Celebrate Hawai'i
Cultural Programs embody MACC’s commitment to Hawaii’s diverse cultural communities and Pacific traditions.
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center has become the artistic and educational heart of the community, and its Cultural Programs reflect and maintain Hawaiian values. A core tenet of Maui Arts & Cultural Center is that Hawaiian culture is vital to the identity of the institution. The MACC’s cultural programming, under the theme “Celebrate Hawai’i”, supports the performers and artists of Hawai’i as well as provides additional educational outreach activities in the community. Thus, diverse groups of residents and visitors may share, understand, and gain new perspectives on the multiple facets of Hawaiian culture as expressed through the arts.
PĀ HULA
A simple mound of earth faced with river rock sits in stately silence to one side of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s amphitheater. The structure’s simplicity belies its significance: this is Maui’s first recorded pā hula: a space dedicated to the ancient Hawaiian tradition of hula, and to the cultural proctices of Maui’s kumu hula, their students and guests. One of only four known pā in the state, the pā at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center was created under the direction of kumu hula and cultural specialists Hōkūlani Holt, Keali‘i Reichel, AI Lagunero, and Bert Sakata. Its purpose is to honor and perpetuate the art forms at the core of Hawaiian culture.
"The MACC presents ..." 2018-19 Season: click to view the BROCHURE
The MACC presents ..."Celebrate Hawai‘i" upcoming events:
Blayne Asing
Saturday, January 12, 7:30 pm, McCoy Studio Theater
In addition to his expertise on a variety of instruments, O'ahu-born Blayne is a prolific songwriter. His music ranges from country and folk to island style; he also loves to perform the music of his favorite Hawaiian legends.
Kainani Kahaunaele
Saturday, February 23, 7:30 pm, McCoy Studio Theater
Born and raised on Kaua‘i, Kainani embraces a deep kuleana to perpetuate the Hawaiian language, particularly through the art of Hawaiian songwriting and poetry. Winner of five Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Kainani is a soughtafter performer whose original compositions have appeared in films, documentaries, and television. Weaving her life’s purpose seamlessly into her work and her music, Kainani’s dedication shines forth in her songs.
"My Name is 'Opukaha'ia"
Friday, March 15, 7:30 pm, McCoy Studio Theater
A one-person play written and performed by Moses Goods as a commission in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the passing of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia. He was a young Hawaiian man whose journey to New England and conversion to Christianity had a profound effect on the history of the Hawaiian Islands. As part of the hour-long program, Po‘ai Lincoln of Hawaiian Mission Houses will be providing historical context as well as sharing mele and ‘oli that relate to the performance.
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ANNUAL EVENT:
Ku Mai Ka Hula
Solo & Group Competitions
2018 competition held Saturday, September 8
in Castle Theater
This event is always a wonderful celebration of hula, featuring
award-winning hālau, invited from Hawai‘i, Japan and North America, competing in solo and group performances. Male and female dancers perform both kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula.
Presented by the MACC and Kauahea Inc.
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Completed events in The MACC's cultural programs collection:
Hawai'i International Film Festival
completed Nov 30- Dec 2, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
The MACC presents a selection of this year's screenings from the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) — the vanguard forum of international cinematic achievement in the Asia-Pacific region. Featuring: Moananuiākea: One Ocean.One People.One Canoe. (Hawai'i); Sharkwater Extinction (U.S.); 50 First Kisses (Japan); Anote's Ark (Canada).
completed October, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
Lehua and Shawn bring a wide range of experiences to their duo performances — as solo artists and as part of renowned groups. They both write, produce and arrange their own music as well as compositions by friends, and manage their own record labels. Their onstage presence includes an easy-going style, witty banter, eclectic musical tastes, and dedication to the purity of the music and Native Hawaiian culture.
completed September 21, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
The inaugural screening on Maui of this annual showcase of incredible independent films, all with a strong connection to Hawai’i. Featuring: The Moon & the Night; Last Taxi Dance; Kālewa; Hae Hawai‘i; Mauka to Makai.
completed September 6, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
Panel discussion on some of the deeper themes of the Hawaiian arts: regarding the primal, the carnal, and essential elements of Hawaiian sexuality. Panelists include Mehanaokalā Hind, Manaiakalani Kalua, and Kumu Hula Keali‘i Reichel.
