“HE AHA KO‘U KULEANA – WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY”
Friday, April 7 – Saturday, April 8, 2023 | The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Celebration of the Arts is Hawai‘i’s top arts and cultural festival celebrating authentic Hawaiian culture and traditions with more than 60 of the state’s top artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers.
Admission to the 31st annual Celebration of the Arts is complimentary and open to the public, with Celebration of Island Tastes the only exception. Food and beverage is available for purchase throughout the two-day event.
2023 Schedule:
FRIDAY, APRIL 7
E ALA E & HIUWAI CEREMONIES
5:45am – 6:30am – Honokahua Beach (D.T. Fleming Beach)
An annual tradition of the Celebration of the Arts. Join cultural practitioners for an invigorating ceremony guaranteed to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Chants are offered by all to the rising sun. Attendees should bring swimwear and towels. Note: Photography and video is prohibited.
KA WAI A KANE ME KANALOA – PRIVATE AWA CEREMONY
8am – 9am – Plantation Prefunction, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Hawaiian practitioners and hotel executives sit on the sacred mat to sip the bitter waters of Kane pledging support to all things Hawaiian. Participation by invite only, however public viewing is encouraged. Note: Photography and video is prohibited.
WEHE KA IPUKA…OPEN THE GATEWAY
9:45am – 10:45am – Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Emotions and spirituality run high as traditional chants of genealogy and the islands are expressed by practitioners asking permission to be a part of the Celebration of the Arts. The Namahana Award of Excellence will be presented to kupuna (elders) who have dedicated their lives to serving the culture.
HANDS-ON ART & DEMONSTRATIONS
11am – 4:30pm – Throughout the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Artists, crafters and Hawaiian practitioners from all islands have gathered to share their expertise and help you perfect your own heirloom. Everyone is encouraged to sit, engage and create. Please visit the Celebration of the Arts Hospitality Desk for more info and event programs.
MO‘OKIHA O PI‘ILANI, THE SACRED LIZARD OF PI‘ILANI
11am – 3pm – Honolua Bay; Meets at Valet
Maui’s long distance voyaging canoe will be moored at Honolua Bay for a visit and firsthand education on how special this vessel is. This canoe represents one of the greatest accomplishments of the Polynesians—wayfinding across the open ocean via nature from one destination to another prior to GPS and weather satellites. A complimentary shuttle departs from The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua group entrance at 11:00am and will run continuously through 3:00pm from Honolua Bay. Ages 5 years and up. Weather permitting. A signed waiver is required to participate. Please follow this link for advance registration.
MY HULA LINEAGE…FROM MY KUMU TO ME…AND TO MY HAUMANA
11:15am -12:15pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Three of Maui’s most accomplished Kumu Hula share their lineage of hula and their Kumu Hula. They discuss how do they take the traditions of their lineage into the future for their students. Is there room for change? Hear from Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona (Kumu Maiki Aiu); Kumu Hula Napua Greig (Kumu Johnny Lum Ho/Kumu Hokulani Holt); and Kumu Kathy Ralar (Kumu Emma Sharpe).
WALKING WITH WELLNESS
12:45pm – 2pm – Hawaiian Garden, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Join Hawaiian wellness practitioner Kahu Lyons Naone on a walk and talk through the gardens of the hotel to point out various plants and flowers that are beneficial to your health. What are the plants, how are they gathered, and how are they prepared? Science and spirituality in unison.
KEANAE TRADITIONS: TARO, KULOLO, HARD WORK, AND GOOD TASTE
12:45pm – 1:45pm – Salon 3, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Pahukoa family is steeped in the traditions of the mountain and the ocean. Kalo (taro) is their foundation as is the nation of Hawaiʻi. Come and enjoy their story and how they take much pride in their harvest and hard work to produce kulolo, a cherished Hawaiian style dessert. This tasting is limited so get your seats early.
THE CELEBRATION MUSIC MATINEE
1pm – 2pm – Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The never ending smile and infectious aloha spirit of “Aunty Doll” Kia-Aricayos will be clearly
displayed as Hula Pa O Maui Dancers greet you to your seat! Exciting Tahitian numbers, swaying
hula dances and a whole lot of greatness going on.
STAR TRACKS – CAPTAIN’S LOG
2:15pm – 3pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Wayfinder/navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka reflects upon her lineage and passion to navigate celestially in combination with all the elements of nature. Her experience on board the voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Moʻokiha O Piʻilani has been made stronger by the bond of her father, the late Chad “Kalepa” Baybayan, one of the master Pwo navigators to sail across the Pacific on board Hōkūleʻa. How does she intend to continue the legacy of stargazing?
