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Wailea Marriott Celebrates “Mei Day”Lei-competition, Entertainment, Crafts and “Poi Luncheon”On Saturday, May 1, 2004, the Wailea Marriott Resort in Maui, Hawaii, will commemorate “Mei Day” -- a long-standing Hawaiian tradition that celebrates the islands’ culture and one of its most recognized symbols: the lei. Now in its 24th year, the Wailea Marriott Mei Day Celebration and Lei Competition will feature local-style entertainment, an island craft fair, Mei Day Poi Luncheon Buffet, and a fabulous lei competition. Admission and self-parking are free. The centerpiece of the Mei Day celebration is the lei competition. Open to any participant 18 years of age or older, the contest has four categories: lei kui (to string), lei wili (to wind), lei haku (to braid) and lei seed / shell / hulu (feather). Entries are judged on originality, eye appeal, “most Hawaiian,” workmanship, and use of material. All lei must be made of natural materials. There is no fee to enter the competition. The Mei Day Poi Luncheon Buffet will take place in the resort’s beautiful Aulani Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and features a generous buffet of Hawaiian foods and local cuisine, accompanied by live entertainment by Jesse Nako`oka. Price is $20 per person for the luncheon. Mei Day was created in 1928 by Hawaii’s poet laureate, Don Blanding, a native of Oklahoma who immortalized the romantic beauty of the islands through poetry, music, lectures and art. He is credited with creating some of the most lasting images and phrases that personified Hawaii’s paradise through the 1920s, 1930s and beyond, including “Hula Moons,” “May Day is Lei Day” and the rainbow of colors that identify each island (Maui is pink). In his honor, Wailea Marriott’s signature eatery is called the Hula Moons Restaurant after one of Blanding’s many books. Blanding memorabilia and period pieces from the early 1900s are incorporated into the restaurant’s interior décor. And, for anyone who might be wondering, Wailea Marriott spells its celebration as “Mei Day” in keeping with the Hawaiian spelling for the month of May. For information and entry forms for the lei competition or the craft fair, contact Bill Boyd, Wailea Marriott, Ho’olokahi Department, at 808-874-7822. For general information about the Wailea Marriott, call 1-800-367-2960 (toll-free) or 808-879-1922 (local) or visit www.waileamarriott.com. Wailea Marriott is an award-winning oceanfront property in Wailea Resort, Maui. Featuring 521 rooms and suites, the elegant property is nestled on a low, 22-acre seaside promontory straddled on both sides by white-sand beaches. The hotel is best known for its uncompromising commitment to preserving and presenting Hawaii’s rich island culture, evident in virtually all aspects of the hotel, from its carpeting and interior décor to its educational programs for visitors and community outreach efforts. Wailea Marriot is owned and operated by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, a division of Hawaii-based Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., the largest lodging company in Hawaii and one of the fastest growing lodging companies in the Pacific. Edited by Dave Shultz |
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