Mele for Maui — a free concert from Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra featuring guest performers, such as Keola Beamer, Amy Hānaiali‘i, John Cruz, Raiatea Helm, Jeff Peterson and Kala‘e Camarillo — which was held on Saturday, Sept. 19, welcomed about 3,000 attendees, according to representatives of the symphony and Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, which is operated by Highgate Hawaiʻi.
For HSO, which was recently designated the official state orchestra, this was the symphony’s first appearance on Maui in 10 years. The outdoor performance under the stars of Kā‘anapali celebrated the resilience and courage of Lahaina, Kihei and Kula.
ICYMI: A encore broadcast of the free concert will air at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday, Sept. 27, on Hawaiʻi News Now.
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performed under the stars with guests as part of Mele for Maui, a free concert for the community. (Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows) 
Hawaiʻi Stage, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Hawaiian Council, constructed a stage and provided lights and amplification, while Hawaiian Airlines donated the airfare to get the musicians — and their instruments — to Maui. Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, operated by Highgate Hawaiʻi, provided rooms for musicians to stay overnight. (Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows) 
Maui businesses participated in the Mākeke at The Branches, which is part of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. (Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows)
Before the concert, more than 20 Maui-based businesses participated in the Mākeke at The Branches, an open air space under a century-old Banyan tree that is part of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. Vendors did not pay to participate in the market, which means they were able to keep all proceeds from sales, organizers said.
To make the free concert possible, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, operated by Highgate Hawaiʻi, provided rooms for musicians; Hawaiʻi Stage, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Hawaiian Council, constructed a stage and provided lights and amplification; and Hawaiian Airlines donated the airfare to get the musicians — and their instruments — to The Valley Isle.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
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