EVENT SCHEDULE
2024 Schedule of events
_____________________________________________
FRIDAY, MARCH 29
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 Iokepa Naeʻole and 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 – Anuenue Room, 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 – 11:15am – 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.
MĀKEKE • LOCAL Art, DISPLAYS, CRAFTS, SHOPPING
11am – 4:30pm – Throughout the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
More than 50 artists, crafters and Hawaiian practitioners from all islands have gathered to share their expertise. Perfect your own heirloom or shop for locally-made treasures and gifts. Everyone is encouraged to visit, engage and create.
HUI MELE
12pm – 12:30pm – Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua will entertain you from their hearts, as they do every Aloha Friday.
protecting our community: Unveiling the Roles and Responsibilities of First Responders
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
First responders are crucial to our communities and families…What drives them? Join us as we uncover the driving forces behind the unwavering commitment of our dedicated first responders, vital pillars of safety and support in Lahaina and beyond. Through intimate reflections and personal anecdotes, our panelists will reveal the intrinsic motivations that propel them to answer the call of duty day in and day out. Representatives from Maui Fire Department, Coast Guard and Ocean Rescue will be on this panel.
Celebration Music Matinee
1pm – 2pm – Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The infectious aloha spirit of Kumu Joy Keōpūolani Salvador will be displayed by Hālau Keʻala Kahinano O Puna! Exciting dance numbers, swaying hula hips, and a whole lot of greatness going on.
THE VOYAGE CONTINUES
2:30pm – 3:30pm – Plantation Lanai, 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 navigators to sail across the Pacific on board Hōkūleʻa. How does she intend to continue the legacy of stargazing?
Film Screening: Hōkūleʻa: Finding the Language of the Navigator
3:45pm – 5pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
In 2006, renowned navigator Nainoa Thompson sailed with cultural anthropologist Wade Davis to discuss the art of wayfinding — and they only scratched the surface. Fifteen years later the two explorers contemplate the mysteries of traditional navigation and a future inspired by the language of the navigator. The film received accolades as the “Best Made in Hawaii Feature” at the 2023 Hawaii International Film Festival. Following the film, director Ty Sanga will lead a brief Q&A with veteran Hōkūle‘a crew member Snake Ah Hee and navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka.
CELEBRATION MUSIC SHOWCASE
5:30pm-8:30pm – Aloha Garden Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Join us for an unforgettable night of Hawaiian music and hula, as we welcome award-winning musician Weldon Kekauoha and celebrate his new album, ʻANOʻAI. Whether he’s belting out legendary soulful ballads or plucking bright riffs from his guitar, the gutsy songster puts fresh spins on the classics and brings a melodious candor to his original compositions. Accompanying Kekauoha’s performance will be Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua, led by Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona. Opening the evening will be the Kamehemeha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble. Please visit this link for reservations. Cost: $20+tax (general admission ages 13+), $10+tax (children, ages 4-12), children ages 3 and under free. Optional dinner bento box.
LIVE AT ALALOA LOUNGE
6pm-9pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Relax with craft cocktails, sumptuous sushi, and live Hawaiian music by Max Angel. No cover charge. Food and beverage for purchase.
Celebration After-Hours
9pm – 11:30pm – Salon 1, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Founded by a group of friends at Lahainaluna High School, Lahaina Grown has reformed to play reggae and contemporary Hawaiian music. They take the stage for an upbeat ending to the first day of Celebration of the Arts. ID required. 21+ only. No cover charge.
_____________________________________________
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
PLANT A LEGACY AT PU‘U KUKUI
8am – 11am – Meet at Porte Cochere, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Here is a truly unique opportunity to plant a legacy! Participants should meet at the hotel porte cochere and board a complimentary shuttle to and from Honolua Bay. A short 30 minute hike to field 52 will be the site of the Celebration of the Arts’ “koa forest to be.” Instructions and history will be shared by the Puʻu Kukui Watershed staff on its 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.
MĀKEKE • LOCAL Art, DISPLAYS, CRAFTS, SHOPPING
10am – 4:30pm – Throughout the Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
More than 50 artists, crafters, 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.
