauitaekwondo.org • 320 Ohukai Rd. Unit 407, Kīhei
We offer a variety of classes from ages 2–18+. Taekwondo and Hapkido are Korean forms of martial arts that offer more than just a fitness program. It is structured to promote discipline, build self-confidence, and encourage focus while learning the skills of self-defense.
Hitter’s Paradise Indoor Training Facility
808-877-7091 - hittersparadisemaui.com 250 Alamaha St. (behind Goodwill), Kahului
Hitter’s Paradise is Maui’s premier indoor baseball and softball training facility catering to the needs of players from t-ball through the collegiate level. Our 11,000 square-foot facility includes 7 batting cages, 2 pitching lanes, a weight and fitness area, and flex space to allow for indoor fielding practice. Our professional coaching staff offers year around batting, fielding, and pitching lessons; group clinics, and camps during school holidays and summer break. Call or stop by and take your game to the next level!
Events Events
Ocean Front Sunset Cookout
Every Wednesday through August 16th
Wailea Beach Resort, 3700 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea Family fun meets good eats with Wailea Beach Resort’s new Sunset Cookout, an oceanside BBQ buffet of watermelon salad, fire-grilled meats, fish, and veggies, and classic sides like skillet mac n cheese and grilled corn on the cob! End the evening with a fire dance finale performance while indulging in a selection of desserts including a DIY gourmet s’mores station.
Sugar Museum Family Day
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Sugar Museum, 3957 Hansen Rd, Pu‘unēnē
Come on out to the Sugar Museum on Saturday, August 26, 9am–2pm. Plantation games and crafts, free museum admission, camp registry, shave ice, and more! Learn about our "Plant Your Legacy" garden program. Free admission. Fun for the whole family! www.sugarmuseum.com 808-871-8058.
Building Big Dreams Festival
September 16, 2023
Binhi At Ani 780 Onehee Ave, Kahului
A festival fundraiser celebrating performing arts on Maui. Live performances by Marty Dread, Gretchen Rhodes and the Houseshakers, Maui Pops Orchestra, Adaptations Dance Theater, and more! Enjoy food trucks and a silent
auction. All proceeds benefit AAPA’s Building Big Dreams project of building an affordable and accessible venue for Maui performing arts organizations. Call 808-878-8970 or email office@ alexanderacademy.info for more information or visit our website www.alexanderacademy.info/ building-big-dreams for more information.
39th Annual St. John’s Kula Festival
September 16, 2023 • 9am–4pm
8992 Kula Highway, Kula, Maui stjohnsmaui.org/kulafestival
Our 39th annual fun, family-friendly, community festival. Live entertainment hosted by Mana‘o Radio, ono local food, silent auction, local crafts/ vendors/farmer’s market, an expanded kids’ zone with carnival games, a bouncy castle, arts & crafts, face painting, and fun snacks, and more. A sustainable event with zero waste stations - please bring your own shopping bag and reusable water bottle. $2 admission (kids 12 and under are free). Parking is free at Keokea Park. Bus: Kula Islander #39.
Stand for Children Rally and Celebration
September 23, 2023
JW Cameron Center Courtyard, 95 Mahalani St., Kahului For more information, visit mfss.org
A free fun event for families. Games, activities, crafts and entertainment, and resource information for families.
Saint Anthony School 175th Celebratory Brunch
October 1, 2023 • 1618 Lower Main St., Wailuku sasmaui.org
The school's first fundraising brunch, Sundays in the Shade - A Vintage Pa‘ina, will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 11am, featuring divine island-style entertainment by Ahumanu, distinctive silent and live auction, distinguished awards, and delectable brunch. Island vintagestyle attire recommended. Tickets available at sasmaui.org/events/175thbrunch or contact the school at 175th@sasmaui.org.
The 10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines
Made in Maui County Festival
November 3 & 4, 2023
Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului Madeinmauifestival.com
The 10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival is happening November 3 and 4, 2023. The event features over 140 Made in Maui County vendors offering hundreds of locally made products. Considered Maui County's largest products show, this event is dedicated to growing the islands' small businesses and shoppers of all ages are invited to attend.
Carden Jamboree
November 4th, 2023 • 55 Maka‘ena Place, Pukalani cardenmaui.org
Yeehaw! The Carden Jamboree is back and will be held on November 4th, 2023. Grab your partners and bring them upcountry for a night
of barbecue, entertainment, and cowboy couture at the Carden Campus in Pukalani. The Carden Jamboree will benefit Carden’s academic and enrichment programs and support tuition assistance for students. This paniolo-themed fundraiser will include live and silent auctions, live music, dancing, a no-host bar, and a fabulous barbecue dinner. The fun continues with a pie baking contest, carnival games, and more.