Kuana Torres Kahele
completed March 29, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
Musician, vocalist, songwriter, record producer and dancer Kuana Torres Kahele is known for his poetry-laden lyrics as one of the most popular entertainers performing in Hawai‘i and Japan. He maintains his own Hawaiian music & culture school in Japan, where he teaches more than 200 students in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Mai Poina: The Annexation debates
completed Saturday, March 10, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
In 1898, Hawai‘i was annexed by the United States in an unorthodox and controversial manner. Citizens of both nations debated the issue - then, as well as now. This stage production is a reenactment of the enlivened debate, bringing to life the arguments that raged during 1898 regarding the annexation. The performance aims to make Hawai‘i’s history relevant to a diverse audience that extends beyond Native Hawaiians, illustrating the impact these events had on everyone living in the Islands, both at the time and since. A discussion with Hawaiian scholars followed the performance. Presented by Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition, an apolitical and nonpartisan consortium founded to educate residents and visitors about Hawaiian people, their culture, and history.
Kū Kanaka/Stand Tall: Self-Determination and Resilience in the Life of Kanalu Young
completed Sunday, February 11, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
When 15 year old Kanalu Young takes a dive into shallow water he becomes quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. Angry and defiant through months of rehabilitation, he begins to change when he learns the Hawaiian language and discovers a hidden story of Hawai‘i's past. He earns a PhD, gets arrested fighting for Native Hawaiian rights, and becomes a passionate teacher and leader who instills pride in his people.
A panel discussion after the screening will be facilitated by filmmaker and professor, Marlene Booth. Panelists include Shavonn-Haevyn Matsuda, librarian at UHMC; Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier, Hawaiian protocol facilitator at Kamehameha Schools Maui; and Kaleikoa Ka’eo, associate professor of Hawaiian studies at UHMC.
Natalie Ai Kamauu
completed - Saturday, January 13, 2018 in McCoy Studio Theater
With "the voice of an angel," four-time Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist of the Year and Miss Aloha Hula, Natalie Ai Kamauu is one of Hawai`i's vocal treasures. She received honors for her sparkling albums, “`E, `Ī, and `Ā” and the Grammy-nominated, “La La La.” Captivating audiences internationally, Natalie’s voice has the ability to shake your soul: her heart is heard in every note and lyric!
Songbirds of Hawai‘i: Darlene Ahuna, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, & Mihana Souza
completed Friday, November 17, 2017 in McCoy Studio Theater
Maui Arts & Cultural Center welcomes three lovely, distinctly recognizable voices, all rich in Hawaiian musical tradition, numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, for one night only in the intimate McCoy Studio Theater. Join Darlene Ahuna, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, and Mihana Souza as they share their fun-filled stories and exquisite skills with our MACC ‘ohana.
Hula Ki‘i: Performance & Discussion
completed November 4, 2017 in McCoy Studio Theater
With the Hula Preservation Society: a performance and discussion on an ancient hula form, Hula Ki‘i—dance with an image, or as an image—shared by three lines that actively practice it today. Hula Ki‘i can be manifested in different ways: dancers may form the Ki‘i with their own bodies or they dance with or manipulate puppets made of natural materials like wood, coconuts, stones, shells, nuts, greens, kapa, fibers, and feathers. Featured ki‘i practitioners participating in the event include Kaponoai Molitau, Aulii Mitchell, and Mauliola Cook.
Sept 8 & 9, 2017, in Castle Theater
The Roots of ‘Ulu
Hā`upu: A Hawaiian Opera: The epic story of Hina, the Helen of Hawai‘i
completed Saturday, April 29, 2017 in Castle Theater
Students from Kamehameha Schools–Hawai’i Campus showcased their exceptional talents in fine art, Hawaiian language, chant, solo and choral singing, dance, instrumental performance, and drama with a presentation of the Hawaiian language opera, “Hā‘upu,” in the Castle Theater. “Hā‘upu” is based on the legend of Hina and her son, Kana. Hina, an ali‘i from Hilo, is kidnapped by Kapepeʻekauila, a rogue ali‘i from the island of Moloka‘i. In retaliation for this outrageous kidnapping, Hina’s sons Kana and Nīheu mount an attack on Kapepeʻekauila’s fortress on the north shore of Moloka‘i on the cliffs of Hā‘upu. While the daring rescue is being conceived and carried out, Hina unexpectedly begins to fall in love with her captor, Kapepeʻekauila. In the end, Hina is saved by her sons and Kapepeʻekauila is vanquished, although the true fate of Hinaʻs love for the Molokaʻi aliʻi is unknown. The opera will be performed in the Hawaiian language.The printed proram included a thorough summary of each act for the audience to follow along.
