Ledcor Maui Moved by Lahaina Restoration Foundation

Ledcor Maui Moved and Impressed by 31st Annual

Celebration of the Arts

After attending ʻʻHoʻomau,” Pūnana Leo o Maui’s annual fundraiser in March, all of us at Ledcor Maui were excited to check out the 31st Annual Celebration of the Arts. This event is such an integral part of Maui’s traditional arts and culture scene, and we had heard amazing things about it! So we made the drive up Kapalua for the renowned two-day event held annually at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, over Easter Weekend.

One thing we learned: before you go, make a plan! There’s so much packed into two days, and you don’t want to miss anything: from hands-on art and demonstrations, to field trips to important sights like Pu‘u Kukui and Honolua Bay.

One of the major offerings is the lecture series by cultural practitioners, educators and artists. At the top of our list was “He Aha Koʻu Kuleana ‘What is My Responsibility…Why Me?’” We were eager to immerse ourselves in this presentation about kuleana – what is responsibility? The fascinating presenters included Rob Hale, director of design, BRE Hotels/The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; Tanya Lee Greig, archaeologist, ‘Āina Archaeology; Vernon Kalanikau, The Ahupuaʻa Signage Project; and Pololu Nakanelua, Professional MMA fighter. All shared their thoughts about what drives their passion and the importance of stepping up to handle your kuleana.

At the Celebration, the wonders of the makeke, or market, can easily distract you from your carefully planned schedule. Be sure to set aside time to shop and talk story with the artists as they share their mana‘o and love of their craft. The makeke has everything from jewelry and fashion to household décor and a variety of art, including intricate Niʻihau shell lei (some six-digit prices) and beautiful lauhala pieces (pandanus leaves).

The traditional Celebration of the Arts Lu‘au and Show was a rewarding way to end a very full day. It was an impressive feast of friendship, food, music, dance, and vocals on display at the much-anticipated Celebration of Island Tastes and Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Contest. We enjoyed incredible Hawaiian music and hula performances by Carmen Hulu Lindsey and her daughters; Nāpua Greig and her hālau hula, Hālau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka, Kahulu Maluo-Pearson, and Hālau Kamaluokaleihulu.

Pictured above: Charlene Ka‘uhane with Allie Gerlach and Marilynn Goode.

And did we mention the food? What a feast of Hawai‘i’s most delicious traditional foods from the land and sea: kalua pork, sweet potato and turkey all cooked in Hawaiian imu, pork and beef laulau, octopus with lūʻau leaf, chicken long rice, fern shoot salad, ʻahi poke, rice, poi, and for dessert haupia (coconut pudding) and coconut cake.

We drove home full of not only the amazing food but all we had learned and seen of Hawai‘i’s rich and thriving culture. A huge mahalo to Event Chair Clifford Nae‘ole, cultural advisor for The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, for his vision in bringing this event to the public 30 years ago and continuing to build it every year. We can’t imagine a greater gift to the community, with the incredible support of general manager Andrew Rogers, and the mindful philosophy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, in their commitment to provide space to educators, practitioners, kumu (teachers) and haumana (students) to come together and share and learn.

We at Ledcor Maui can’t wait to return next year, and we encourage you to join us! The 32nd Annual Celebration of the Arts is scheduled for March 29 – 30, 2024. www.ritzcarlton.com/kapalua

Above: Kainoa Horcajo, Dave Goode, Eric Gerlach, Clifford Naeʻole and Casey Lamb.

ABOUT CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua,
presents Hawai‘i’s most reputable artisans, educators, cultural
practitioners, speakers and entertainers during this annual event.
Opening ceremonies include traditional Hawaiian oli (chants) from
Hawaiian practitioners, while music and hula are continuous throughout
the weekend. Hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music
and dance act as the common ground to allow visitors and residents the
opportunity to interact and enjoy the “Number 1-rated cultural event,”
according to Modern Luxury Hawai‘i magazine. The Celebration of the Arts
has also been the recipient of the coveted “Keep It Hawaii Kahili
Award” presented by the Hawai‘i Tourism Association. For more
information on The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/kapalua.