Plantation Days 2010

Plantation Days is a gracious nod to the shared culture, food, and interests that eventually mingled together to form what we currently recognize as “Hawaiian.” From the Ukulele to the mixed plate bento, Mochi crunch to two scoop rice, we can thank Plantation workers, hailing from all over the globe, for introducing many favored flavors and customs to the islands.

West Maui will once again celebrate its plantation roots during the 2nd Annual, Lahaina Plantation Days on Friday and Saturday, October 22-23, 2010. Presented by Lahaina Restoration Foundation, the event will be held on the Pioneer Mill site surrounding the historic smokestack on Lahainaluna Road. Event hours are 5 pm to 10 pm on October 22, and 4 pm to 10 pm on October 23.

The two-day event will feature live entertainment by Amy Gilliom, Da Braddahs, Weldon Kakauoha, Kanani Baz, Ola Hou, HWY 30, Na Palapalai, Damien, An Den and the Lahaina Honolua Seniors.

Attendees will also enjoy over 15 food booths and the popular Ono Huli Chicken; a “Plantation Life Tent” with historical displays and exhibits and a registry honoring those who lived and worked in Maui’s plantation camps; a MauiGrown Coffee tent; a beer and wine garden; a farmers market; sugar and pineapple themed tents; and a Kid’s Zone with horse rides, petting zoo, carnival games and face painting.

The event will also be highlighted by a brick unveiling ceremony and the much-anticipated lighting of the historic Pioneer Mill smokestack on Friday, October 22. Those who purchased engraved bricks to help restore the 225-foot high landmark will be able to see their bricks for the first time, as well as be able to pick up their replica bricks during the two-day event. The public can also buy-a-brick to help support the second phase of the smokestack renovation project.

One of the new activities planned this year are “Cultural Camps.” Each year, Lahaina Restoration Foundation will select different cultures to showcase. This October, the spotlight will shine on the Filipino and Chinese. The Chinese cultural area will feature the long-standing traditions of knotting, Tai Chi Xi Gong and Mah Jong tournaments. Cooking demonstrations and sale of popular Chinese dishes and products – including Hop Wo Bakery’s famous bread and biscuits (sold only on Saturday, quantities are limited) – will round out the festivities. In the Filipino cultural area, the public will enjoy the children’s Grease Pole climbing competition; a traditional roasting of Lechon (roasted pig); traditional folk dances; Escrima (Filipino Martial Arts demonstration); historical and cultural displays; and a rare opportunity to meet some of the original “Sakadas,” whose dedication and hard work paved the way for future generations of American-Filipinos.

General admission is $3 per person, keiki 5 and under are free. Special $2 early admission on Saturday only between 4 pm to 5 pm. Event parking is free.

For tickets and for more information, call the Lahaina Restoration Foundation at 661-3262 or visit website www.LahainaRestoration.org.

Lahaina Plantation Days is brought to you in part by the Maui County Office of Economic Development and Hawaii Tourism Authority. Sponsors include Kaanapali Land Management Corp., Old Lahaina Lu`au, Maui Soda & Ice Works, MauiGrown Coffee, Bud Light, Hawaiian Airlines, KPOA, Paradise Television, Mahana, Kaanapali Shores, Paki Maui,