For the 17th year, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will mark Easter weekend, April 10 to 12, with its unique Celebration of the Arts.
With hands-on arts projects, performances, workshops and presentations, it delves deeply into the culture of Hawaii, ancient to modern, in a spirit of renewal and revitalization.
Offering visitors glimpses of authentic Hawaiian culture, it is also a gathering place for residents of the islands to examine our island home. Responsibilities and grievances of "the host culture" have led to provocative discussions in years past.
Article Photos
The Maui News / RICK CHATENEVER photos
Leaders of the Celebration of the Arts — kumu Charles Ka‘upu, Hokulani Holt and event Chairman Clifford Na‘eole — take part in a traditional awa ceremony to begin the weekend.
While the Celebration hasn't shied away from political and economic themes, the emphasis this year is more positive.
"Na Wai Ola Waters of Life" is the title of artist Beth Marcil's poster image for this year's Celebration. "Lucky we live Hawaii" is the theme of many of the presentations.
Most of the events are free and the public, especially Maui residents, are warmly invited to attend.
Whether it's a child creating a piece of art in a tradition going back hundreds of years, the spectacle of kumu and practioners sharing ancient protocols or the spark of recognition at a comment made in a workshop, the Celebration itself is something to feel lucky about.
For more details: www.celebrationofthearts. org.
- Rick Chatenever
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
5:45 a.m. Honokahua (aka D.T. Fleming Beach): "Hiuwai & e ala e protocol": Traditional chants ask for repentance and the rejuvenation of the spirit. Swimwear necessary. No observers! Everyone in attendance must participate.
8 to 9 a.m. : "Ka wai a Kane": Practitioners commit to another year of cultural servitude by drinking the bitter (awa) but sacred waters of Kane.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: "Wehe i ka puka" (opening protocol): Practitioners gather at the entrance to offer chants that will officially open the 17th Annual Celebration of the Arts.
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: "Mothers Gift, Ka 'Olelo Makuahine." Ho'olohe-listen, Ho'opili-demonstrate, and Ho'opuka-learn the traditions of a Ni'ihau family as they share their Leipupu (shell leis) artistry thru the language of their ancestors. $35 fee for materials to create Ni'ihau shell earrings or wristlet.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.:"Ke kumu ka mali'i" (children's learning center): Kumu (instructor) Leihua Nae'ole and students bring children's art to reality as they focus on "lucky we live Hawaii (art) because"
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: "Lucky we live Hawaii because (mana'o-thoughts)": A computer will be available for the public to record their thoughts on the subject.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: "Na Mele Kohola": The Whalesong Project: eavesdrop on Hawaii's most famous winter visitors.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Salon Foyer: " 'Ao'ao o na loko 'I'a o Maui The fish ponds of Maui": A great opportunity to learn about the 500-year-old history of the Ko'ie'ie fish pond in Kihei.
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: "The Kuleana of Aloha": Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt evaluates the traditional vs. contemporary practices of "aloha."
Noon to 4 p.m.: "Kiheipili Hawaiian Patchwork Quilting": Kuulei Martinson (instructor). Create your own family heirloom. $30 fee for materials. Classes at 1 and 3 p.m.
Noon to 1:15 p.m. Banyan Tree Restaurant (meet outside): "A Green Harvest with Chef McDowell": A tour of the hotel's organic gardens, finishing off with healthy smoothies.
12:15 to 1 p.m.: Lobby entertainment by "Hui Mele," employees of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
1 to 1:45 p.m.: "The Heart of Being Hawaiian": Author Sally Jo Keala O Anuenue Bowman speaks about her personal journey to find her cultural identity, followed by a book signing from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
2:15 to 3 p.m.: "Honoapi'ilani": Kumu Keli'i Tau'a investigates the place names and history of Maui's benevolent Chief Pi'ilani.
3:15 to 4 p.m.: Lobby entertainment by Kamakakehau & Friends featuring falsetto singer Kamaka Fernandez.
3:30 to 4:15 p.m.: "Ho'okupu, makana or mahalo?": Lyons Kapi'ioho Naone describes the how and why Hawaiians say thank you on so many levels.
7 to 8:30 p.m.: "Na Ki'i O Ka Wa Kahiko": Photographer Shane Tegarden's stunning visuals are brought to life by modern technology and the story telling of Sam Ka'ai. Complimentary.
9 p.m. to midnight: "Celebration After Hours": Na Hoku Hanohano award-winners "Maunalua" host music, dance and impromptu merriment in the Alala Lounge. No cover. 21 years and older.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: "Ke kumu kamali'i" (children's learning center): Kumu Leihua Nae'ole and students bring children's art to reality as they focus on "lucky we live Hawaii because"
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: "Lucky we live Hawaii because": (See Friday's listing.)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: "Na Mele Kohola": The Whalesong Project: eavesdrop on Hawaii's most famous winter visitors.
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: "Mothers Gift, Ka 'Olelo Makuahine." (See Friday's listing.)
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.: "Na Ho'ailona o na anuenue": Deciphering messages from the rainbow. Kalei Nu'uhiwa, presenter.
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: Banyan Tree Restaurant (meet outside): "A Green Harvest with Chef McDowell." (See Friday's listing.)
