With the holidays upon us, many locals have gone to the Mainland for the holidays while many Mainlanders have come to Maui. This shift in people causes quite a stir here on the island. Regularly scheduled events tend to get postponed until January and in their places are holiday themed events.

But once again  this year, it’s not only a time to celebrate, but also a time to remember.  If you can make the time, visit Wailuku tomorrow morning for a Walk in Remembrance – “Walk 27” is set to honor and remember the 27 victims of last Friday’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.  Participants are asked to meet at War Memorial Stadium at 4:15 a.m. We will begin walking around the track promptly at 4:30AM and continue for 27 minutes. Participants are encouraged to wear Green & White – the school colors of Sandy Hook Elementary School. In lieu of a balloon release, we encourage individuals & families to bring bubbles to remind us of the innocent lives lost in this tragedy. For more information, call Brian Nagami at 264-0464.

How about trying your body at yoga?  Ashtanga Yoga Maui Mysore Style (overlooking  Paia) offers free yoga classes each Wednesday from 4:30-5:30. This might be a great opportunity to see if you like it, especially since it’s FREE… find out more information here and please send pictures if you are trying it for the first time! 🙂

If you’re looking for culture this Christmas, why not check out the Hawaiian Music Series featuring the Na Hoku Hanohano nominated music group, “Kulewa”,  happening on December 27th at the Baldwin Home Museum? This FREE Concert is made possible by The Lahaina Restoration Foundation… bring your low-back chairs & blankets and sit under the stars and relax this holiday season!  Get more information here.

If you’re free on December 28th, why not check out the Kwanzaa Celebration On Maui? There are so many holidays to celebrate, why not check out them all? More information here. This is a FREE Community Event sponsored by the African American on Maui Assoc.

And on a final note before we look at events in the new year – how about a New Year’s Eve Party to benefit the Maui Hospice, “Maui’s Countdown to 2013!”? Party will be held at the King Kamehameha Golf Club, Waikapu Ballroom from 6:30 – 12:30 December 31. Tickets are only $60! For tickets or for more information, call Donna at 344-2477, Jan at 297-1674 or Mitchell at 385-6006.

2012 has been a great year and I look forward to 2013! Remember, Play hard and Play Safe and have a great December! Aloha!