VIRTUAL EVENTS
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Presents
Celebrating the Arts 2021 – VIrtual event
“Ua ‘Aukahi Na ‘Ale…United, flowing together”
DECEMBER 23, 2021
MAHALO FOR TUNING IN
Aloha and Mahalo for tuning into the virtual Celebration of the Arts this year. We hope you enjoyed visiting with our cultural practitioners, Kumus, artisans and chefs as much as we did. We look forward to the 30th annual Celebration of the Arts in 2022 – stay tuned!
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Comfy in the Kitchen
with Derrick Adams
Dish: Kane’ohe Lane Curried Chicken
Derrick Adams loves to entertain his family and friends with great food from his home in Kane’ohe on the island of O‘ahu. Not just a great cook, he also has lineal connections to Kapalua through Princess Kale Davis, who has deep roots from the Kamehameha bloodlines and rests in peace above the slopes of our resort.
Comfy in the Kitchen
with Pili Kitashima
Dish: Pili’s Pastele Stew
A busy father, first responder, and member of the U.S. Coast Guard, Pili traveled from O’ahu to Kapalua to show off yet another one of his talents. He loves cooking and is just as comfortable in the kitchen as he is in the ocean enjoying the surf.
OCTOBER 8, 2021
Look to the Source with Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona
Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona “looks to the source” during this segment as he discusses the many facets of responsibility that accompanies this highly regarded (and earned) title. His Hula Halau O Ka Hanu Lehua encompasses aspiring dancers of all ages and nationalities while still adhering to his hula lineage, disciplines, traditions, guidance and expectations. In addition to winning many awards through hula competition(s), he also manages to compose music, sing (male vocalist of the year for Na Hoku Hanohano Awards), dance, choreograph and design contemporary Hawaiian fashions!
We thank him for being such a supporter of The Celebration of the Arts and will look forward to what
project he will come up with in the future.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
Comfy in the Kitchen with
Mapuana “Aunty Mopsy” Aarona
Renowned community advocate Mapuana Aarona (known as Aunty Mopsy) of Paia shares her version of stretching food to feed her guests. Aunty Mopsy defines aloha with open arms and living the life of hospitality. Her motto is: “Come to our house … come and share with us … we do not have a lot, but friendship we have got!” This is a virtue that we should all share, in addition to the ono (delicious) food.
Look to the Source with
Hoaka Delos Reyes
“If there were a definition of being a humble kanaka…stone carver Hoaka DeLos Reyes would certainly fit the description. He is a perfect example of humility, combined with patience, instilled by spirituality…with the ultimate result showing in his works of art. Working with tools utilized in an age of antiquity, Hoaka brings for modern visuals to life of the Hawaiian culture for all to ponder upon. From his eyes mind to his hand…from the hand to the stone…from the stone comes life…from this life his legacy shall remain in perpetuity!”
AUGUST 13, 2021
Look to the Source
with Keone Turalde
Keone carefully designs and carves each pahu (Hawaiian drum) with a passion and a spirit that is absorbed into the finished product. He embellishes that sanctity of the protocol in the creation of each pahu – its purpose, destination and the voice that will emanate from its hollowed-out coconut trunk. Nothing is overlooked by his passion.
Comfy in the Kitchen with
Amy Hanai’ali’i Gilliom
An award-winning Hawaiian vocalist and songwriter, Amy’s roots emerge from The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, where in 1992 the lines to enter her performances at the Anuenue Room were out the door. It was here that she sharpened her skills and moved her career to the highest levels. We are delighted that she could return to her stomping grounds to share another talent with us. Her family’s version of comfort food will hit the high notes of your appetite.
JULY 9, 2021
Look To The Source with Kekai Kapu
Kekai Kapu is renowned for his detailed woodwork with Hawaiian weapons. It is his love for the partnership and gifts from the deepest ocean to the highest peaks of Hawaii that inspires him to continue. Join us as Kekai shares his ike (knowledge, wisdom) of Hawaiian weapons with the next generations of his ohana (family).