11:30 a.m. to 12:15p.m.: "Lobby entertainment with Kumu Pono Murray and Halau Hula Na Wai Punalei.
Noon to 4 p.m.: "Kiheipili Hawaiian Patchwork Quilting": (See Friday's listing.)
12:15 to 1 p.m.: "Lucky we live Hawaii!": Ramsay Taum addresses what we take for granted every day while living in paradise.
1 to 3 p.m.: "The Heart of Being Hawaiian book signing": Author Sally Jo Keala O Anuenue autographs her book about her personal cultural journey.
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: "Hula Ki'i": Calvin Hoe and the students of The Hakipu'u Learning Center Charter School of Oahu perform Hawaiian puppetry.
2 to 2:45 p.m.: "Lobby entertainment by Na Kupuna Ohana Serenaders," senior citizens from Lahaina.
3 to 4 p.m.: "Aloha mai au i ku'u 'aina aloha for the beloved land": The concept of 'aina in the Hawaiian perspective. By Dr. Samuel Ohukani'ohi'a Gon III (The Nature Nature Conservancy) and Iokepa Nae'ole (naturalist, Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment).
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: "Celebration Luau & Show" featuring falsetto singer Kamakakehau Fernandez with his new band and Hawaii's 2008 female vocalist of the year, Napua Greig, with her award-winning Halau Hula Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka providing traditional and contemporary hula. $80 per adult. $40 for youngsters 4 to 12.
9 p.m. to midnight: "Celebra- tion After Hours" (See Friday's listing.)
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
7:30 a.m. Salon Foyer: Nondenominational sunrise service
10:15 a.m. (PROMPT!) Plantation Lawn: Egg hunt. Children gather eggs for fun and prizes. Don't be late!
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Terrace Restaurant: Easter Sunday Brunch: $75 per adult. $37.50 per child 4 to 12. Reservations are necessary.
THE ARTISTS
Friday
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Fred KenKnight, watercolor, hands-on; George Allan, oil painting, demonstration; Carleton Kinkade, oil painting, demonstration; Joseph Fletcher, oil painting, hands-on; Claudia Coonen, collage, hands-on; Linda Whittemore, printmaking, hands-on; Frank Andrews, Hawaiian petroglyphs, hands-on; Etina Hingano, Hawaiian ornaments, hands-on; Calvin Hoe, Hawaiian nose flutes, hands-on; Pohaku Kahoohanohano, lauhala weaving, hands-on; "Reflections of God's Creations," display, presented in honor of the late artist N. Robert Wagstaff by Winnie Wagstaff.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Hamlin Gilmore, scrimshaw art, hands-on (minimal supply fee); Martin Martinson, Hawaiian weapons, demonstration; Keoni Turalde, Hawaiian drum carving, demonstration; Thomas Kekona, lei making, hands-on; Bryant Neal, The Mapping of Hawaii, demonstration; Bula Logan, Hawaiian medicinal treatments, demonstration; Mark Haufekai, wood carving, demonstration.
2 to 5 p.m.: Terry Klerlein, island basketry, hands-on; Betty Hay Freeland, oil painting, demonstration; Ellen Levinsky, feather art, hands-on; Shauna Morrison, island jewelry, hands-on; Cindy Conklin, watercolor painting, hands-on; Kathy Long, drawing, hands-on; Hoaka DeLos Reyes, stone carving, hands-on; Sabra Kauka, lauhala weaving, hands-on; Silla Kaina, kaula (weaving cordage), hands-on.
Saturday
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Frank Andrews, Hawaiian petroglyphs, hands-on; Cindy Conklin, watercolor painting, hands-on; Kathy Long, drawing, hands-on; Carleton Kinkade, oil painting, demonstration; Ellen Levinsky, feather art, hands-on; Joseph Fletcher, oil painting, hands-on; Sabra Kauka, lauhala weaving, hands-on; Calvin Hoe, Hawaiian nose flutes, hands-on; Silla Kaina, kaula (weaving cordage), hands-on.
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Hamlin Gilmore, scrimshaw art, hands-on (minimal supply fee); Martin Martinson, Hawaiian weapons, demonstration; Keoni Turalde, Hawaiian drum carving, demonstration; Thomas Kekona, lei making, hands-on; Bryant Neal, The Mapping of Hawaii, demonstration; Bula Logan, Hawaiian medicinal treatments, demonstration; Mark Haufekai, wood carving, demonstration.
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Terry Klerlein, island basketry, hands-on; Claudia Coonen, collage, hands-on; Betty Hay Freeland, oil painting, demonstration; Shauna Morrison, island jewelry, hands-on; Etina Hingano, Hawaiian ornaments, hands-on;
Cindy Conklin, watercolor painting, hands-on; Kathy Long, drawing, hands-on; Hoaka DeLosReyes, stone carving, hands-on; Sabra Kauka, lauhala weaving, hands-on; Silla Kaina, kaula (weaving cordage), hands-on; Pohaku Kahoohanohano, lauhala weaving, hands-on; Hoaka DeLos Reyes, stone carving, hands-on; "Reflections of God's Creations," display, presented in honor of the late artist N. Robert Wagstaff by Winnie Wagstaff.
