Pictured playing this year at the Kahilu Theatre, 21-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning musician Henry Kapono will perform at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2. Kapono’s songs with a rock vibe celebrate love for his family, express pride in his Hawaiian culture, and share his joy in his home in the islands. PHOTO BY STEVEN ROBY.

KAPALUA — To kick off the holiday season and celebrate its 30th anniversary, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua will host a special Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Guests can see the resort’s handcrafted gingerbread house and Santa’s grand arrival, then enjoy live music by Hawaiian legend Henry Kapono, keiki hula dancing, photos with Santa, a holiday craft fair and the lighting of the trees.

“We are thrilled to welcome in the festive season and celebrate our milestone 30th anniversary with our guests, families and local community,” said Andrew Rogers, the resort’s general manager. “It’s an honor to create this magical Kapalua experience where we can gather and create cherished lifelong memories.”

Sweet treats throughout the evening will include hot cocoa, cider and cookies.

Local television personality Billy V will help emcee the event along with Clifford Nae’ole, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s longtime Hawaiian cultural advisor.

During the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, the resort is providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to give back to the community by collecting donations of nonperishable foods for Maui Food Bank and keiki clothing, baby supplies, diapers, slippers and sneakers of any size, school supplies and gift cards for the children of the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center.

Donation bins will be available all evening. A portion of the proceeds from the holiday craft fair will benefit Ka Hale A Ke Ola. The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is free and open to the public. The resort is offering a special kama’aina rate for the weekend. To reserve a kama’aina “staycation” over Dec. 2-4, 2022, call (808) 669-6200 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/maui and use code Z43.