‘MA KA Hana Ka Ike: In Work There Is Knowledge” — the theme for the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s 26th annual Celebration of the Arts — came to Clifford Naeole as he pondered the inspiring stories he had heard from the crew of the Hokule‘a who sailed on the first trans-Pacific voyage to Tahiti in 1976.

“I was amazed at their passion, dedication, courage, work ethic and knowledge that they gained about the sailing traditions of our ancestors,” said Naeole, the hotel’s Hawaiian cultural adviser. “Similarly, each of us learns important lessons in life through experience and/or education, and it is our kuleana (responsibility) to enlighten others.”

Naeole has helped coordinate Celebration of the Arts since its inception and has served as its chair since 2000. Looking at this year’s schedule, it is easy to see why it is hailed as one of Hawaii’s premier cultural events.

Participating in one panel discussion, “Understanding Our Mission,” will be four Native Hawaiians who are balancing cultural, community and corporate concerns in their work.

Among them will be Danny Kaniela Akaka, who has been the director of cultural affairs at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on Hawaii island for 18 years.

When he took the job, there was no precedent. To raise cultural awareness, he said, it was important to garner the interest of the hotel’s owners, managers and staff as well as guests.

Whenever visitors expressed a desire to learn about the history of the property and its royal fishponds, he offered to take them on a tour on his own time after work.

“I always say that whatever you do, do it with aloha,” Akaka said. “I never expected or sought compensation but was content to just see the smile on their faces and their thirst for knowledge of the Hawaiian culture quenched. Other traditional values such as haahaa (humility), oluolu (to be pleasant and accommodating), lokomaikai (kindness) and kokua (helpfulness) come into play, as they are intrinsic to the Hawaiian lifestyle.”

Today, with Akaka’s guidance, knowledge continues to be shared at Mauna Lani via free tours; a cultural center where classes in lei making, coconut frond weaving and more are held; Twilight at Kalahuipuaa, a monthly program of hula, music and storytelling; and the Eva Parker Woods Cottage, a mini museum housing old photos and replicas of Hawaiian artifacts.

“Nana i ke Kumu (Look to the Source)” promises to be another key presentation at the event. The panelists will be four Hawaiian artisans, including Gordon Umi Kai, whom the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii named a Living Treasure of Hawaii.

Kai has been carving traditional weapons such as pahoa (daggers), newa (war clubs) and niho oki (shark’s tooth utility knives) for more than 50 years. Admired as fine art, the carvings mirror artifacts dating to pre-western contact times in Hawaii. Their beauty belies their original deadly intent.

According to Kai, a wood slab’s size, shape, grain and density often determine what he will make from it. The work requires precision and patience, and he doesn’t measure the process in terms of time. “I will often put an item down, let it rest, work on something else, then pick it up again,” he said. “When it’s finished, I feel a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and pride.”

Kai receives numerous requests from people wanting to take lessons, but he screens applicants by waiting to respond until they have asked for instruction several times. “I have a responsibility to pass on the knowledge I have, but students must be serious about learning,” he said.

Naeole hopes Celebration of the Arts attendees will take the concept of “Ma ka Hana ka Ike” to heart.

“Listen to those with experience, experience the knowledge they share and share the knowledge that you acquire,” Naeole said. “That is the greatest road map for the future.”

HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout the festival, local artists, crafters and Hawaiian practitioners display, demonstrate and sell their work.

March 30

>> 1:45-2:15 p.m.: “Keepers of the Culture”: Four short films spotlight Hawaiian individuals striving to abide by their ancestors.

>>2:30-3:15 p.m.: “Nana I Ke Kumu (Look to the Source)”: Artisans Keith Maile (bone), Gordon Umi Kai (wood), Hoaka DeLosReyes (stone) and Lloyd Sing (reed) explain how they create using natural materials.

>> 4-4:45 p.m.: “Understanding Our Mission”: Panelists discuss how they balance the cultural, community and commercial aspects of their jobs: Makalapua Kanuha, cultural director, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas; Bruce Uu, past commissioner of the Maui Planning Commission and current field representative for the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters; Daniel Kaniela Akaka, director of cultural affairs, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows; and Iokepa Naeole, director of Hale Huakai, Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Facilitator will be Kawika Freitas, cultural director, The Old Lahaina Luau.

>> 6-8 p.m.: “Out of State”: Film about two men sent to an Arizona prison who discover their “Hawaiianess” and are released with an urgency to share that knowledge.

>> 8 p.m.-midnight: Celebration After-Hours with local entertainers; repeats 9 p.m.-midnight March 31

March 31

>> 11 a.m.-noon: “Coping With Youth Trying to Cope With Life”: Panelists are Penny Martin, education specialist for Papahana Kuaola’s Lelekamanu Program, which works with troubled youth on Molokai, and Gordon Umi Kai, president of Aha Kane, whose mission is to strengthen the Native Hawaiian community via traditional male roles.

>> 1-2:15 p.m.: “We Mean Business”: How can a small business succeed in Hawaii. Panelists are Kaponoai Molitau, kumu hula, Halau na Honona Kulike o Piilani and owner of Native Intelligence; Amy Hanaialii Gilliom, vocalist, songwriter and partner, Hanaialii Fine Wines; Teri Gorman, managing partner, E Ola Pono and president of the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce; and Pono Murray, kumu hula, Halau na Wai Punalei and owner of Lei Pono, Inc.

>> 3-4:15 p.m.: “Na Wahine…na Alakai…Women…Leaders”: Dynamic women of Hawaii say, “It’s time to make a difference!” Panelists are Carmen Hulu Lindsey, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee; Mahina Martin, local watchdog and activist; and Teresa Shook, retired lawyer and founder of the Women’s March on Washington held on Jan. 21, 2017.

>> 6-9 p.m.: The Celebration of Island Tastes: Fee: $20 adults, $10 children, age 5 to 12, ($15, and $8 for kamaaina). Purchase admission tickets and food and beverages scrip from the concierge desk.

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.