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Local Artisans Join Efforts to Build a Hui

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

Local Artisans Join Efforts to Build a Hui

By Léo Azambuja

A small group of Molokai artisans joined efforts a year ago. A few months later, a new nonprofit organization was born, creating opportunities to capitalize on grants, trade valuable information, and find mutual support to become more financially viable. 

The Molokai Alliance for Native Artisans was formed in November 2024 and officially registered as a nonprofit in February 2025. Among other goals, the alliance aims to seek grants to offset member’s travel costs for off-island events.

MANA treasurer and co-founder Vanalouise Naehu said the nonprofit was formed because many native-owned microbusinesses on the island were facing the same challenges, including limited access, high costs and very little visibility outside Molokai.…

Kaunakahakai General Store Opens in Town

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

Kaunakahakai General Store Opens in Town

By Léo Azambuja

There is a new store in town. Kaunakahakai General Store hosted a grand opening with different activities last weekend at Ala Malama Avenue in Kaunakakai, following a soft opening a couple weeks prior.

“We just wanted something where you could buy curated, locally owned goods and support the local economy, and really have a lot more gifting (choices),” Lihau Willing said. “Our brands that we carry in here are all owned by Hawaii-based companies.”

The grand opening Nov. 22 had fun keiki activities, food samples from local vendors, giveaways, discounted products and flash tattoos by local artist Sage Yamashita.…

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‘Maui Nui First’ Website to Feature Free Listings for Holidays

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

OED News Release

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development invites Maui County businesses to be featured in its 2025 Maui Nui Holiday Deals campaign on https://www.MauiNuiFirst.com

This initiative offers an opportunity for businesses based on Molokai, Lānai and Maui to share their holiday offerings and engage with residents and visitors looking to shop local this season.

Beginning in late November and continuing through Dec. 31, MauiNuiFirst.com and its social media channels will spotlight holiday promotions from Maui County businesses. Participation is free and provides added exposure during the peak holiday shopping period. 

“This campaign is about uplifting the small businesses that strengthen our communities,” OED director Jade Rojas-Letisi said.…

New Reforestation Effort Begins at ʻAikoʻolua in Kamalō

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

New Reforestation Effort Begins at ʻAikoʻolua in Kamalō

Ka Ipu Makani News Release

Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center has officially launched the Kīpuka Kamalō Reforestation Project, a community-led effort to reforest 12 acres of ʻāina at ʻAikoʻolua within the Kamalō Ahupuaʻa. The project seeks to restore ecological and cultural health to one of East Molokaʻi’s most degraded landscapes, addressing soil erosion and sedimentation that have long impacted nearshore fisheries and reefs.

A Hoʻolaʻa ʻĀina (land dedication and blessing ceremony) was held in early November, bringing together an intimate group of partners, as well as kupuna and descendants of Kamalō. The blessing was conducted by Kahu Jimmy Duvauchelle, who offered pule and words of guidance as participants came together to honor the ʻāina and set intentions for the restoration work ahead.…

In Loving Memory of Cherilyn ‘Cheryl’ Kahealani Uahinui

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

In Loving Memory of Cherilyn ‘Cheryl’ Kahealani Uahinui

Cherilyn “Cheryl” Kahealani Uahinui, age 49, of Kalamaʻula, Molokai, passed away peacefully at 4:44 a.m. on July 14, 2025, at Queen’s Hospital on Oahu.

“With aloha in her heart and the spirit of Molokai in her soul, Cheryl walked with grace and gave with love.” Heaven-sent June 19, 1976, Heaven-bound July 14, 2025.

She was a loving daughter, devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. Her unwavering love for ʻohana and community will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ekela Uahinui, her daughter Ashley Smith (Ekolu), and her precious grandchildren Avery-Hilaʻi and Lukela Ah Yee.…

An Evening Surprise at the November Ahiahi Makeke

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

An Evening Surprise at the November Ahiahi Makeke

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED

By Desirae Mendija

A usual crowd of vendors and shoppers gathered Friday Nov. 7 on the back lawn of the Storehouse in Kaunakakai. The Aloha Ahiahi Makeke assembles the first Friday evening of every month, featuring live entertainment, Molokai-made crafts and ono local foods. 

The evening began at 5 p.m. with a performance by Patrick Hiro, John Aki, Vic Patron and Adrian Canencia. As the sun started setting and overhead lights began to illuminate, announcements to stick around for Molokai’s newest band, “Da Jukes,” were made. 

Da Jukes comprised of Jessica Sakurada, Robert Shizuma, Melia Kalawe, Leonaka Burrows, Kahale Naehu-Ramos and Edwin Mendija (Molokai born and/or raised) described themselves as “a product of (their) unique upbringings,” and said they were “happy to share (their) combined talents with Molokai.”…

Master Blaster Race Returns

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

Master Blaster Race Returns

By Léo Azambuja

Molokai’s most fun outrigger canoe race returned last Saturday after a six-year break, bringing with it — besides drunken crews — a wide range of musical genres, from early rockabilly to American blues and heavy metal, with everything in between.

“It’s our 35th year of having this event,” said Liko Wallace, co-organizer of the August Rawlins Sr. Classic Race, also known as the Molokai Master Blaster Race.

“The Blues Brothers” were the first male crew to arrive at the finish line at Molokai Canoe Club. The “Ozzy Osbourne Wahines,” paying tribute to Black Sabbath’s former lead singer, were the first female crew. …

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