THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA PRESENTS THE 26TH ANNUAL
‘CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS’ FESTIVAL MARCH 30-31, 2018
Newly Renovated Maui Resort Offers a Variety of Traditional Hawaiian Activities and Experiences at Iconic Annual Festival
KAPALUA, MAUI, HI – March 19, 2018 –The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is proud to be hosting its lively Celebration of the Arts Festival for the 26th consecutive year. Taking place on-property from March 30, 2018 – March 31, 2018, Hawaii’s most reputable artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers will convene to celebrate and share Hawaii’s history and culture with resort guests and locals alike. This year’s festival will center around the theme “In Work There is Knowledge… Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike,” through various cultural activities including traditional ceremonies, music and dance performances, cuisine experiences, film screenings, hands-on art demonstrations, and informative speaker and cultural panels.
Nestled in one of Hawaii’s largest nature preserves on Maui’s Northwest Shore, Kapalua Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua proudly maintains the Honokahua Preservation Site – a recognized “wahi pana” (sacred site) that lies adjacent to the resort, and serves as a destination where Native Hawaiians gather to conduct ceremonial rituals and honor their ancestors. Upon the resort’s opening 26 years ago, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua brought on the first Cultural Advisor to The Ritz-Carlton brand, Clifford Nae’ole, who co-created the Celebration of the Arts Festival to further enrich and educate guests and locals about the resort’s deep Hawaiian cultural roots and historical surroundings.
“We are honored to continue the Celebration of the Arts Festival for the 26th year with an incredible schedule of events,” says Clifford Nae’ole, Cultural Advisor at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. “Celebrating and sharing our native Hawaiian culture with others truly makes for a memorable weekend.”
Throughout the weekend, festival participants will enjoy traditional Hawaiian oli (chants), music, hula, cultural ceremonies, and impromptu performances that reflect upon the spirit of aloha that the islands are known for. The “Celebration of Island Tastes,” bringing together the foods of traditional Hawaii and the contemporary cuisine of local families, and the “Celebration After-Hours,” ending the evening with music and hula dance, will culminate the weekend festivities.
A sampling of Celebration of the Arts Festival 2018 activities includes:
Friday, March 30, 2018
- Hiuwai & e ala e – A native Hawaiian cleansing & sunrise protocol, this is an annual tradition of the Celebration of the Arts. Guests are invited to join cultural practitioners for an invigorating ceremony guaranteed to rejuvenate the body and spirit. Chants are offered by all to the rising sun. *Attendees should bring swimwear and towels. Photography is not permitted
- Wehe ka ‘Ipuka (Opening the Gateway) – Emotions and spirituality run high as traditional chants of genealogy and the islands officially open the 26th Annual Celebration of the Arts. The Namahana Award of Excellence will be presented to kupuna (elders) who have dedicated their lives to serving the culture.
- “Nana I Ke Kumu” – A panel of traditional Hawaiian practitioners take a deeper look at local, raw materials and bring forth objects of beauty from an era long before.
- Hands-on & Contemporary & Traditional Art – Village Gallery artists, traditional cultural artists, and crafters bring the event to life. Guests are invited to cruise and/or create!
Saturday, March 31, 2018
- “Na Wahine…Na Alaka’i” – A panel of four prominent women share their passion and dedication as leaders within the state and culture.
- “Celebration of Island Tastes” – Back for a “hana hou” (curtain call) from last year’s Celebration of the Arts Festival, this feast is not to be missed. Local families will prepare their specialties for everyone to enjoy with accompanying Hawaiian music and hula. *Purchase of ticket is required
- “Celebration After-Hours” – Guests are invited to the exclusive Ikaika Blackburn and Na Hoa album release party for an evening of excitement and dancing. *For guests 21 years & over with valid ID
For more information on Celebration of the Arts, please visit www.celebrationofthearts.org.
For more information or reservations at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, please call (800) 262-8440, the hotel directly at (808) 669-6200 or visit The Ritz-Carlton Web site at www.ritzcarlton.com/kapalua.
