2011 Celebration of the Arts Embraces Ancestral Call

By Wendy Osher

Get immersed in the Hawaiian culture through art, workshops and inspirational dialogue at the 19th Annual Celebration of the Arts.  The award winning event returns to the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua from April 22-23, 2011.  This year’s theme, E na aumakua,  “embraces the call to our ancestors and all things natural,” said Clifford Nae’ole, Cultural Advisor and Event Chair.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kSt5ZgxbPo /] ***File Video from 2010 Celebration of the Arts, by Wendy Osher***

The event includes a full schedule of cultural panels, films, hands-on art, demonstrations, music and dance.   Each component is led by Hawaii’s finest artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers.

The event is a past recipient of the coveted “Keep it Hawai’i Kahili Award” presented by the Hawai’i Tourism Association and rated as the number one cultural event according to Hawai’i Modern Luxury magazine.

The event opens with traditional ceremonies at sunrise on Friday, April 22 and concludes with a Celebration Lu’au and Show on Saturday night, April 23, followed by an after-hours party at the hotel lobby.  There will also be an Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt on the Plantation Lawn on Sunday, April 24th.

Celebration of the Arts, file photo by Wendy Osher.

New this year, is The George Kanahele Mele Ho’okuku (song competition) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 23rd. Kanahele is remembered for his commitment to the integration of Hawaiian values in the hospitality industry.  For that reason, the challenge is open to choirs from Hawaii’s hospitality industry who will be judged on harmony, tone, and accuracy in the pronunciation of the Hawaiian language.

Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

• 6:00am – 7:00am – DT Fleming Beach: “E ala e” – Traditional ceremonies to awaken the sun and rejuvenate the spirit. Swimwear and towels a necessity. Facilitated by Iokepa Nae’ole.
• 8:00am – 9:00am – Aloha Pavilion Courtyard: “Ka wai a kane” – Practitioners and event participants commit to another year of supporting the culture by consuming awa, “the bitter waters of Kane.”
• 10:00am – 11:00am – Lobby: “Wehe ka ipuka” – Chants of genealogies and origin officially open the 19th Annual Celebration of the Arts. The “Namahana Award of Excellence” shall be presented to a kane (male) and wahine (female) that has led a lifetime of commitment to na mea Hawaii…all things Hawaiian.
• 11:00am – 1:00pm – Village Gallery: Winnie Wagstaff presents works celebrating the art and life of Robert Wagstaff.
• 11:00am – 12:00pm – Ambassadors of the Environment entrance: “Hularobics” Stretch your muscles and engage in the Hawaiian culture of Hula with instructor Lopaka Keali’ikanaka’ole. Comfortable exercise attire please!
• 11:00am – 4:00pm – Salon 4: “Kiheipili” Hawaiian patchwork quilting – A display and classes given by Ku’ulei Martinson. $30 fee for materials. Classes ongoing all day.
• 11:00am – 4:00pm – Throughout the Hotel: “Hands-on Art and Demonstrations” – Contemporary and traditional artists help you to create your own keepsake. See daily insert at concierge and front desk.
• 11:00am – 4:00pm – Salon 3: “Na Aumakua Images” – Selected art from Maui County High School students vie for top honors regarding their personal interpretation of Na Aumakua.
• 11:00am – 4:00pm – Hawaiian Garden: “Ka ‘olelo makuahine” – Create a prized Ni’ihau shell earring or wristlet. Learn the traditions of a Ni’ihau family as they share the language of their ancestors and the jewels of the ocean. An extremely rare and unique gift. $35 fee for materials.
