A cultural awakening

"It was a pleasure to watch my grandfathers harvest sustenance from the ocean and from the land," says Naeole, cultural adviser for the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, on Maui. "But now we see polluted harbors that were once thriving with manini, mullet, halalu and aholehole. Taro patches are now dry and dusty. Man seems to be the common denominator toward the destruction of both the land and ocean. We need to talk about becoming partners for life to exist. We can do this by reflecting upon the works and practices of our kupuna (elders) who managed to keep everything in such great balance, naturally."

That is the crux of "Ka Aina, Ke Kai, Ke Kanaka, Na Kakoo Nohona" ("The Land, the Ocean and Man ... Partners for Life"), the theme of the Ritz-Carlton's 13th annual Celebration of the Arts, March 24-27.

Naeole, who has chaired the acclaimed cultural event since its inception, selected this theme "to address the changing faces of our land and ocean. Fragile ecosystems exist above and below the water's surface, and if we are to survive, we need to work diligently to preserve and protect them. Our natural resources are limited; once they are gone, there is no way we can replace them."

Seminars during the three-day event will discuss a wide range of topics, including "Planting and Cultivation by the Hawaiian Moon," "Hawaiian Gods of Agriculture and Fishing," "Alien Species ... the Invasion Continues" and "Aoao O Na Loko Ia (Hawaiian Fishponds)."

COURTESY RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA The annual Celebration of the Arts recognizes Hawaiian culture and acknowledges the relationship between man and nature, with events for children and adults.

New this year is the Original Hawaiian Oratory Recital Room and Awa Bar hosted by musician and composer Henry Kapono and poet, artist and activist Imaikalani Kalahele. Here, writers of olelo noeau (poems), moolelo (stories), pule (prayers), mele (songs) and oli (chants) will recite their creations and explain the thought process behind them. Meanwhile, the audience will sip awa (kava) as they reflect upon the inspirational messages.

Another intriguing offering is "The Legend of Kaululaau," an hour-long play usually staged twice on Sunday afternoons in the Ritz-Carlton's intimate indoor theater. The tale revolves around the mischievous youth Kaululaau, who is banished to Lanai, home of ghosts. As Ka- ululaau matures from boy to man, he defeats all the ghosts and becomes a chief of Lanai and eventually of Maui.

COURTESY RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA Arts and crafts will be on display at the event.

IN OLD HAWAII, legends and family history were passed down orally from generation to generation. Moolelo, storytelling, was a respected art form, and a gifted storyteller garnered the same attention as a renowned theatrical actor receives today. Moses Goods III, who was raised on Maui, brings "The Legend of Kaululaau" to life by assuming the roles of nine different characters, including a chief, kahuna (priest), wife and child.

If you go ... What: 13th annual Celebration of the Arts Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui When: March 24-27 Admission: Most of the seminars and arts and crafts demonstrations are free. There is a charge for "The Legend of Kaululaau," Friday night's "Celebration After Hours," "The World Below," Celebration Luau and Show, and Easter brunch. Call or check the Web site for prices. The Hale Puloulou session is free, but donations will be accepted for the Hawaiian Healing Institute. Call: 808-669-6200 E-mail: clifford.naeole@ritzcarlton.com Web site: www.celebrationofthearts.org Package: A "Celebration of the Arts" package is available for the event, starting at $395 per room per night for garden-view accommodations. It also includes daily buffet breakfast for two in the Terrace restaurant, two tickets to "The Legend of Kaululaau" luau and show, and a poster. There is a two-night minimum. Rates begin at $299 per room per night for those with a Hawaii ID. Call 800-262-8440.

Also of note is the Hale Puloulou (House of Purification, Hawaiian Sweat House), which employs the health benefits of steam and herbs in healing and renewal. Dr. Makaala Yates, who was born and raised in Kona on the Big Island, will be leading a two-hour session of this unique and forgotten healing method.

Yates is president and founder of the nonprofit Hawaiian Healing Institute in Ashland, Ore., which trains students in puloulou (sweat or purification) rituals and other traditional Hawaiian healing modalities, including lomilomi massage and laau lapaau (herbal medicine).

Participants (limited to 35) will sit for 15-minute intervals in a dark hale, which provides a quiet atmosphere for safe, nonjudgmental introspection. Yates describes the setting as "a womblike place within Mother Earth; a place with no distractions; a place of release, remembering and rebirth."

As the hookele (also known as the navigator or water pourer), he will deliver invocations for protection, healing and inner peace. "The moist moderate-to-extreme heat releases bodily toxins and impurities," Yates explains. "The hot experience allows the chance for emotional release, mental clarity and physical healing through the accompanying prayers, affirmations, songs and meditation."

In fact, that describes Celebration of the Arts as a whole -- an unforgettable spiritual and cultural awakening.