CHARTING THE STAR
3:15pm – 3:45pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Kala Baybayan Tanaka now extends the teaching to another level. How does one memorize the stars to favor the travels of the Polynesian across the vast Pacific? Join Kala as she explains how the ancient Wayfinder made sense of the universe.
30 YEARS OF ALOHA
4pm – 4:30pm – Salon Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Filmmaker Ken Burgmaier’s short video of Celebration of the Arts 2022 has won numerous awards throughout the world of film festivals. Watch this touching tribute to Maui and the practitioners that make this festival a success year after year.
CELEBRATION AFTER-HOURS
9pm – 11:30pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Renowned musician Brother Noland takes the stage along with Maui musical personalities
for an upbeat ending to the first day of Celebration of the Arts. Time to relax!
ID required. 21+ only
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
HANDS-ON ART, DISPLAYS, CRAFTS & DEMONSTRATION
10am – 4:30pm – Throughout the Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Artists, crafters and Hawaiian practitioners from all islands have gathered to share their expertise and help you to perfect your heirloom. Everyone is encouraged to sit, engage and create!
PLANT A LEGACY AT PU‘U KUKUI
8:30am – Noon – Meets at Valet, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Here is a truly unique opportunity to plant a canoe and create a legacy! Participants should meet at the hotel group entrance and board a complimentary shuttle to and from Honolua Bay. A short 30 minute hike to field 52 will be the site of the “koa forest to be.” Instructions and history to be shared by the staff of the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Protection efforts. The future of the forest is bright when we all chip in to establish the roots. Hike/garden attire necessary. Hike is moderate. Age 6 years and older. Please follow this link for advance registration.
NOHO?…OR…HOLO?
11am – 12pm – Hotel Theater The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Students speak about the important decision as to whether or not they shall remain in Hawaiʻi for their higher education. Or do they leave home to fulfill their dreams? Many venture to the mainland and never return. Others cannot wait to return to the islands to make a contribution to their home. Joining the students will be Ms. Keoho Kitashima, who attended University of Southern California (USC). She will speak about her experiences abroad and at home raising a family and a promising career. College counselor Kauʻi Enomoto explains his kuleana to set the students on the right track to their future.
MO‘OKIHA O PI‘ILANI, THE SACRED LIZARD OF PI‘ILANI
11am – 3pm – Honolua Bay; Meets at Valet
Maui’s long distance voyaging canoe will be moored at Honolua Bay for a visit and firsthand education on how special this vessel is. This canoe represents one of the greatest accomplishments of the Polynesians—wayfinding across the open ocean via nature from one destination to another prior to GPS and weather satellites. A complimentary shuttle departs from The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua group entrance at 11:00am and will run continuously through 3:00pm from Honolua Bay. Ages 5 years and up. Weather permitting. A signed waiver is required to participate. Please follow this link for advance registration.
“HE AHA KO‘U KULEANA”…WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY…WHY ME?
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
There are times when an individual has the option to choose their career and responsibility. But what happens when things take a turn and the person realizes that responsibility has chosen them instead? Sharing their thoughts are: Mr. Rob Hale (Vice President of Development for BRE Hotels); Ms. Tanya Lee Greig (Archaeologist, ‘Aina Archaeology); Mr. Vernon Kalanikau (The Ahupua‘a Signage Project); Mr. Pololu Nakanelua (Professional MMA fighter). What is it that drives their passion?
THE CELEBRATION MUSIC MATINEE
1pm – 2pm – Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The women of Hālau Hula Makani O Kapehe will bring a wide variety of hula to Alaloa Lounge. Under the guidance of Ms. Mapuana Samonte…their presence is guaranteed to be mesmerizing, educational and certainly entertaining.
“LA‘AU LAPA‘AU…MEDICINES NATURALLY”
2:00pm – 3:00pm – Hotel Theater The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Practitioner Keola Chan is an advocate to have Hawaiian herbal medicines in every home. Training has begun with the next generation to bring it to fruition. Hear now of the dream, the process, the reality of returning the restoring DNA to the Hawaiian…and others!
HAWAIIAN HEART AND SOUL
3:15pm – 4pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
What is it like to have roots in the African-American world…and yet be immersed in the culture of an island people? Do they need to separate their personalities? How are they received and why do they honor and love this culture? Hear from Mr. Bryant Neal (Hawaiʻi Maps); Mr. Kamakakehau Fernandez (Musician, Vocalist, Hawaiian Language Instructor); and Ms. Lezlee Mathews (Lawyer. Speak Out & Up Lawfirm SOUL Initiative).