• 11:00am – 12:15pm – Banyan Tree Restaurant: “The Green Harvest Tour” – The Chefs of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua have created their own garden of Eden to provide the freshest spices and ingredients for your taste. Join our chef as he tours the garden and finishes off with a tasty “green smoothie.”
• 11:15am – 12:00pm – The Alaloa Lounge: “Na Kupuna Ohana Serenaders” – The music and hula of Hawaii performed with “sass and class” by the Sr. Citizens of Lahaina!
• 11:30am – 12:30pm – Salon 1: “Kamapua’a…the Mischievous One” – Kahu Lyons Kapi’ioho Naone speaks of the notorious entity Kamapua’a…a demigod with a split personality.
• 11:30am – 1:30pm – Ambassadors of the Environment Center: The Ambassador naturalists pay tribute to “Earth day” and Hawaii’s culture with a fun and meaningful scavenger hunt and “planting.”
• 12:00pm – 12:45pm – Theater: “Kohala Kuamo’o, the Race to Save a King” – The Kawai’ae’a family represent the authors, illustrators and storytellers of their book telling the mo’olelo (story) of the Chief Nae’ole and his efforts to protect the infant to be king…Kamehameha.
• 12:00pm – 4:00pm – Salon 4: “E Inu Ka Awa!” – Awa anyone? Sample the Polynesian drink used for relaxation and/or protocol. Kumu Hula Kapono’ai Molitau and his halau host an informal awa bar reflecting upon its history, significance and role in Hawaiian protocol. A minimal charge will be in effect as a fundraising effort for the hula school.
• 12:00pm – 4:00pm – Pool Upper Deck: “Dive Into Art” – Your opportunity to view beautiful High Def photography of Hawaii’s underwater world within the comfort of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua pool! Snorkel gear requested but rentals will be available. Bring your camera!
• 12:45pm – 1:45pm – Salon 2: “Dr. George Kanahele…the Legacy Continues” – Often considered as the father of “a sense of place” which fosters a Hawaiian presence within all phases of the hospitality industry, the late Dr. Kanahele’s dream continues. Challenges still abound, but some goals have been reached. Noelani Mahoe, Makalapua Kanuha and Ka’inoa Horcajo speak about what was, is, and will be in the hospitality industry.
• 2:00pm – 2:45pm – Salon 3: “E Na Aumakua” human blacklight puppet show! Body artist and producer extraordinaire, Ms. Rachel DeBoer brings to life an avant garde production of Hawaiian storytelling. Colors abound with surrealistic surroundings as Aumakua come to life. This is not to be missed by the kids…AND adults!
• 3:00pm – 3:45pm – Alaloa Lounge: “Na Kupuna O Lokelani” – Sr. Citizens from Wailuku will play, sway and sing out with Hawaiian heart and soul.
• 3:00pm – 4:30pm – Ambassadors of the Environment Center: The Ambassador naturalists pay tribute to “Earth day” and Hawaii’s culture with a fun and meaningful scavenger hunt and “planting.”
• 3:00pm – 5:00pm – Village Gallery: Winnie Wagstaff presents works celebrating the art and life of Robert Wagstaff.
• 4:00pm – 5:00pm – Salon 1: “Na Aumakua…Who, When, Where, Why” – Kumu Hula Kapono’ai Molitau addresses the reality of…and yet mystical entity of Aumakua. Often misunderstood and misrepresented, here is an opportunity to get the facts about guardian angels, Hawaiian style.
• 7:30pm – 8:30pm – Theater: “One Voice” – A behind the scenes look at the rigors, training and stress put forward to bring the much heralded Kamehameha School Song Competition to reality. Ramsay Taum to introduce this beautiful film featuring many voices singing as one.
• 9:00pm – 12:00am – Alaloa Lounge: “Celebration After Hours” – Josh Kahula and the contemporary music of ‘Nuff Sedd provide a great ending to the first day of The Celebration of the Arts! No cover. Must be 21 years and older. ID’s required.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

