PHOTOS: Maui Celebrates Pride in Paradise

Maui Pride is held every year on the first weekend in October. This year’s Pride consisted of several events over three days. A film festival was held Friday evening at the Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort featuring a documentary about Hinaleimoana Wong Kalu, a Hawaiian transgender Kumu and activist. Prior to the film, Hawaiian musician Keali’i Reichel performed chant and song along with a hula by Hina. Following the film was the Love Is Love dance Party at Kono’s on the Green. Saturday brought the Pride Festival, held on the green at University of Hawaii, Maui College and featured live music, vendors, games and food. Saturday evening’s events were held at the Kahili Golf Club. At an awards dinner, over $10,000 in scholarships was bestowed on LGBTQ students and several community service awards were presented. After dinner was a rocking performance by Kristine W, followed by a dance party featuring DJ Roland Belmares from Los Angeles. Sunday morning ended the events with a breakfast buffet at Nalu’s South Shore Grill. Thanks goes to  Llevellyn Lightsey/LightSea Images for these great photos. You can see more of his work on his Facebook page as well.