23rd Annual Celebration of the Arts at Ritz Carlton Kapalua May 8-10

Clifford Naeʻole. Photo courtesy http://www.kapaluacelebrationofthearts.com.

By Maui Now Staff

Hawaiʻi’s most reputable artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers will convene this weekend, May 8-10, during the 23rd Annual Celebration of the Arts at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

Hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music and dance will give visitors and residents the opportunity to interact and enjoy the “Number 1 rated cultural event,” according Modern Luxury Hawaiʻi magazine.

Opening ceremonies on Friday will include traditional Hawaiian oli (chants) from Hawaiian practitioners.

Music and hula will be continuous throughout the weekend.

“The theme for the 2015 event will be announced closer to the event,” said Clifford Nae‘ole, cultural adviser and chair of the prestigious event. “The theme last year–“Ko Makou Alanui Kupuna… Our Ancestral Paths”– focused upon how we can learn from the past to positively affect the future of all things Hawaiian.”

The Celebration of the Arts has also been the recipient of the coveted “Keep it Hawaiʻi Kahili Award” presented by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Association.

The Celebration Lū‘au and Show on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. will bring together the foods of traditional Hawaiʻi and the contemporary cuisine of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua chefs.

“The Celebration Lū‘au and Show is a must, and I can guarantee that on that given night… this is the best lū‘au in the State of Hawaiʻi,” said Executive Chef John Zaner. “The food and entertainment are top notch and make for an unforgettable evening.”

A Celebration After-Hours Party will be held in the Hotel Lobby Alaloa Lounge (no cover charge) on Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight, with impromptu performances in a fun-filled jam session that reflects the spirit of aloha that the islands are known for.

For lū’au tickets or additional information, call (808) 669-6200 or go online.

For a full schedule of events, go online.

A special Celebration of the Arts Room Package is available. Additional information can be found online.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, go online.