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Celebration of the Arts to feature traditional Hawaiian activities and experiences

By Staff | Mar 29, 2018

An annual tradition of the Celebration of the Arts, Hiuwai & E ala E ceremonies are set for Friday, March 30, from 5:45 to 6:30 a.m. at Honokahua Beach (D.T. Fleming Beach). Join cultural practitioners for an invigorating ceremony guaranteed to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Chants are offered by all to the rising sun. Attendees should bring swimwear and towels; note that photography and video are prohibited.

KAPALUA – Returning to the resort for the 26th consecutive year, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will convene reputable Hawaii artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers on March 30-31 during the annual Celebration of the Arts Festival.

The theme for the 2018 event is “Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike In Work There Is Knowledge.”

This highly anticipated festival allows both visitors and locals the opportunity to experience authentic Hawaiian culture through various activities, including hands-on art demonstrations (see page 18), informative speaker panels, historic films, cultural panels and traditional music and dance.

Nestled in one of Hawaii’s largest nature preserves, Kapalua Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua proudly maintains the Honokahua Preservation Site – a recognized “wahi pana” (sacred site) that lies adjacent to the resort and serves as a destination where Native Hawaiians gather to conduct ceremonial rituals and honor their ancestors.

The resort brought on the first cultural advisor to The Ritz-Carlton brand, Clifford Nae’ole, who co-created the Celebration of the Arts Festival to further enrich and educate guests and locals about the resort’s deep Hawaiian cultural roots and historical surroundings.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching the Celebration of the Arts Festival grow and evolve over the past 26 years since its inception in 1992,” said Nae’ole.

“We are proud to be able to continue to honor our Native Hawaiian culture and instill that same appreciation and respect in our resort guests and island locals.”

Throughout the weekend, festival participants will enjoy traditional Hawaiian oli (chants), music, hula, cultural ceremonies and impromptu performances that reflect upon the spirit of aloha that the islands are known for.

The “Celebration of Island Tastes” will culminate the weekend festivities, bringing together the foods of traditional Hawaii and the contemporary cuisine of local families.

For more information on Celebration of the Arts, including the full schedule of events, visit www.CelebrationOfTheArts.org.