Celebration of the Arts Festival in Maui

�E ia ka Manawa� (Here, Now is the Time) is the theme for the 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts, April 2 to 4 at the The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui. Every Easter weekend, Celebration of the Arts is presented complimentary to the public to reconnect the �host to the hosted�.

�This year�s theme will inspire intellectual conversation to shape and align the future of Native Hawaiians,� said Clifford Nae`ole, event chairperson and hotel cultural advisor. �In prior years, we have focused on bringing the past to the present, while this year the concentration will initiate thoughts from the present to the future.�

A recipient of the prestigious Kahili Award from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority in 2005, Celebration of the Arts is Hawai`i�s premiere hands-on arts and cultural festival. Kama`aina (local residents) and malihini (visitors) are invited to experience the �Hawaiian heart and soul� through interaction with artists, cultural practitioners, workshops, films, food and music.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua overlooks one of the most significant sites to native Hawaiians, the Honokahua Preservation Site, and is a gathering place for Hawaii�s well-known and best loved artists, educators, cultural art masters and healers. Maui visitors blend with island kupuna (elders) and keiki (children) in a rich tapestry with a common thread to learn about Hawai`i�s past, present and future. Each event features a timely topic with emphasis on education, cultural awareness and sharing so that it can be perpetuated.

For more information about top events in Hawaii, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Hawaii at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-hawaii.html

For more information on the Celebration of the Arts visit www.celebrationofthearts.org