Bruno Mars (third from left) serenades the crowd at the Grand Wailea.GIACOMO COPPI photo
Hawaii-born performer Bruno Mars played to as many as 10,000 people Wednesday night in a not-so-private performance at the Grand Wailea.
The Grammy-award-winning Mars did a show for a convention of business software company SAP. Unlike past years’ shows, which included Katy Perry, the stage was turned toward Wailea Beach. Hundreds, maybe thousands, crowded Wailea Beach to hear Mars. They said they could not see him very well from the beach but could hear his singing clearly.
Security was tight with police, fire and state DLNR officials, as well as Coast Guard and hotel and private security on hand. Concertgoers were guided by security through the hotel to the beach.
Mars played for about 1 1/2 hours with an encore.
Some local shoreline activists were concerned that beach access and parking was being limited or blocked for a private event. The county said that parking lots were closed at 4 p.m., though beaches remained open until their usual 7 p.m. for safety with a crowd of as much as 10,000 people expected.
Locals and visitors jammed Wailea Beach on Wednesday night to try to get a glimpse of entertainer Bruno Mars, who was performing at a private event at the Grand Wailea. JAN ANDERSON photo
See Friday’s Maui News for a complete report.
Locals and visitors jammed Wailea Beach on Wednesday night to try to get a glimpse of entertainer Bruno Mars, who was performing at a private event at the Grand Wailea. JAN ANDERSON photo 
Bruno Mars (third from left) serenades the crowd at the Grand Wailea.GIACOMO COPPI photoToday's breaking news and more in your inbox
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3UoqWer6NjsLC5jqecsKtfZ31yhY5paWiaoqq7sHnMmqmsZaChrrq%2FjJqrZp%2BilruledaaoKWdkWK2r3nNqKtmq59ivbO11ZqrnmWVq7KvwIywnJ2mlaixosWMp6CgoKRk