Easter, at its most elemental, is a celebration of rebirth and renewal. Regardless of your religious affiliation, most of you can likely tap into the sense of excitement and wonder as spring tempts us with longer days filled with promise.

Ritz Carlton Celebration of the Arts

One of the best ways to get into the spirit of spring is participation in the Ritz Carlton Celebration of the Arts, with an extensive line-up of activities focused on native Hawaiian culture, history, education and of course food. One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the festival is by participating in the “Hiuwai & E ala e.:” April 2nd, Sunrise (5:45 a.m.) at Fleming Beach.

Described in the promotional materials as “Traditional chants which ask for repentance and the rejuvenation of the spirit. Swimwear is necessary. No observers! Everyone in attendance must participate.” It’s obvious they are not messing around, so why not don your swim suit, get wet, and wash away the transgressions of the past dark winter.

Afterward, drink the bitter Awa, learn the hula, participate in art and crafts activities, and so much more. Click on this link for the full schedule.

As usual, What’s Cooking Maui is spotlighting the food related events, listed here:

*FRIDAY, APRIL 2

12:00pm – 1:15pm – The Banyan Tree Restaurant

• “A Green Harvest with Chef McDowell”: The Ritz-Carlton executive Souz Chef Marc McDowell takes you on a tour of the hotel’s organic garden and concludes with healthy smoothies

3:30pm – 4:45pm – Salon 2

• “Got Poke?”: Kupuna “Aunty Mapu” and Kumu Charles Kaupu team up to demonstrate the fine point of making the Hawaiian delicacy…poke. Bring your notebooks and taste buds.

9:00pm – 12:00am – Alaloa Lounge

• “Celebration After Hours”: The beautiful harmony and contemporary Hawaiian music of Vaihi! As funny as they are talented…this act is not to be missed. 21 yrs and old please! ID required. Including this listing because you should also try some of the tempting pupus and drinks served at the Ritz Lobby Bar!

*SATURDAY, APRIL 3

11:00am – 12:00pm – Imu Pit (Aloha Garden upper lawn)

• “Kalua Pua’a”: The smoky aroma of steamed pork, taro, sweet potato and turkey are released when the traditional cooks peel back the layers of the imu (underground oven).

11:30am – 12:45pm – The Banyan Tree Restaurant

• “A Green Harvest with Chef McDowell”: The Ritz-Carlton executive Souz Chef Marc McDowell takes you on a tour of the hotel’s organic garden and concludes with healthy smoothies!

12:30pm – 1:30pm – Salon 2

• “Na Mea Ono!” (dessert cooking demo): The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Pastry Chef Ashley Nakano invites children and adults to witness, experience, and taste her haupia (coconut pudding) and her Lilikoi (passion fruit) chiffon cupcakes!

6:00pm – 8:30pm – Aloha Garden Ballroom

• “The Celebration Pa’ina & Show”: An outright feast of traditional Hawaiian foods and contemporary cuisine. None better in the State of Hawaii on this given night. Ancient Men’s hula by Kumu Charles Kaupu and Na Kane O Oneloa. Contempory hula by the women and children of Keoni Manuel. Topped off by beautiful portrayals of Hawaiian history as you witness vignettes by the cast of ULALENA. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended as this event will sell out. $90 per adult. $45 per child 5yrs – 12yrs.

9:00pm – 12:00am – Alaloa Lounge

• “Celebration After Hours”: A fitting end to the 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts! Kale Hannahs and Matthew Sproat are the heart and soul of “Waipuna”…Hawaii’s hottest new musical group. This will certainly be a late night gala of impromptu entertainment and guest star appearances! 21 yrs and old please! ID required.

*SUNDAY, APRIL 4

10:15am – The Plantation Lawn

• Easter Egg Hunt: The Keiki (children) ages 0 – 12yrs are invited to join the Easter Bunny and Aloha Bear to gather eggs for fun and prizes. Please arrive early, as there will be sections for the different age groups. Bring your Easter basket. Don’t be late!

10:00am – 3:00pm – The Terrace Restaurant

• Easter Sunday Brunch: Lavish and delicious…the Chefs of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua leave nothing behind to provide the ultimate brunch. $75 per adult. $37.50 per child ages 5 – 12 years. Price is exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are necessary..

6:00pm – 8:30pm – Aloha Garden Ballroom

• “The Celebration Pa’ina & Show”: An outright feast of traditional Hawaiian foods and contemporary cuisine. None better in the State of Hawaii on this given night. Ancient Men’s hula by Kumu Charles Kaupu and Na Kane O Oneloa. Contempory hula by the women and children of Keoni Manuel. Topped off by beautiful portrayals of Hawaiian history as you witness vignettes by the cast of ULALENA. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended as this event will sell out. $90 per adult. $45 per child 5yrs – 12yrs.

Room Packages now available

“Kama’aina”
$225 per night
Valid dates March 30 – April 6, 2010
Daily breakfast buffet for two persons (Terrace Restaurant)
Daily resort fee
Daily resort parking
Note: Does NOT include the Celebration Pa’ina and Show.

For additional information on other exciting room packages please call (808) 669-6200.