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Go Native: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua puts Hawaiian culture first at its Celebration of the Arts

Panelists, films, music, Island Tastes and after-hours parties all add to 26th annual festival

By Carla Tracy 7 min read

Clifford Nae'ole is the man behind the 26th annual Celebration of the Arts that will put Hawaiian culture at the forefront Friday and Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in West Maui.

As the longtime cultural advisor for the resort and co-creator of the event, he will bring in a sea of Hawaiian faces, including artisans, educators, filmmakers, cultural practitioners, speakers and top entertainers. Most of the events are free and open to the public.

This year, well-known Hawaii women will be featured at some panel discussions and interest is running high.

"Dynamic women of Hawaii have elected to say, 'It's time!' How empowered do they feel as women trying to make a difference? What drives their passion and what challenges do they face?" asks Nae'ole, who's invited "Na Wahine, Na Alakai, Women Leaders" to speak about current topics from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Saturday in the Ritz Hotel Theater.

"We'll feature Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Carmen Hulu Lindsey; local watchdog and activist Mahina Martin; and founder of the National Women's March organizer, Teresa Shook. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she is trying to get here, too."

"We Mean Business" precedes "Na Wahine" from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Saturday, also in the Hotel Theater, with powerhouse Hawaiian women and men as panelists.

Come and hear a talk by Amy Hanaiali'i (five-time Grammy-nominee singer and owner of the award-winning Hanaiali'i Wines); Teri Gorman (Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and Maui Grown Therapies); Pono Murray (Lei Pono Inc.); and Kapono'ai Molitau (owner of Native Intelligence).

"It will be a discussion by Native Hawaiians on how they succeed in a state traditionally known as the most difficult for small business," says Nae'ole. "What challenges did they need to overcome? How can their business acumen help and encourage Hawaii youth to consider being entrepreneurs?"

Besides other panels, films and hands-on art demos, Celebration of the Arts embraces things serious and fun, with the latter Island Tastes on Saturday offering affordable admission, local foods and Na Wai Eha band performing; and lively after-parties with a stellar music lineup Friday and Saturday.

It all begins before the sun rises at 5:45 a.m. Friday on the Beach House Lawn with the E ala E circle and ocean plunge. Wear swimwear and bring a towel and a desire to share an aspect of yourself with the circle.

Wehe ka 'ipuka, "opens the gateway" in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. Friday. Hawaiian chants and strict ceremonial protocol is embraced by the many practitioners.

The strictness is the serious event aspect.

"The cultural practitioners will offer prayers and state their genealogy and it all has intent," says Nae'ole. "Chants go directly from sender to recipient. In this case, the recipients are all of the ancestors and the deities from Honokahua Preservation Site."

Recognized as a "wahi pana," or "sacred site," it is the burial ground of hundreds of Native Hawaiians that is maintained proudly by the Ritz within Kapalua Resort, one of the state's largest nature preserves.

"During the opening ceremonies, there never should be something that intersects this path of communication," says Nae'ole.

"There is no snapping of pictures. It's not a Hollywood set or a whimsical plot. It's the real Hawaiian deal. Visitors stop in their tracks when they walk into the lobby and see that it's not a performance."

Because of sensitivity regarding Honokahua Preservation Site, the Ritz created a cultural advisory position. So for 26 years, Nae'ole has continued to enrich and educate the public about the resort's deep Hawaiian cultural roots and historical surroundings.

In fact, one of the panels is "Understanding Our Mission" from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Friday in the Hotel Theater with Bruce U'u of the Maui Planning Commission; cultural directors Makalapua Kanuha of Westin Nanea and Kaniela Akaka of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on the Big Island; and Iokepa Nae'ole of Hale Huaka'i at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel (younger brother of Nae'ole at the Ritz).

"How difficult is it to walk the fine line between balancing the culture, community and commercial sides of a job? It's VERY difficult at times ... especially when the focus is often misunderstood," says Nae'ole.

As many know, the Native Hawaiian community can be divided on issues.

"Some of the Native Hawaiian local crowd assumes that since we work for a business we are beholden to it, like we're puppets," he says. "But we're not. Instead, we're allegiant to our people. Having cultural directors is not a trend. In today's world, it's a necessity."

Looking into the underbelly of Hawaiian culture will be the documentary film "Out of State," screening from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. "It is about Hawaiian men sent to an Arizona prison who find their 'Hawaiian-ness' within the confines of the system," says Nae'ole.

You may also watch "Keepers of the Culture" at 1:45 p.m. Friday, four shorts about Hawaiians striving to abide by the voices of their ancestors. The shorts will segue into Nana I Ke Kumu, "Look to the Source" at 2:30 p.m. featuring four isle artisans who explain how they take a rough form and morph it into beautiful pieces. They are Keith Maile (bone), Lloyd Sing (reed), Gordon Umi (wood) and Hoake Delos Reyes (stone).

Island Tastes will be in the Aloha Garden Pavilion from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Music by Na Wai Eha will charm the crowd, hula will sway and emcee Alaka'i Paleka will keep everyone in stitches. A la carte food includes kalua pig, poi, fresh poke, coconut shave ice and much more.

"It's the County Fair meets The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua," says Nae'ole. "Standard tickets are $20 and kamaaina get in for $15. Keiki 5 to 12 get in for $10. Then you just buy scrip for whatever your taste buds cry out for.

"I've had the pleasure of watching the Celebration of the Arts grow and evolve since its inception in 1992," Nae'ole continues. "I'm proud to honor our Native Hawaiian culture and instill that same appreciation and respect to the crowd, which seems to be an even split of resort guests and island locals -- and that to me is an accomplishment. It means that people are talking and listening and creating allies. These relationships affect our thinking, principles and values in this contemporary world."

* Carla Tracy can be reached at carlatracy@mauinews.com.

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Celebration fast facts:

• What: Wake up to the event at 5:45 a.m. Friday during the Hiuwai and E ala E ceremony in the ocean, then enjoy panel discussions, films, arts and crafts, music all day Friday and Saturday. Most events are free and open to the public.

• Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will present events in the lobby, Hotel Theater, salons and walkways.

• Island Tastes: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Aloha Pavilion. $20 general admission, $15 for kamaaina and $10 for keiki. Buy scrip for food at booths.

• After Hours: From 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, John Cruz, Grammy-winner Kalani Pe'a and DJ Scotty rock the house; same hours on Saturday, Ikaika Blackburn and Na Hoa, Josh Kahula and Nuff Sedd will get you dancing.

• For more details: Call 669-6200 or visit www.celebrationofthearts.org.

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