LAHAINA, Maui — A weeklong, 193-mile kaapuni, or march, around the island of Maui will start today in Lahaina to help Native Hawaiians find spiritual support for the cultural, political and other challenges they face.

Organizers Keeaumoku and Ui Kapu of Kauaula said the torchlight kaapuni, held in conjunction with the Makahiki season, is not sponsored on behalf of any particular group and is open to anyone who shares "kinship and common values" and accepts the purpose of the event, which is "to awaken the essence of how we can malama ourselves to prepare for what lies ahead."

No protest signs will be permitted, and a series of safety measures will be in place to protect participants, who may walk any distance of their choosing.

An opening ceremony will take place at 11 p.m. today at Mokuula, the former capital of Hawaii, with the kaapuni to start at midnight, heading west toward Kapalua. By the end of the trek, the route will have crossed all 12 island moku, or districts.

Daily updates will be available online at www.kpoa.com. The Kapus can be contacted at 250-1479.