KAPALUA – For the 21st consecutive year, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will bring together Hawaii artisans, educators, cultural practitioners and entertainers for the Celebration of the Arts.

This cultural event will begin on Friday, March 29, and conclude on Sunday, March 31, with the Easter Brunch.

This year’s theme – “E ulu e ulu mau… To grow and grow forever” – is a nod to the days of nostalgic Hawaii while looking forward to the future and the impact of today’s decisions.

Opening ceremonies include Hawaiian practitioners reciting their genealogy through traditional oli (chants). Music and hula will be presented continuously throughout the weekend.

Hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music and dance will serve as the common thread to allow visitors and residents the opportunity to interact and appreciate the festival, which has been honored with a prestigious “Keep it Hawaii Kahili Award” by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Thought-provoking panels will include “Food Sovereignty,” with local farmers and agriculturalists demonstrating the importance of protecting the “old seeds;” “E kala mai, excuse me… a two-way street” by Brook Kapukuniahi Parker; and “Remembering a Princess,” where attendees will join direct lineal descendants of Princess Kale Davis in a moving discussion about a princess lost in time. A cleanup of her burial site above Kapalua Resort will also take place by attendees and volunteers, to restore it to a condition worthy of such an influential woman.

One of the most unique presentations of the weekend will be “Ono ka awa… the awa is delicious,” which features an array of Polynesian-grown awa paired with Hawaiian delicacies.

The Celebration Luau and Show serves as the weekend’s finale, bringing together traditional Hawaiian foods with various entertainment and talent hearkening back to nostalgic Hawaii and the days of the first cruise ships visiting the islands.

The Celebration After-Hours Party commences each evening in the Alaloa Lounge. This is free for adults to enjoy from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hawaii entertainers will take the stage with impromptu performances in fun-filled jam sessions that reflect the spirit of aloha for which the islands are renowned.

The annual Easter Brunch will take place on Sunday, March 31, while the children’s Easter egg hunt begins on the Great Lawn.

For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/kapalua or www.celebrationofthearts.org. For tickets, call 669-6200.