This year's 33rd annual Celebration of the Arts will be its last. The cherished event, held annually at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is ending as its longtime event chair Clifford Naeole has retired.
"It has been an honor and a pleasure to bring Celebration of the Arts to life each year with the support of the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and the greater community at large. I am immensely proud of the connections fostered, the knowledge shared, and lifelong memories created with everyone who has been involved in this event," said Naeole, who has been event chair since 1992. "I humbly ask all guests to take the time to ask questions, share, learn from and embrace this special weekend. Then, uphold the values that make Hawaii nei the finest."
This year's event, being held on April 18 and 19, will feature sunrise and opening ceremonies, panel discussions, films, hula performances and a marketplace with over 50 local artisans. There's also an excursion to plant native trees at the largest private nature preserve in Hawaii. Multiple award-winning Hawaiian musicians will perform.
Additionally, on April 19, the Celebration of the Arts Luau takes place, with contemporary and Hawaiian foods, musical performances, hula and fire knife dancing.