The Namahana Award of Excellence
PRESENTED TO Liko Martin
This award is named after the beloved Aunty Lydia Namahana Maioho, who was the kiai (guardian or protector) of Hawaii’s Royal Mausoleum. A loyal supporter of the Celebration of the Arts, she taught us about having humility with pride and leadership through service. This year’s award, presented to Liko Martin, provides profound lessons for our people and to the world. Witness a very emotional and sincere acceptance for a job well done – and congratulations Liko Martin!
Sarai Stricklin
“Ua Aukahi Na ‘Ale … together flowing as one” is brilliantly captured on a beautiful piece of silk batik by Sara “Sarai” Stricklin, who was selected as the featured artist for the 2021 Celebration of the Arts.
The images reflect the winds which affects the clouds, the waves, the currents and ultimately reaching the land and its inhabitants. It is this “flow” that enables the Pacific Ocean to be our great connector rather than the great divide. It bridges spirituality to nature, nature to mankind, and then mankind back to spirituality. Each is an obligation to the other. She appropriately named this final masterpiece “Lokahi”- harmony at its best.
It is with much sadness that we learned of her recent transition to the other side of the rainbow. This piece was her final effort and it is with humility and pride that the Celebration of the Arts will continue her legacy of support for Na Mea Hawai‘i, all things Hawaiian.
May she rest in aloha for all time.
JUNE 11, 2021
Comfy in the Kitchen with
Kumu Kapono’ai Molitau
Enjoy a unique cultural lesson in cooking and eating with kumu hula Kaponoai Molitau, who serves as a protocol specialist for the Celebration of the Arts. In this segment, he introduces “Kinolau cuisine,” serving up two dishes that embody the culture of Hawaii.
Comfy in the Kitchen with
Joe & Charlene Parker
Joe and Charlene Parker, longtime volunteers for Celebration of the Arts, share their favorite version chili, made with homemade Portuguese sausage. Easy, quick, and tasty, this dish is a local favorite in Hawaii.
MAY 14, 2021
Comfy in the Kitchen with Herman Louis DeCoite
A professional polo player, Herman Louis DeCoite has traveled the globe representing Maui and Hawaii. His dad, Herman DeCoite Sr., entrusted him to carry on his traditional recipe of chicken hekka, nicknamed “Hawaiian Hurricane Hekka” at many gatherings on Maui including rodeos, polo games, and parties. Stay tuned for the magic ingredient at the end.
Look To The Source
with Leonani
Pahukoa-Meyer
“To be nimble with your fingers and to practice extreme patience while sustaining a practice of our culture that cannot display any flaws” – these are the virtues displayed in lei hulu (feather work) by Leonani Pahukoa-Meyer, as she sews the cherished feathers of various birds into works of art. Stitch by stitch, feather by feather, color by color, all resulting in a legacy to last lifetimes.
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Poetry and
Prose Entries
April 9, 2021
E ala e…Awakening
the Sun
E ala E is the official protocol to begin the Celebration of the Arts, Maui’s premier cultural event. This is a time of self-evaluation and rejuvenation. Typically a well-attended highlight of the event, E ala E was a little more private in 2020, but deeply meaningful nonetheless.
Comfy in the Kitchen with
Kawika & Bernie Freitas
Kawika Freitas of Old Lahaina Luau shares his version of “Go Home Cook Rice,” with the help of his wife Bernie, both longtime supporters of Celebration of the Arts. Their personal recipes for fried rice and baked shrimp are guaranteed to “piha kou opu” (fill your tummy). Pay attention to the wine pairing.
Look To The Source with
Jacob Adolpho
“If not for the person to create the kaula (twine, rope, cordage), we could not lash our canoes together. If not for the person to create the kaula, we could not fasten our homes together and we would be living in caves.” Watch Jacob Adolpho as he explains the intricacies and hard work through his learning by observation. His appreciation of nature is one of the best gifts to his life.
April 2, 2021