Kula Country Farms
808-878-8381 • kulacountryfarmsmaui.com
Located at 6240 Kula Hwy, across from Rice Park Kula Country Farms pumpkin patch special hours! Open every day in Oct., 9am–4pm. The Kula Country Farms pumpkin patch is a fall family tradition not to be missed. Check out the website, Instagram, and Facebook for daily pumpkin patch updates.
Napili Kai Foundation Keiki Hula Show
808-669-6271 • www.napilikaifoundation.org
Napili Kai Beach Resort, 5900 Honoapi'ilani Rd., Lahaina, Napili
Join the keiki of the Napili Kai Foundation as they perform every Tuesday in the Hale Aloha Pavilion at the Nāpili Kai Beach Resort. 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m. Show tickets: $10 adults, $5 for keiki 6-12 (under 6 years old free). Available online or at the door.
Family Thursdays at Hui No‘eau
The Hui’s Family Thursdays are designed for children ages 3–10 and an adult parent or guardian to create artwork together. Offered once
Events Calendar
a month, each workshop features a new handson project for families to participate in together. Projects are often seasonally inspired and might include projects like tie-dying, collage, or DIY spring flower pots. Family Thursday workshops require one child and one parent/guardian to participate, special consideration will be given to a parent/guardian wanting to register with more than one child. For more information and to sign up, please visit huinoeau.com.
Kula Country Market
808-878-8381 • Kula Country Farms
Located at 6240 Kula Hwy, across from Rice Park
Every 3rd Saturday, Kula Country Farms hosts a Kula Country Market featuring local vendors. Follow their new Instagram for details. instagram. com/kulacountrymarket
The Maui Farm
808-579-8271 • TheMauiFarm.org • Makawao
Free farm tour • All Ages • 9am–11am
Second Saturdays
Join us for a morning of exploration, learning, and fun! Explore our crop fields, plant nursery, composting zone, and meet and feed our friendly farm animals including pigs, goats, rabbits, and chickens. Reservations are required. Maui Ocean Center
mauioceancenter.com
Every Tuesday & Thursday • 5pm–6pm
Get ocean-centered for a good cause in this immersive yoga class. Feel connected to Hawai‘i’s marine life as you practice among sharks, rays, and schooling fish in our Open Ocean exhibit. Reservations are required as space is limited. Open to all skill levels. Each registered participant must bring their own yoga mat and water bottle. Ages 12 and up.
The Importance of Celebrating Birthdays
BY MARISSA MOLINACelebrating your child's special moments has a profound impact on their social, cognitive, and developmental growth.
Socially, celebrating your child teaches them how to react socially and gives their peers an opportunity to see them outside of school. Hosting a safe group party boosts their social confidence and strengthens relationships, giving them a sense of belonging and worth. Celebrating their identity and interests through themes, cakes, and games creates lasting positivity and joy. They will remember who celebrated them and how those people made them feel.
Cognitively, celebrating your child for who they are, rather than achievement or accomplishment, leaves a lasting positive memory. Birthdays give them something exciting to look forward to and also teach them about the passage of time. Fortunately, time is an experience. With every passing year, there is another candle to mark their time and that can give them the opportunity to learn about seasons, months, dates, and years. These moments allow parents to cherish, honor, and celebrate with their children. As children get older, they develop a sense of responsibility and the motivation to achieve more.
Constructively, involving children in the celebration helps them understand the purpose behind celebrating and honoring others. Learning is more often than not a social process. Through these experiences, children gain knowledge, self-awareness, problem-solving
skills, and the ability to work together. "Show me and I'll forget. Tell me and I may remember. Involve me and I'll understand."
Ultimately, celebrating your child's birthday brings them happiness, which is every parent's desire. Birthdays are more than just cakes and desserts; it’s their day, their big day to be who they are.
Maui offers exceptional vendors dedicated to creating enchanting and unforgettable moments for children. Some vendors include:
Kids Parties Maui for party planning, entertainment, and kids chair rentals.
Luxe Play Maui for balloon decor, modern bounce castles, and softplay rentals.
Face Painting Maui, Cirque Jolie, and Arties Parties for face painting and balloon twisting.
Maui Blissful Bites and Cymz Sweet Kre8tionz for desserts.
Yard Games Hawaii for lifesize games.
Bella Bloom Maui for fresh florals.
Magic Brent and The Peek-A-Bows for entertainment.
Lahaina Loft, Island Art Party, Fun Factory Maui, and Ultimate Air Maui for venues.