It’s Maui Pride Weekend–Oct. 2-4–when the LGBTQ lifestyle is celebrated by the community. The Pride Festival’s message this year is “Love is Love,” which is meant to spread awareness of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same sex marriage.
The Maui Pride Festival has activities all weekend. Friday night will feature a film festival screening of Kumu Hina, a film about transgender Native Hawaiian Hina Wong-Kalu, who will make an appearance. Keali`i Reichel will also perform. Following the festival on Friday night, there will be a dance party at Kono’s on the Green.
The annual Maui Pride Awards Gala and Dinner will spotlight the Maui Pride scholarships, education and community outreach. In fact, the organization will award more than $10,000 in scholarships at its awards gala. They will also identify several college students who are positive influences in the LGBTQ community. There will be great food and music from the Kahili Golf Club. Maui Pride will also recognize outstanding community members and organizations, like the Maui AIDS Foundation (MAF). The cure for HIV may still be out of reach, but MAF has been fighting for the LGBTQ community for more than 27 years.
“The educational scholarship program is the pinnacle of the work this organization does all year round,” said Chuck Spence, vice president of Maui Pride and owner of the Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort in Kihei.
Ms. Hawaii 2015 Flecha Tovar and Hawaii State Senator Roz Baker, D–South Maui, will present the scholarships and community member awards, like the ones going to Deborah Vial and Caron Barrett for their financial support and volunteer work with Maui Pride.
“We do not just focus on Pride Weekend itself,” said board president Paul Tonnessen. “It is very important that we are here to support our community and the organizations that share our same goals.”
Later on Saturday night, dance music star Kristine W will perform at the Maui Pride ‘Love Wins’ Concert and Dance Party. This star has the world record for most number one Billboard club hits. What’s more, she’s been called “a true gay icon” for her outspoken support of same-sex rights. DJ Roland Belmares will also be spinning that evening.
You can also jump in on the annual LGBTQ hike Saturday morning or the daytime keiki-friendly free festival at the University of Hawaii Maui Campus on the Great Lawn.
Maui Pride all-weekend passes available online at Mauipride.org for $125. The pass provides entry to all events, including the Gala Dinner, and includes a free commemorative Maui Pride T-shirt. For complete details and ticket information, please visit the website. Additional questions can be directed to Maui Pride VP Chuck Spence at 917-825-4205.
Schedule of Events
Friday, Oct. 2
Maui Pride Film Festival
Performance by Maui-born Hawaiian singer/songwriter Keali’i Reichel
Screening of award-winning documentary “Kumu Hina”, Appearance by Hina Wong-Kalu, a transgender Native Hawaiian teacher and cultural icon
Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort, Kihei
6 pm to 9 pm
$25 – includes Deli Delicious Dinner, All-ages
Love is Love Dance Party
DJ PlaywFire Ono
Kono’s on the Green, Kihei
10 pm to 1 am
$15, 21+
Saturday, Oct. 3
Maui Pride LGBT Hike
8 am to 11 am
Find out where to meet at Mauipride.org
Free, all-ages event
Love is Love Community Pride Festival
Featuring entertainment by local artists including Louis and Lewis; Cheryl Rae with special guest Tommy Fernandez; and Maui Taiko Drummers. Gay Olympics and numerous vendors and food trucks will be on hand.
University of Hawaii Maui College Great Lawn, Kahului
11 am to 3 pm
Free, all-ages event
Maui Pride Awards Gala and Dinner
Cocktail hour meet & greet with recording artist Kristine W. Dinner and Maui Pride Scholarship Awards follow.
Kahili Golf Club, Wailuku
6 pm to 9 pm
Cost $75 (includes admission to Love Wins Dance Party featuring Kristine W and DJ Roland Belmaras).
All-ages
Maui Pride Concert and Love Wins Dance Party
Kristine W and DJ Roland Belmares
Kahili Golf Club, Wailuku
9 pm to 1 am
$25 (concert and dance party only), 21+
Sunday, Oct. 4
Maui Pride Breakfast
Nalu’s, Kihei
10 am to 1 pm
No host breakfast
Limited Seating (RSVP required)
All-ages
Love is Love Beach Party
Secret Beach, Wailea
1 pm to 7 pm
Free, all-ages
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