Each year, the Hawaii Tourism Authority says "mahalo" (that's Hawaiian for "Thank you" to the travel industry with their annual Mahalo Month.
Mahalo Month, according to the HTA, is an opportunity for Hawaii’s tourism industry to show its gratitude to travel professionals who help sell and promote the Hawaiian Islands. The program, (which this year will run for two months, April 1-May 31) offers members of the travel trade special rates at participating locations. Participants will be able to experience the Hawaiian Islands first-hand to personally know the destination.
The program also provides Hawaii’s travel industry a chance to promote their business to travel professionals who help sell Hawaii, making the relationship reciprocal.
Here area few of the events that will take place during Mahlomo Month(s):
KAUAI
Kauai Museum Annual May Day Lei Festival (May 1): Celebrating innovate interpretations by today's lei makers, the Museum will open its doors for viewing of lei entered in the annual festival. In addition to a lei contest, the festival will have activities on the lawn including demonstrations and lei for sale.
Kauai Polynesian Festival 2012 (May 24-27): The 11th Annual Kauai Polynesian Festival is an educational cultural exchange of Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and Hawaii. Folklore, language, dance, music and crafts are shared in the four-day festival. Highlights include: A Polynesian pageant, various competitions (poi ball, hula, Tahitian dance and fire knife, a fashion show, workshops and craft booths.
OAHU
85th Annual Lei Day Celebration (May 1): Annual May Day celebration at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand featuring Hawaiian music, dance, and crafts.
Seventh Hawaii Book and Music Festival (May 5-6): The Hawaii Book and Music Festival takes place on the Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale in Historic Downtown Honolulu. Activities include over 600 presenters and 150 events including a Talk Story Stage, with Hawaii's best storytellers, playwright and poetry slams; music and hula performances; keiki activities; and food and beverages.
MAUI
20th Annual East Maui Taro Festival (April 21): A Hawaiian cultural event which focuses on Kalo, Taro, the staple food of Hawaii. All-day festival features local musicians, hula halau, 20 food booths, each featuring a kalo dish, Arts & Crafts, Info Tent and the Ag Tent with a popular Farmers Market; hands-on poi-pounding is a highlight for visitors and locals alike. Free Admission.
Fourth Annual Henry Kaleialoha Allen Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival (April 20-22): A four-day weekend with cultural and educational Hawaiian Steel Guitar music, interviews, workshops, and Jam Sessions at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Demonstrations, crafts, and enrichment programs will also be available.
HAWAII
Big Island Film Festival (May 24-28): Big Island Film Festival at Mauna Lani Resort is a five day celebration of new independent narrative short and feature films and their filmmakers. A mixture of films, social events, and award ceremonies bring visitors, residents and new filmmakers together.
Visit www.mahalomonth.com
