“E ia ka Manawa” (Here, Now is the Time) is the theme for the 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts, April 2 to 4 at the The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui. Every Easter weekend, Celebration of the Arts is presented complimentary to the public to reconnect the “host to the hosted”.“This year’s theme will inspire intellectual conversation to shape and align the future of Native Hawaiians,” said Clifford Nae`ole, event chairperson and hotel cultural advisor. “In prior years, we have focused on bringing the past to the present, while this year the concentration will initiate thoughts from the present to the future.”
A recipient of the prestigious Kahili Award from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority in 2005, Celebration of the Arts is Hawai`i’s premiere hands-on arts and cultural festival. Kama`aina (local residents) and malihini (visitors) are invited to experience the “Hawaiian heart and soul” through interaction with artists, cultural practitioners, workshops, films, food and music.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua overlooks one of the most significant sites to native Hawaiians, the Honokahua Preservation Site, and is a gathering place for Hawaii’s well-known and best loved artists, educators, cultural art masters and healers. Maui visitors blend with island kupuna (elders) and keiki (children) in a rich tapestry with a common thread to learn about Hawai`i’s past, present and future. Each event features a timely topic with emphasis on education, cultural awareness and sharing so that it can be perpetuated.
For more information about top events in Hawaii, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Hawaii at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-hawaii.html
For more information on the Celebration of the Arts visit www.celebrationofthearts.org