Celebration of the Arts

View on map
Arts & CultureLahaina
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe event opens before sunrise with a Hiuwai
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Celebration of the Arts in Lahaina

Celebration of the Arts is a weekend gathering of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, artisans, educators, and entertainers hosted by The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, several miles up the coast from Lahaina town. Despite a 2025 announcement suggesting that year would be its final edition, the event has continued, with a 34th annual gathering confirmed for September, now shifted from its longtime Easter-weekend slot.

Kapalua occupies the far northwestern shoulder of West Maui, a resort district built around pineapple-era plantation land several miles up the coast from the historic town of Lahaina.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The event opens before sunrise with a Hiuwai and E ala e ceremony at D

02

The mystery stays covered

Fleming Beach, where cultural practitioners lead chants to the rising sun in a ritual meant to rejuvenate body and spirit, a protocol rarely offered to the public at other Hawaii cultural events

03

The city starts moving

A second ceremony, Wehe ka Ipuka, follows in the hotel lobby, where genealogical chants formally ask permission for the weekend's activities to proceed, and the Namahana Award of Excellence is presented to a kupuna, or elder, recognized for a lifetime of cultural service

04

The water draws everyone in

Because the resort itself, rather than a public fairground, hosts and underwrites the event, admission has historically been free, letting a program built on serious cultural protocol reach a broad audience rather than a paying niche one

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The weekend follows a fixed ceremonial order rooted in Hawaiian protocol: a pre-dawn Hiuwai purification and E ala e sunrise chant at the beach

Water and renewal

Living ritual

followed by Wehe ka Ipuka

The sacred route

Living ritual

an opening-the-gateway ceremony in which practitioners chant genealogy and formally state their intent to take part

The local code

Living ritual

before any craft demonstrations or entertainment begin

Tradition 5

Living ritual

The Namahana Award of Excellence

Tradition 6

Living ritual

given annually to a kupuna who has devoted a lifetime to Hawaiian cultural practice

Tradition 7

Living ritual

anchors the event's respect for lineage and elder knowledge over spectacle

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Celebration of the Arts is easier when the venue, route and way back from Lahaina are chosen before the day starts.

What to wear

Resort-casual for most of the weekend, with swimwear and a beach towel specifically needed for the sunrise ceremony at D.T. Fleming Beach; modest, respectful attire is appropriate for the...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Lahaina.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map20.88 N, 156.68 WOpen in Google Maps

Lahaina, HI

Nearest airportOGG — Kahului
TransportCelebration of the Arts is easier when the venue, route and way back from Lahaina are chosen before the day starts.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Lahaina.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Lahaina via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Lahaina, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearResort-casual for most of the weekend, with swimwear and a beach towel specifically needed for the sunrise ceremony at D.T. Fleming Beach; modest, respectful attire is appropriate for the lobby opening protocol, since it is a genuine cultural ceremony rather than a photo opportunity.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Celebration of the Arts?

Celebration of the Arts is listed for March. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Celebration of the Arts take place?

The festival is listed in Lahaina, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Lahaina, HI

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLkapaluacelebrationofthearts.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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