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.

MACC Cultural Programs Director: Kahulu Maluo-Pearson  808-2434269

"The MACC presents ..." 2019-20 Season  click to view the Season Brochure 

ANNUAL EVENT: Ku Mai Ka Hula Solo & Group Competitions in Castle Theater  September 14, 2019 September 8, 2018 September 8-9, 2017 September 10, 2016 September 11-12, 2015 September 12-13, 2014 September 14, 2013 September 12, 2012 September 10, 2011 September 11, 2010 September 12, 2009 September 13, 2008 September 1, 2007 October 7, 2006 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.    WATCH A VIDEO OF HIGHLIGHTS from previous competitions

Previous events in The MACC's cultural programs collection:

(See related Artists in the Community activities)

Hawai'i International Film Festival
November 21-23, 2019
As the vanguard forum of international cinematic achievement in the Asia-Pacific region, Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF) recognizes new and emerging talent and facilitates dynamic cultural exchange through the cinema arts. The festival includes documentaries and film shorts, including premieres, experimental films, animation/digital works, and first features by new directors. HIFF selections and audiences reflect the diverse multicultural face of Hawai'i - helping to enrich, enlighten, and broaden support for Asian and Pacific films. Titles screening inthe Maui Showcase this year: Tokyo Hula (Hi); Voices Of The Forest (Hi); "Made In Hawai‘I Shorts" - various titles;  Mo Te Iwi: Carving For The People (NZ); Haole (Hi); Crossing The Line (Hi).

Hae Hawai'i
November 11, 2019
A film reenacting an historical drama set during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and days leading up to annexation, where a young thief is recruited to protect the unifying symbol of the kingdom: the Hawaiian flag. A post-film discussion with film director Ty Sanga addresses the significance of Hae Hawai‘i: what it meant during the time of the overthrow, and what it means today.

 

 

 

 

Hula Ma'i
September 12, 2019
Traditional procreation chants and dances often celebrate and encourage the continuation of ali‘i family lines. Hula Ma‘i are often misunderstood and misinterpreted in modern Western contexts. This presentation will look at several chants as poetical expressions as well as exhibit them in hula form. Participating hālau include: Pā`ū O Hi`iaka, Hālau Kamaluokaleihulu, Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, and Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua.

 

MAMo at the MACC
June 1, 2019
A component of the Maoli Arts Movement, the wearable art show celebrates Hawaiian design in fabric and clothing—specifically in terms of cultural motif—in a way that makes it more than just a runway fashion show. Many traditional Hawaiian patterns and designs in kapa and weaving, weaponry and tools, tattoo and adornment take their visual clues from nature. This year’s wearable art event showcases creations by Maui Nui designers Kanoelani Davis/PōMahina Designs and Anna Kahalekulu/Kūlua Designs, as well as, Micah Kamohoaliʻi/Dezigns by Kamohoali‘i, Kawika Lum-Nelmida/Kawika Lum Designs, Lufi Luteru/Pāwehi Creations, Kēhaulani Nielson/Kahulale‘ā, Keoua Nelson, and Ari South.

 

"Moana"  'Olelo Hawai'i)

April 18, 2019
Celebrating the year of indigenous languages! In an exciting partnership between the MACC, Kamehameha Schools Maui & Kanaeokana, the Hawaiian-language version of Walt Disney Animation Studios' Moana will be screened for all ages to see, listen, learn, and enjoy! E naue like mai, e nā ʻohana a pau!  Film presented in the Hawaiian language and with English subtitles.

 

 

Rise of the Wahine: Champions of Title IX
March 24, 2019
The film "Rise of the Wahine" reveals how, in the years following the Civil Rights movement and the passage of Title IX in 1972, a headstrong African American female coach, the first Asian American U.S. congresswoman, and the team captain of a rag-tag female volleyball team battled discrimination from the halls of Washington D.C. to the dusty volleyball courts of the University of Hawaii, fighting for the rights of young women to play sports. The screening is presented as part of Women’s History Month and will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Dean Kaneshiro, (director/writer/producer), the film’s coproducer, Ryan Kalei Tsuji, and independent documentary filmmaker, Kimberlee Bassford. 

 

 

"My Name is 'Opukaha'ia" 
March 15, 2019
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. 

 

 

 

 

Kainani Kahaunaele 
February 23, 2019
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.

 

 

 

Blayne Asing  
January 12, 2019
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. 

 

 

 

 

Hawai'i International Film Festival
November 30 - December 2, 2018 
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).

 

Lehua Kalima & Shawn Pimental  
October 13, 2018
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.

Kuana Torres Kahele 
March 29, 2018 
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 
March 10, 2018  
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 
 February 11, 2018 
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 
January 13, 2018 
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 
November 17, 2017 
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 
November 4, 2017 
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.

Kākua Ka Pā’ū / A Discussion on ‘A‘ahu Hula
September 7, 2017 
Dressing an ‘olapa (dancer) is done with mindful and creative decisions.  Join us in a panel discussion with several Maui Kumu Hula to hear about traditions they carry in respect to costuming their hālau, what inspires them, what doesn`t, are there “trends” and do they follow them, plus experience each of them taking you through the step-by-step process of dressing an ‘olapa.  An interesting look into the insight, traditions and creativity of a kumu hula

The Roots of ‘Ulu

Hā`upu: A Hawaiian Opera: The epic story of Hina, the Helen of Hawai‘i  
April 29, 2017
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.

Keauhou

Chad Takatsugi

Haunted Hawaiian Nights:  Lopaka Kapanui 
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.

Pāka‘a Lanakila!
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  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. 

Mai Poina: The Overthrow 
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. 

Demystifying the Kuahu 
September 8, 2016 
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.