Kū Mai Ka Hula Competition
completed September 10, 2016
Featuring award-winning hālau competing in solo and group performances. Male and female dancers perform both kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula stylings, judged by renowned, prestigious kumu hula. Expect to see hālau competing in a level of performance as in more well-known competitions, yet this event takes place in our own comfortable and beautiful venue of Castle Theater, right here on Maui! Presented by MACC and Kauahea Inc.
Demystifying the Kuahu
September 8, 2016 in McCoy Studio Theater
An intimate conversation with Maui kumu hula about what the kuahu means to them personally and to their hālau hula. According to Unwritten Literature of Hawaii by Nathaniel B. Emerson, “In every hālau stood the kuahu, or altar, as the visible temporary abode of the deity, whose presence was at once the inspiration of the performance and the luck-bringer of the enterprise.” How is the kuahu celebrated or honored today? How do they maintain its significance today? Participating kumu hula: Kumu Hula Nāpua Greig, Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona, Kumu Hula Kapono'ai Molitau, and Kumu Hula Pueo Pata. Facilitated by Kahulu Maluo, MACC’s cultural programs director.
Mai Poina: The Overthrow
completed September 17, 2016
Following last year’s powerful, Trial of a Queen, the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition brings Mai Poina: The Overthrow to the MACC in September. This theatrical production tells the story of the tumultuous last four days of the Hawaiian monarchy from the perspective of the people most concerned: native Hawaiians and other citizens of the kingdom. Newly conceived for the MACC, history comes alive to inform and inspire. An open discussion with Hawaiian scholars follows the performance. The play is presented by the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition, which is an apolitical and nonpartisan consortium of Hawaiian-serving organizations founded in 2007 to educate those who live in and visit the islands about Hawai'i’s true history, the Hawaiian people, and their culture.
See the related Artists in the Community & Arts Education activities
Pāka‘a Lanakila!
completed October 23, 2016
Jump into the waʻa (canoe) with your new friend, Pākaʻa, and help him paddle to keep up with the ʻau waʻa lawaiʻa (fishing fleet) as they make their way out to the kai lawaiʻa (fishing grounds). There, after the fishing is done, Pākaʻa will wager his share of the catch on an impossible bet – and win! Pāka'a Lanakila is a classic coming-of-age story that first appeared in Hawaiian-language newspapers during the late 19th century. Many versions have appeared since, in both Hawaiian and English. In 2011, on a commission from Chamber Music Hawaii with funding from the Honolulu Mayorʻs Office on Culture and the Arts, composer Jon Magnussen created a musical setting of a portion of the story in which the story is told by a flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, and a narrator. Chamber Music Hawaii’s Spring Wind Quintet and friends share the exciting moʻolelo (story) of Pākaʻa, in a special presentation which includes an interactive demonstration in which the audience can learn about the musical instruments and the story. English subtitles will be provided.
Click here to see video example | CLICK to see the program
Music education resources are available for teachers in both ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and English-speaking classrooms, including a bilingual CD recording and a free, downloadable bilingual teacher resource guide, with artwork by noted Hawai‘i Island artist, Caren Loebel-Fried.
Haunted Hawaiian Nights: Lopaka Kapanui
completed October 28, 2016
Although they travel far from home, some Hawaiians have found that their heritage follows wherever they go. Come hear ghostly tales and spine-tingling accounts of our Hawaiian brothers and sisters whose haunting experiences in far-off lands are overcome by their own cultural traditions. Lopaka Kapanui is a native Hawaiian storyteller, writer, actor, kumu hula, cultural practitioner, former professional wrestler, husband, father, and grandpa. Sharing more than just Hawaiian ghost stories, Lopaka shares his knowledge of the history and legends of Hawai'i.
Chad Takatsugi
Keauhou
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is a gathering place where we celebrate community, creativity and discovery. The MACC logo includes the petroglyph image of a human being releasing a bird into flight — symbolizing the freedom of expression that lies at the heart of all creative endeavors.