EVENT SCHEDULE
2026 Schedule of events
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FRIDAY, Sept. 18
E ala E & HIʻUWAI ceremonies
5:30am – Sunrise – 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 Kāne ME KANALOA: Private ʻAwa Ceremony
8am – 9am – Plantation Lanai, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Hawaiian practitioners and hotel executives sit on the sacred mat to sip the bitter waters of Kāne pledging support to all things Hawaiian. Participation by invite only, however public viewing is encouraged. Note: Photography and video is prohibited.
Wehe ka ʻĪpuka: Open the GATEWAY
10am – 11am – 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 – Aloha Garden Pavilion, 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.
ʻAWA: A CULTURAL TASTING EXPERIENCE
11:30am – 12:30pm – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
An engaging exploration of one of Hawaiʻi’s most treasured cultural traditions. Guests discover the history, cultivation, preparation, and ceremonial significance of ʻawa (kava) through the insights of respected practitioners, alongside a guided tasting.
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.
Celebration Music Matinee
1pm – 2pm – Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Witness the artistry and passion of Kumu Hula Iola Balubar and the graceful dancers of Hālau Hula o Keola Aliʻi o Ke Kai. Kumu Iola recently celebrated 50 years of teaching hula on Maui.
The Power of Moʻolelo: Carrying Hawaiʻi Forward
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Rooted in the culture of Hawaiiana, storytelling transcends a single format. Through speech, writing, music, visual arts, and multimedia, each medium offers a unique way to preserve, share, and bring Hawaiian ʻike (knowledge) to life. Hear from renowned artists and cultural leaders who are keeping these traditions alive. Panelists: Calvin Hoe · Sabra Kauka · Umi Kai · Clifford Naeʻole | Moderator: Kainoa Horcajo
Aloha: Past and Present
3pm – 4pm – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
More than a greeting, aloha is a Hawaiian value rooted in love, respect, and connection. Historically, it guided relationships, community life, and practices such as hoʻoponopono. Today, aloha remains a vital part of Hawaiian identity, reflected in everyday acts of generosity, hospitality, and care for one another and the land. As efforts to revitalize Hawaiian language and culture continue, this panel will explore how aloha has evolved over time while remaining a powerful force that connects Hawaiʻi’s past, present, and future. Panelists: Keith Maile · Keoni Turalde · Leonani Meyer · Kamaka Kūkona | Moderator: Kawika Freitas
Sacred Lands, Living Stories
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Honokahua Preservation Site
Gather around the stone sculture and discover the history, cultural significance, and enduring legacy of Honokahua Preservation Site and Nakalele Point.
MUSIC SHOWCASE WITH REIKO FUKINO & DANE PATAO
5pm – 9pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
As the sun sets over Honokahua, join acclaimed Maui musicians Reiko Fukino (5-7 p.m.) and Dane Patao (7:15-9:45 p.m.) at Alaloa Lounge for an evening of live Hawaiian music. Set against a stunning oceanfront backdrop, their soulful melodies and heartfelt performances celebrate the stories, culture, and spirit of Hawaiʻi, creating the perfect soundtrack for golden hour and beyond. No cover charge. Food and beverage for purchase.
Celebration After-Hours WITH Nawai & the Nā ‘Ōhū Band
9pm – 12am – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Blending contemporary island favorites with beloved Hawaiʻi classics, Nawai & the Nā ‘Ōhū Band deliver an energetic, crowd-pleasing sound rooted in local music and culture. Their dynamic live performances keep the dance floor moving and provide the perfect late-night soundtrack to celebrate the first day of Celebration of the Arts. ID required. 21+ only. No cover charge.
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SATURDAY, Sept. 19
PLANTING A LEGACY: A KOA REFORESTATION EXPERIENCE
8am – 11am – Meet at Porte Cochere, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Help shape the future of Hawaiʻi’s native forests by planting koa trees in Celebration of the Arts’ future koa forest. Meet at the hotel porte cochere for a complimentary shuttle to Honolua Bay, followed by a moderate 30-minute hike to Field 52.
Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve staff will share the history of the area and its vital restoration efforts as participants help create a living legacy for future generations.
Hike/garden attire required. Moderate hike. Ages 6 and older.
MĀKEKE • LOCAL Art, DISPLAYS, CRAFTS, SHOPPING
10am – 4:30pm – Aloha Garden Pavilion, 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.
From Kalo, We Learn
10am – 11am – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Join members of ‘Ohana Pahukoa as they share their enduring kuleana to kalo, the sacred staple at the heart of Hawaiian life. Through stories and knowledge passed down across generations, discover the cultural significance of kalo, its many uses, and the lessons it continues to teach about family, stewardship, and connection to the land. The experience includes a poi tasting, offering guests a deeper appreciation of this cherished food and the traditions it sustains.
FROM PASSION TO PURPOSE
11am – 12:15pm – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
As Hawaiʻi’s next generation looks toward the future, how are they drawing strength from the lessons of the past? Hear from middle and high school students as they share their dreams, goals, and perspectives on carrying Hawaiian values, traditions, and ʻike into their lives, careers, and communities. Panelists: Milan Dhesi · Miliama Eaton · Dena Turalde | Moderator: Prana Mandoe
Hōkūleʻa: The Canoe That Reconnected a Culture
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Join Dr. Ben Young for a presentation on the history and legacy of Hōkūleʻa. Involved from the canoe’s earliest days, Dr. Young will share firsthand stories about its creation, historic voyages across the Pacific, and its role in reviving traditional Polynesian wayfinding. Ideal for visitors new to Hōkūleʻa, this inspiring talk offers a deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi’s voyaging heritage and one of its most enduring cultural symbols.
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 Hawaiʻi. 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.
Hōkūleʻa at 50: Stories from the Original Crew
2pm – 3:30pm – Plantation Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Surviving crew from the historic 1976 voyage — which departed Honolua Bay and sparked a Hawaiian cultural renaissance — reunite on stage with master navigator Nainoa Thompson to mark Hōkūleʻa’s 50th anniversary. Featuring rare film and photos from the original voyage, this special reunion honors the people and vision that revived traditional Polynesian wayfinding and still guide Hōkūleʻa today.
Healing from the Land: The Wisdom of Lāʻau Lapaʻau
4pm – 5pm – Hawaiian Garden, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Discover the healing traditions of Hawaiʻi through the knowledge of wellness practitioner Kahu Lyons Naone, who shares the plants, practices, and cultural wisdom that have nourished and sustained generations.
Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto Contest
5:30pm – 8:30pm – The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Celebrate Hawaiʻi’s unique falsetto tradition as amateur singers compete in a championship event honoring the legacy of falsetto legend and contest founder, Uncle Richard Ho‘opi‘i. Please visit this link for reservations. Cost: $20 (General Admission); $37 (Dinner Bento).
MUSIC SHOWCASE with KANIALA MASOE & LIZ MORALES
6pm – 9pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Enjoy stunning sunset views overlooking Honokahua Bay while savoring fresh sushi, sashimi, craft cocktails, and more. Experience an evening of live Hawaiian music featuring Kaniala Masoe (6-7:30pm) and Liz Morales (7:45-9pm) in the vibrant atmosphere of Alaloa Lounge. No cover charge. Food and beverage for purchase.
Celebration After PARTY FEATURING THE Āina Asing Trio
9pm – 11pm – Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music with the Āina Asing Trio as they bring their signature blend of soulful vocals, Hawaiian melodies, and contemporary island-inspired music to close the 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts. Reflect on the stories, connections, and cultural experiences shared throughout the weekend while enjoying an intimate performance in a relaxed lounge setting. Ages 21+ only. ID will be required for entry. No cover charge.
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MAHALO!