Event celebrates art of canoe sailing

Kaanapali Beach Resort on Maui is hosting the Waa Kiakahi canoe-sailing event May 29-31. Waa Kiakahi, which is open to the public, perpetuates the ancient sport and culture of Hawaiian canoe sailing. The schedule of activities includes:

» Friday, May 29, 3 p.m.

Traditional Hawaiian welcome for 10 participating crews.

» Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Complimentary Hawaiian sailing canoe rides. Crew members will be on hand throughout the day. The public is welcome to meet the crews and learn more about this ancient form of Hawaiian canoe sailing.

» Sunday, May 31, 8 a.m.

Traditional Hawaiian farewell ceremony for the crews before the teams race from Kaanapali to Molokai.

Hotels partner with gay film festival

Aqua Hotels & Resorts is partnering with the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation to offer a special travel package in celebration of their 20th Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, taking place May 21-24.

Rates for the film festival package start at $130 per night with a minimum four-night stay at Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa, Aqua Bamboo & Spa, Aqua Palms & Spa, Aqua Waikiki Wave and Park Shore Waikiki. The package includes:

» Two VIP admissions to all film screenings at the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Doris Duke Theatre.
» Two tickets to the Gayla Party (7:30 p.m. May 24) at the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Luce Pavilion.
» Two free mai tais at Hula's Bar and Lei Stand in Waikiki.
» Aqua eco-friendly bag.

The package must be booked before May 11 and is only bookable online at http://www.aquaresorts.com/diversity.

Ocean Center to honor Earth Day

As the world recognizes Earth Day on Wednesday, Maui Ocean Center will show aloha for the earth and ocean with naturalist presentations, themed keiki crafts and a host of eco-organization booths. The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Maui Ocean Center. Cost is regular park admission ranging from $18 to $25 for different age groups.