May Day Celebrated With Longest Lei Exchange At The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
MAUI, Hawaii, May 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of guests gathered for May Day festivities at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Held outdoors amidst the resort's scenic gardens, the highlight was the resort's successful attempt to set a world record for the Longest Lei Exchange. This unique experience included children and adults forming a human line on Ka'anapali Beach fronting Westin Maui where they greeted the person next to them with a fresh orchid flower lei.
"As May Day is also known as Lei Day, the significance of exchanging a lei was most profound as it invokes the Hawaiian spirit of Aloha and the rich host culture," said resort general manger Tony Bruno. "From our guests to associates, families and friends, island visitors, kama'aina residents and general public – the response we received was truly extraordinary. While our initial count was 491 persons, interested beachgoers joined us as we made the line. With the additional participants, we easily surpassed our target of 500 persons," added Tony.
The resort's cultural celebrations also featured a special performance by 75 students from Kula Kaiapuni O Maui Ma Nahienaena, a Hawaiian language immersion school located within Princess Nahienaena public school in Lahaina, Maui. Considered a school within a school, it utilizes Hawaii's indigenous language, culture, perspectives, and practices to implement its curriculum.
"Recognizing the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa committed $2,500.00 to benefit the cause of Na Leo Kalele that supports this Hawaiian immersion program," said Clarita Villa, resort human resources manager. "At Westin Maui, we believe in playing an integral role within the community we live in. As such we formed Ho'olokahi Council made of resort associates and managers where we support various causes including Charity Walk, Relay for Life and Na Leo Kalele," said Clarita who is also the chairperson of Ho'olokahi Council.
Festivities throughout the day included Aloha Craft Fair featuring local vendors, Lei Making Class and a Flower Lei Balloon Arch for selfies. For those who were unable to attend the colorful festivities, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa posted nine specialty leis designed by local lei artist Pamakane Pico. Each lei highlights the diversity of Maui's scenic settings and experiences featuring locations such as Haleakala, Kula, Hana, Paia, Iao Valley, Makawao, Ulupalakua, Honolua Bay and Ka'anapali. One can share their favorite lei digitally through social media channels using www.westinmaui.com/sharealei.
Event Images: http://bit.ly/2oZzLKH and http://bit.ly/2oZInRj
VNR Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6koeu96684lpb6d/Westin_Lei_Day.mp4?dl=0
About The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
Situated on famed Ka'anapali Beach, this oceanfront Maui resort is the place to celebrate a Hawaiian vacation amidst lush gardens with waterfalls and exotic wildlife. It abounds with ways to rejuvenate - from splashing fun within the 87,000 square-foot aquatic playground to uplifting spa renewal, snorkel cruises, shopping and golfing. A smoke-free resort and pet-friendly too, it is the place Where Heaven and Aloha Meet™. Visit www.westinmaui.com.
SOURCE The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
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