“E ia ka Manawa” (Here, Now is the Time), is the theme for the 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts, set for April 2 to 4 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on 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,” Clifford Naeole, the event’s chairperson and hotel cultural advisor said in a press release.
“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.”
The celebration will feature panels and events, with traditional craft stations and hula and other cultural performances. Some of the highlights are listed below.
Can or No Can - a discussion of the pros and cons of establishing large observatories and telescopes on the volcano summits, regarded as sacred sites by many Hawaiians
2012…Huli Ia (to change) - a look at the Polynesian view of messages from nature that could become more evident in 2012
Passing the Torch - a lesson in mentoring ancient things in a contemporary time
The Mua, the Men and the Mission - details the challenge of adult Hawaiian males guiding male youth to become adults, while preparing themselves for the responsibilities of being kupuna (elders)
A Green Harvest with Executive Souz Chef Marc McDowell - returning for its second year with an informative tour through the hotels organic gardens
Got Poke? – new poke (diced tuna seafood salad) cooking demonstration hosted by Kumu Charles Ka`upu and respected kupuna Aunty Mapu Yasue
Contemporary artists from The Village Galleries and traditional artists from Ni`ihau to Hilo will offer hands-on art experiences throughout the resort for children and adults
Celebration After Hours in Alaloa Lobby Lounge - four-part harmony and contemporary beats of Vaihi will be featured on Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight; Waipuna, Hawaii’s newest musical stand out, will take the mic on Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight night to close out the festivities; no cover charge.
