The 25th Annual Celebration of the Arts at the

I talk with Clifford Naeole about 25th Annual Celebration of the Arts at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. This much anticipated event will convene Hawaii’s most reputable artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers, April 14 – 16, during the 25th Annual Celebration of the Arts. The theme for the 2017 event is “Wahi Mahalo…A Universal Thank You” in honor of the 25th anniversary of Celebration of the Arts.

Opening ceremonies include traditional Hawaiian oli (chants) from Hawaiian practitioners while music and hula will be continuous throughout the weekend. Hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music and dance will act as the common ground to allow visitors and residents the opportunity to interact and enjoy the “Number 1 rated cultural event” according Modern Luxury Hawaii magazine. The Celebration of the Arts has also been the recipient of the coveted “Keep it Hawaii Kahili Award” presented by the Hawaii Tourism Association.

The Celebration of Island Tastes will culminate the weekend festivities and is a brand new twist on the traditional Celebration Lu’au and Show!  Hawaiian food prepared by Hawaiian hands – from various local families, non-profits, vendors and practitioners.  Stroll through the Pavilion and fill your plates with the best prepared traditional and contemporary lu’au foods in the State on this given night.  Live entertainment will complete the ambiance as you engage in conversation and perhaps obtain a secret recipe!

The Celebration After-Hours Party is the finale and is held in the hotel’s Salon Ballroom with no cover charge from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday night. The finest talent in Hawaii will take the stage with impromptu performances in a fun filled jam-session that reflects upon the spirit of aloha that the islands are known for. A special Celebration of the Arts Room Package is in effect and additional information can be found on the Accommodations section of this website.  For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/kapalua.