• 10:00am – 11:00pm – Ambassadors of the Environment entrance: “Hularobics” Stretch your muscles and engage in the Hawaiian culture of hula with instructor Lopaka Keali’ikanaka’ole. Comfortable exercise attire please!
• 10:00am – 4:00pm – Throughout the Hotel: “Hands-on Art and Demonstrations” – Contemporary and traditional artists help you to create your own keepsake. See daily insert at concierge and front desk.
• 10:00am – 4:00pm – Salon 4: “Kiheipili” Hawaiian patchwork quilting – A display and classes given by Ku’ulei Martinson. $30 fee for materials. Classes ongoing all day.
• 10:00am – 4:00pm – Salon 3: “Na Aumakua Images” – Selected art from Maui County High School students vie for top honors regarding their personal interpretation of Na Aumakua.
• 10:00am – 4:00pm – Hawaiian Garden: “Ka ‘olelo makuahine” – Create a prized Ni’ihau shell earrings or wristlet. Learn the traditions of a Ni’ihau family as they share the language of their ancestors and the jewels of the ocean. An extremely rare and unique gift. $35 fee for materials.
• 10:30am – 11:30am – Salon 2: “Dr. George Kanahele Mele Ho’okuku Song Competition” and awards. Competing choirs from Hawaii’s hospitality industry, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, The Ilima Hotel and Ka’anapali Beach Hotel vie for coveted trophies for harmony and the accuracy of Hawaiian language. Noelani Mahoe is your hostess.
• 10:30am – 12:30pm – Village Gallery: Winnie Wagstaff presents works celebrating the art and life of Robert Wagstaff.
• 11:00am – 12:15pm – Banyan Tree Restaurant: “The Green Harvest Tour” – The Chefs of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua have created their own garden of eden to provide the freshest spices and ingredients for your taste. Join our chef as he tours the garden and finishes off with a tasty “green smoothie.”
• 11:30am – 1:30pm – Ambassadors of the Environment Center: The Ambassador naturalists pay tribute to “Earth day” and Hawaii’s culture with a fun and meaningful scavenger hunt and “planting.”
• 11:45am – 12:30pm – Salon 1: “Hula and Kinolau” – Kekoa Wong explains the embodiment of Hawaiian spirits and energies found within the flora, verbiage and movement of hula.
• 12:00pm – 4:00pm – Pool Upper Deck: “Dive Into Art” – Your opportunity to view beautiful High Def photography of Hawaii’s underwater world within the comfort of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua pool! Snorkel gear suggested but rentals will be available. Bring your camera!
• 12:00pm – 4:00pm – Salon 4: “E Inu Ka Awa!” – Awa anyone? Sample the Polynesian drink used for relaxation and/or protocol. Kumu Hula Kapono’ai Molitau and his halau host an informal awa bar reflecting upon its history, significance and role in Hawaiian protocol. A minimal charge will be in effect as a fundraising effort for the hula school.
• 12:30pm – 1:15pm – Theater: “Kohala Kuamo’o, the Race to Save a King” – The Kawai’ae’a family represent the authors, illustrators and storytellers of their book telling the mo’olelo (story) of the Chief Nae’ole and his efforts to protect the infant to be king…Kamehameha.
• 1:15pm – 2:00pm – Salon 2: “For the Love of Limu (seaweed)” – So you thought you tried it all? The Hawaiian delicacy and appreciation of various limu are yours to experience. From medicinal use and spiritual protocol…to seasoning a seafood dish, limu does it all. Seating is limited. First come…first served! Charles Ka’upu, Stella Burgess, Janet Kahalekomo and Lanakila Willard challenge your taste buds.
• 1:15pm – 2:00pm – Alaloa Lounge: Lobby entertainment – Ka Pa Hula O Ka Ulu Koa under the direction of Kamaka’eu and Ka’ula Williams. Hula!
• 2:15pm – 3:00pm – Salon 3: “E Na Aumakua” human blacklight puppet show! Body artist and producer extraordinaire, Ms. Rachel DeBoer brings to life an avant garde production of Hawaiian storytelling. Colors abound with surrealistic surroundings as Aumakua come to life. This is not to be missed by the kids…AND adults!
• 2:30pm – 4:30pm – Village Gallery: Winnie Wagstaff presents works celebrating the art and life of Robert Wagstaff.
• 3:00pm – 4:30pm – Ambassadors of the Environment Center: The Ambassador naturalists pay tribute to “Earth day” and Hawaii’s culture with a fun and meaningful scavenger hunt and “planting.”
• 3:15pm – 4:00pm – Salon 2: “Navigating the Spiritual Paths of the Hawaiian” – Kumu Hula Charles Ka’upu and Kumu Hula Kaha’i Topolinski describe the spiritual paths of the Polynesian in comparison to the western world.
• 4:15pm – 5:00pm – Salon 1: “Ka Pohaku, ka mana, ka mana’o” – Kai Markell displays an unbelievable array of Hawaiian power stones…some shaped by the patience of mankind…others sculpted by the energies of the spirits! You will be amazed.
• 6:00pm – 8:30pm – Aloha Garden Ballroom: “The Celebration Lu’au and Show” – An outright feast of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. None better on this night! Music and hula will fill the air. “Na’au” will provide a fitting ambiance while you dine. Kumu Hula Charles Ka’upu returns with his men from Kaua’i “Na Kane O Ke Oneloa” featuring ancient hula. Kumu Hula Napua Grieg-Makua and her halau “Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka” top it all off with a dazzling sneak preview of her hula as she heads to the worlds championships of hula. Advance ticket purchase highly recommended as this is an annual sell-out! $90 per adult. $45 per child 5 – 12yrs.
• 9:00pm – 12:00am – Alaloa Lounge: “Celebration After Hours” – A fitting end to the 19th Annual Celebration of the Arts. “Kamakakehau and Na Leoiki” jam the night away with traditional “party-style” tunes. Impromptu entertainment and guest appearances make it a finale to remember. No cover. 21yrs and older please! ID’s required.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

• Easter services will not be held on property. Please see listings below for the closest services. For denominations not listed, please contact the hotel’s concierge desk at extension 7400 or directly at (808) 665-7089.
• 7:00am & 9:00am: Sacred Hearts Mission Church (Catholic services): Located next to The Honolua General Store on Office Road. (808) 661-0552
• 7:30am & 9:30am: Kumulani Chapel (non-denominational services): Located across from Sansei Restaurant on Office Road. (808) 669-7022
• 10:00am – 3:00pm – The Terrace Restaurant: Easter Sunday Brunch: Lavish and delicious…the Chefs of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua leave nothing behind to provide the ultimate brunch. $85 per adult. $42.50 per child ages 4 – 12 years. Price is exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are necessary.
• 10:15am – The Plantation Lawn: Easter Egg Hunt: Children ages 0 – 12yrs are invited to join the Easter Bunny and Aloha Bear to gather eggs for fun and prizes. Please arrive early, as there will be sections for different age groups. Bring your Easter basket and don’t be late!

*** Schedule of events and supporting information courtesy Celebration of the Arts.