30 YEARS OF ALOHA
4pm – 4:30pm – Salon Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Filmmaker Ken Burgmaier’s short video of the Celebration of the Arts 2022 has won numerous awards throughout the world of film festivals. Watch this touching tribute to Maui and the practitioners that make this festival a success year after year.
CELEBRATION OF ISLAND TASTES & CARMEN HULU LINDSEY LEO HA‘IHA‘I FALSETTO CONTEST
5:30pm – 8:30pm – Aloha Garden Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Enjoy all the traditional tastes of a renowned Hawaiian feast combined with the highest level of Hawaiian entertainment! This celebration will have it all. Returning for its second year, the women’s singing competition featuring the high notes of “Leo Ha’iha’i” will certainly bring cheers of appreciation and smiles of wonderment and a bevvy of entertainers take to the stage. If you want a feast of friendship, food, music, dance and vocals…do NOT miss this event. Advance ticket purchase highly recommended. Please call 808-665-7089 or email concierge@rckapalua.com for reservations. Visit this link for the menu and more details.
CELEBRATION AFTER HOURS
9pm – 11:30pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Featuring from O’ahu, the trio “Waipuna.” Talent, fun…and a whole lot of surprises will take place as we close the 31st annual Celebration of the Arts. Relax and recall the many experiences you had over the weekend. Ages 21+ only. ID will be required for entry.
JOIN US THIS WEEKEND FOR THESE
SPECIAL MAUKA TO MAKAI EXCURSIONS
FRIDAY, APRIL 7
MO‘OKIHA O PI‘ILANI, THE SACRED LIZARD OF PI‘ILANI
11am – 3pm – Honolua Bay; Meets at Valet
Here is a truly unique opportunity to plant a canoe and create a legacy! Participants should meet at the hotel group entrance and board a complimentary shuttle to and from Honolua Bay. A short 30 minute hike to field 52 will be the site of the “koa Maui’s long distance voyaging canoe will be moored at Honolua Bay for a visit and firsthand education on how special this vessel is. This canoe represents one of the greatest accomplishments of the Polynesians—wayfinding across the open ocean via nature from one destination to another prior to GPS and weather satellites. A complimentary shuttle departs from The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua group entrance at 11:00am and will run continuously through 3:00pm from Honolua Bay. Ages 5 years and up. Weather permitting. A signed waiver is required to participate. Please follow this link for advance registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
PLANT A LEGACY AT PU‘U KUKUI
8:30am – Noon – Meets at Valet, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Here is a truly unique opportunity to plant a canoe and create a legacy! Participants should meet at the hotel group entrance and board a complimentary shuttle to and from Honolua Bay. A short 30 minute hike to field 52 will be the site of the “koa forest to be.” Instructions and history to be shared by the staff of the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Protection efforts. The future of the forest is bright when we all chip in to establish the roots. Hike/garden attire necessary. Hike is moderate. Age 6 years and older. Please follow this link for advance registration.
MO‘OKIHA O PI‘ILANI, THE SACRED LIZARD OF PI‘ILANI
11am – 3pm – Honolua Bay; Meets at Valet
Maui’s long distance voyaging canoe will be moored at Honolua Bay for a visit and firsthand education on how special this vessel is. This canoe represents one of the greatest accomplishments of the Polynesians—wayfinding across the open ocean via nature from one destination to another prior to GPS and weather satellites. A complimentary shuttle departs from The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua group entrance at 11:00am and will run continuously through 3:00pm from Honolua Bay. Ages 5 years and up. Weather permitting. A signed waiver is required to participate. Please follow this link for advance registration.
CELEBRATION OF ISLAND TASTES AND CARMEN HULU LINDSEY LEO HA‘IHA‘I FALSETTO CONTEST
Saturday, April 8 – 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua | Aloha Garden Pavilion
Complimentary Self-Parking
Call 808-665-7089 for tickets
An impressive feast of friendship, food, music, dance, and vocals will be on display at the much-anticipated Celebration of Island Tastes and Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Contest. The event will be held on
April 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the open-air Aloha Garden Pavilion at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua as part of the 31st annual Celebration of the Arts. Residents and visitors are invited to purchase tickets by calling 808-665-7089.
Throughout the night, guests will enjoy incredibly special Hawaiian music and hula performances by
Carmen Hulu Lindsey and her daughters; Napua Greig and her hālau hula, Hālau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka, Kahulu Maluo-Pearson, and Hālau Kamaluokaleihulu.
The evening will also include a feast of Hawai‘i’s best traditional foods from the land and the sea.
TICKET PRICES:
$159 +tax (general admission)
$119 +tax (kama‘āina with valid Hawai‘i ID)
$49 +tax (children ages 6-12). Children 5 and under are free.
For more information go to: https://kapaluacelebrationofthearts.com/