Passing the Torch: Parental Expectations and the Next Generation
10am – 11am – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
As parents, we hold profound hopes and dreams for our children’s futures, shaped by our experiences and aspirations. In this heartfelt panel discussion, we invite a family’s three generations of hiapo (firstborn child) for a conversation about responsibility and expectation. Join us for an exploration of intergenerational understanding and the timeless journey of passing the torch to the next generation. Panelists will incude Makalapua Kanuha Bancaco, Cultural Advisor at Royal Lahaina Resort; Kalikolehua Storer, Cultural Advisor at Hyatt Regency Maui; and Etuati Storer.
Walking With Wellness
11am – 12:15pm – 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.
Realizing Resilience
11:15am – 12pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
A future vision for Hawaiian led conservation and resilience. In this panel, Hawaiian community leaders discuss the partnerships needed to create and implement resilience on our islands. Panelists will include Dr. Trisha Kehau Watson, Keolahou Hinau and Walter Ritte.
KAPA CURIOUS
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Learn about kapa and its modern evolutions with master Kekai Kahokukaalani, owner of Kapa Curious. She walk you through the Kapa process and have a hands on kapala (stamping) demonstration using natural plant dyes for participants.
Celebration Music Matinee
1pm – 2pm – Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The children of the Napili Kai Foundation perform traditional hula, Tahitian and a variety of dances from other Polynesian islands as part of the longest running hula show in the state of Hawaii. Accompanied by a live band and led by Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar, the keiki performers dance, chant, story tell and sing their way into our hearts.
The Kuleana of a Kumu: Nurturing Hula’s Legacy and Future
1:45pm – 2:30pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
What is the legacy of hula and what does its future look like? Delve into the intricate layers of kuleana (responsibility) that define the role of a Kumu and explore the practice of ‘uniki (graduation). Our panelists will share their perspectives on why the ‘uniki process is integral to the preservation of hula’s cultural heritage and the cultivation of future generations of practitioners. They will contemplate their hopes and aspirations for the future of hula as it continues to evolve in contemporary society. Panelists will include Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona of Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua, Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata of Hālau Ka Malama Mahilani and Kumu Hula Cherissa Henoheanapuaikawaokele Kāne of Hālau Ke‘alaokamaile.
E Mele Mai – Clifford Naeʻole
2:45pm – 4pm – Hotel Theater, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Born and raised on the island of Maui, Clifford Naeʻole shares in intimate detail the story of his life and the kuleana of the name he carries. A name that informs the work he does as the caretaker of Honokahua (the resting place of thousands of Hawaiian ancestral remains) and as the cultural advisor for The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. A special introduction will be provided by the film’s host, Aaron Salā, and producer, Dawn Kaniaupio.
CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS LūʻAU
5:30pm – 8:30pm – Aloha Garden Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Savor an outright feast of contemporary cuisine and Hawaiian foods, topped off by dazzling portrayals of Hawaiian history as you witness vignettes by the cast of Tales of the Kapa Moe, led by Kumu Pono Murray. This feast of friendship, food, music, hula, and fireknife dancing will be the finest in the Hawaiian Islands. This event will sell out! Advance ticket purchase required. Please visit this link for reservations. Cost: $169+tax (general admission); $129+tax (kama‘āina with valid Hawai‘i ID); $59+tax (children ages 6-12); Children 5 and under are free.
LIVE AT ALALOA LOUNGE WITH WILMONT KAHAIALII
6pm – 9pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Enjoy stunning views of Honokahua Bay, delectable sushi, and craft cocktails, along with the lively Hawaiian music of Lahaina’s own Wilmont Kahaialii. No cover charge. Food and beverage for purchase.
Celebration After Hours
9pm – 11pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Featuring reggae and island vibes from Lahaina’s own 3 Pounds of Kalo. Talent, fun…and a whole lot of surprises will take place as we close the 32nd 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. No cover charge. Food and beverage for purchase.
_____________________________________________
SUNDAY, MARCH 31 – EASTER SUNDAY
Easter Brunch at Ulana terrace
10am – 3pm – Ulana Terrace, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Indulge in an enticing variety of culinary delights at our Easter Sunday Brunch, from sumptuous seafood to freshly prepared sushi, a noodle bar, succulent ham, decadent desserts, and much more. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and celebrate this joyous occasion together. Reservations are necessary. Please visit OpenTable or contact Concierge at 808-665-7089 for reservations. Cost: Adults $158++ | Kids ages 6-12 $79++ | Kids 5 and under $20++
MAHALO!