Punana Leo o Maui’s parent group, Na Leo Pulama o Maui, invites the public to attend the 32nd annual Ho’omau from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

In conjunction with Maui’s Hawaiian Medium Education programs, the island’s largest celebration of ‘Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian language) will include Hawaiian entertainment, cultural demonstrations, craft vendors, a silent auction, ‘awa booths, keiki honuanua games, food, and performances by more than 700 HME preschool through high school students.

Presale tickets are $15 and available at any Minit Stop location, Native Intelligence in Wailuku and Kanilehua at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. Tickets are $20 at the gate. Admission is free for those ages 10 and younger.

The entertainment lineup include: Kuikawa, Halau Kamaluokaleihulu, ‘Ahumanu, Mark Yamanaka, Blayne Asing, Amy Hanaiali’i, Mana’o Company and Sudden Rush.

“This is one of our favorite events of the year because it brings all Maui HME schools together to promote ‘Olelo Hawai’i,” said Kaimana Cabebe, Punana Leo o Hana site coordinator. “Up until a few decades ago, ‘Olelo Hawai’i was an endangered language, with only 30 keiki under the age of 18 able to speak ‘Olelo Hawai’i. With the growth of HME programs and opportunities over the years, there are now thousands of keiki across the state who are fluent in ‘Olelo Hawai’i.”

In addition to Punana Leo o Maui, Hana and Lahaina, Ho’omau will also include the Kula Kaiapuni schools, Hana High, Kalama Intermediate, King Kekaulike High, Lahaina Intermediate, Lahainaluna High, Nahi’ena’ena Elementary and Paia Elementary schools. Proceeds from Ho’omau will go toward supporting HME schools and growing their Hawaiian language programs and initiatives. For more information about the event, visit hoomau.com/.

Enrollment is now available for Punana Leo preschools for the upcoming 2019-20 school year starting Aug. 5 through June 19, 2020.

For more information about Punana Leo preschools or to apply, visit www.ahapunanaleo.org. The enrollment deadline is April 15.

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