St. John’s 39^th Annual Kula Festival is the place to be on Saturday, September 21^st. An upcountry tradition, the festival is returning after last year’s cancellation due to the August 2023 wildfires. The festival began in October 1982 as a fundraising event to support both St. John’s Church and various partner charity organizations. At its peak prior to the pandemic, the event saw 2,500 attendees each year. 

“All the much-loved local artists and crafters, wide variety of food for sale, produce, plants, baked goods, keiki zone, silent auction, quilt show, and the gift shop will return,” said Maui artist and festival co-chair Deb Lynch. “For the first time, several fine art paintings will be exhibited, and there will be pony rides for the kids as well. The all-day live music and entertainment, hosted by Manaʻo Radio, includes Isle of Maui Pipe Band, Cheryl Rae, Jamie Lawrence, Kawika Ortiz, Steve Grimes, Benny Uyetake, Halau Hula, and Wehena o ke Ao.”  

Festival co-chair Joseph Cascio added, “This year our St. John’s leadership team decided a portion of our net proceeds will be shared with the Kula Community Watershed Alliance (KCWA). This critical watershed has been seriously destabilized and is now at risk in the aftermath of the wildfire. Neighbors immediately joined together to commit to the recovery and long-term stewardship of this special place.” To further support recovery and land stewardship efforts, the festival will be a zero-waste event. 

The KCWA’s executive director, Sara Tekula, explained, “In August 2023, approximately 230 acres of the Waiakoa watershed in Upper Kula, including over 23 homes and dozens of structures and trees, were burned in the fire. With the guidance of ecological and cultural advisors, the KCWA strives to restore the ecological identity of this area through careful sourcing of seeds within our ahupuaʻa, nearby habitat preserves, and saplings that have origins nearby. Remembering the Hawaiian proverb, ʻaʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia (no task is too big when done together by all), we are grateful that St. John’s recognized us and the work that we are doing. This is a great honor for us.”  

The festival will take place on Saturday, September 21^st, from 9am to 4pm at St. John’s Church (8992 Kula Highway across from Keokea Park). Admission is $2. For more information, visit stjohnsmaui.org/kulafestival and kulacommunitywatershed.org.