Ledcor Maui was honored to attend and sponsor the 33^rd Annual Celebration of the Arts at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua as well as help commemorate the contributions of Clifford Nae’ole. Each year the celebration brings together hundreds of cultural practitioners, artisans, educator, speakers, fashion designers, entertainers and members of the public to celebrate Hawaiʻi nei.

Founded by Clifford Naeʻole in 1992, Celebration of the Arts was created with the intention of listening, learning and sharing the deep knowledge, history and traditions of Hawaiʻi by bringing together a diverse number of vendors, panelists, and leaders in the community. 

The theme of this year’s festival was “I Kou Maka…The Eyes of the Beholder” which reflected upon how individuals perceive the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and its people. Panel topics included Hawaiʻi Through the Lens of Hollywood, the Science of Shorelines: Discussing the Future of Hawaiʻi’s beaches, Through Native Eyes: the Healing Power of Hawaiian Plants, and Through the Eyes of Kanaka Maoli along with other topics and events. 

The festivities this year were particularily moving as this year marked the retirement of Clifford Naeʻole from the event chair. A special tribute “Through the Eyes of the Beholder” honored Clifford and his many contributions to the event over the last 33 years.