County of Maui Office of Recovery, in collaboration with Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society (HMPS), is hosting Hot Kupuna Nights on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom.
The free evening will feature live music by Ku'uipo Kumukahi and Friends and will be hosted by Alaka'i Paleka. Light dinner and refreshments will be provided. Free parking is available. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
HMPS, a statewide organization dedicated to preserving mele Hawai'i and fostering intergenerational connection, has successfully hosted Hot Kupuna Nights on O'ahu and Hawaiʻi Island. This will be the first Hot Kupuna Nights in Lahaina, creating a welcoming pathway for Lahaina’s kupuna to access recovery resources in a setting that feels familiar, trusted and filled with aloha.
“Our kupuna are the foundation of our community. They carry the stories, strength and wisdom that continue to guide us through recovery. Bringing comfort through music is one way that we can honor them — and ensure they feel seen and supported,” said Mayor Richard Bissen.
“It is with great honor and love for Maui we humbly accept the invitation to share Hot Kupuna Nights with our 'ohana in Lahaina. Holu a Ho'omau, Kukui 'a'a mau pio'ole i Kaua'ula, Iesu pu me 'oukou pakahi a pau,” said Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, HMPS co-founder and creative director.
The family-friendly gathering is designed to celebrate Lahaina’s kupuna and provide a welcoming space to access wildfire recovery resources.
Program specialists and representatives from Office of Recovery programs and local nonprofit organizations, including Ho'okumu Hou, Pono Legal, Na Hoaloha and others, will be on site to answer questions and connect with Lahaina kupuna and their families.
Participants are encouraged to RSVP through this link, https://tinyurl.com/hotkupunanightslahaina; however, walk-ins are welcome.