[ SUNDAY TRAVEL ]

ROBIE PRICE / COURTESY RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Pohaku Kahoohanohano, right, shows children the
intricacies of lauhala at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua's
Celebration of the Arts.

Native arts
shared with aloha

The Ritz-Carlton invites visitors
to learn a new skill and 'take home
a precious bit of Hawaiian culture'

By Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi
Special to the Star-Bulletin

NATURE is always in full bloom over the Easter holiday, and at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, so are the arts. Each year, the hotel's signature event, Celebration of the Arts, showcases more than three dozen local experts in both traditional and contemporary genres, from featherwork, pahu (drum) carving and kapa making to oil painting, watercolor and collage.

At tables set up in the hallways, courtyards and gardens of the luxurious Maui resort, these gifted artisans demonstrate their craft and invite participation by visitors, who inevitably walk away with their own handmade creations.

Now in its ninth year, Celebration of the Arts also is a celebration of the Hawaiian people and their culture. It draws 8,000 participants to three days of activities, which, in addition to the artists' demonstrations, include a luau, concerts, dance performances, children's programs, film screenings, seminars and panel discussions.

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ROBIE PRICE / COURTESY RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
The elegance of hula always captures festival
audiences and participants alike.

Easter Sunday begins with an early morning nondenominational service on the resort's expansive lawn, followed by an Easter egg hunt, the opening of an animal hugging zoo featuring bunnies and chicks, and a lavish buffet brunch.

"From beginning to end, Celebration of the Arts enlivens every part of your being," says Clifford Naeole, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua's cultural adviser and one of the event's organizers. "Interaction. Stories. Passion. Happy children. Educated adults. Sharing without confrontation and criticism. Our artists and practitioners realize the value of their work when they see the smiles and enthusiasm of the participants. The participants, in turn, take home knowledge, a new skill and a precious bit of the Hawaiian culture."

This year's slate of seminars runs the gamut in subject matter. For example, one Friday afternoon session will spotlight the steel guitar and four master musicians: Henry Allen, Owana Salazar, Alan Akaka and Dwight Tokumoto. Later that day, Wesley Sen will teach ancient Hawaiian lomilomi massage techniques, and revered composer and filmmaker Eddie Kamae will unveil his most recent release, "The Sons of Hawaii," which captures the men, music and memories of the legendary Island group.

STAR-BULLETIN / 1998
Henry Kapono will perform at the Club
Celebration Concert on Saurday.

Saturday's highlights include a panel of four kumu hula (hula masters) from the "next generation": Patrick Makuakane, Luana Kawaa, Healani Youn and Renee Price. The young instructors will discuss their hopes for hula and what must be done to ensure the perpetuation of the dance. In another seminar, taro farmers Kyle Nanakelua of Maui, Kia Fronda of the Big Island, John Aana of Kauai and Calvin Hoe and Eddie Kaanana of Oahu will talk about their ties to the aina and the love they have for their backbreaking work.

This is just a glimpse of what participants will be able to enjoy at this year's Celebration of the Arts. Weave a lau hala toy, learn about Hawaiian herbal medicines, play a bamboo nose flute, make a ti leaf lei, experience the power of oli (ancient chants) and more -- the festival is all about exchange, education and enlightenment.

"It's such a great feeling to see local residents and visitors working, talking and sharing together," Naeole said. "I remember two years ago, there were 40 Hawaiian kupuna (elders) sitting in the lobby speaking only the Hawaiian language. Even though the visitors didn't understand what was being said, they sat with our kupuna and enjoyed every minute they spent with them."

Celebration of the Arts premiered in 1993, the brainchild of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua's general manager, John Toner; Linda Morgan, the hotel's national sales manager at the time; and popular Island composer, recording artist and author Henry Kapono.

"Mr. Toner deserves a lot of credit for his vision and commitment to the event," Naeole said. "His theory is, 'If we're going to do it, let's do it right.' I think we are well on the way to accomplishing this goal. Celebration of the Arts is truly a celebration of aloha in action."

Celebration of the Arts Place: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, One Ritz-Carlton Drive Dates: April 13 to 15 Reservations: (800) 262-8440 or (808) 669-6200 Web site: www.celebrationofthearts.org Activities: Seminars, music and dance performances, and hands-on art demonstrations will be offered Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art demonstrations also are scheduled Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: All art demonstrations and presentations are free, with the exception of a nominal materials fee for pareau painting and Niihau shell lei making. >> Nightly rates at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua during Celebration of the Arts begin at $325. >> A $195-per-night kamaaina package includes tickets to the Club Celebration Concert Saturday night. The highlights April 12 and 13 Kapunakea Preserve hike: $40, includes picnic lunch. >> Walk through The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii's ecological treasure, which harbors an incredible variety of indigenous plants. 15 hikers maximum. April 13 Box supper at the hukilau on D.T. Fleming Beach: $10. >> Storytelling, impromptu entertainment and a concert by slack key guitar virtuoso Ledward Kaapana are free. Seating will be on the lawn; bring beach mats, low-back chairs, cushions and pillows. April 14 Luau: $65 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under, free for infants and toddlers not occupying a seat. >> Entertainment by Keala Kukona's Kanoeau Dance Academy and the renowned Lim Family. Club Celebration Concert: $20 per person in advance, $25 at the door. >> Music by Henry Kapono, Kapena and Hoomau April 15 Easter brunch: $65 for adults, $35 for children under 12