EVERY so often, in the midst of his busy workday, Clifford Nae­ole receives a "call from my gut" that directs him to a place of peace and tranquility: the Hono­ka­hua Preservation Site on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapa­lua. The remains of more than 900 Hawaiians were buried on that 14-acre knoll between 610 and 1800.

Naeole finds comfort there in the presence of the kupuna (ancestors). His mind clears, his spirit is soothed and he often finds the answers he seeks as he ponders things that have happened and the decisions he must make.

So it was for Nae­ole in January, when he returned to his job as the hotel’s cultural adviser after a six-month leave of absence to recuperate from heart surgery. "I walked around the site, remembering the kupuna who had taken the same steps centuries before," he said. "I wanted to say mahalo to them for keeping me around. I realized how fortunate I was to be given a second chance at life."

Then the trail abruptly ended.

"I thought, Now what? What new path will be revealed to me?" Nae­ole said. "I also wondered what paths Native Hawaiians today will take to reach their goals. Will they consider the past as they look to tomorrow?"

Thus came the inspiration for the theme of this year’s Celebration of the Arts: "Ko Makou Ala­nui Kupuna … Our Ancestral Paths." This is the 22nd year that The Ritz-Carlton, Kapa­lua is hosting the festival, which brings together respected Hawaiian artisans, educators, musicians, dancers and cultural practitioners for what has been lauded as one of Hawaii’s premier annual events.

Naeole has served as chairman of Celebration of the Arts since its inception. Over the past two decades, he has proudly watched Hawaiians make big strides in many areas, including the revival of the Hawaiian language thanks to the opening of immersion schools; hula performances that draw thousands, such as Hawaii island’s renowned Merrie Monarch Festival, which ended Saturday; and celestial navigation, at the forefront again as local mariners sail the double-hulled canoe Hoku­le‘a on a four-year worldwide voyage.

"All of these accomplishments are the results of Hawaiians taking the lead on a certain path," Nae­ole said. "They created an ever-increasing wave of energy that gave others the courage to tread on their own trail."

Among the highlights of this year’s Celebration of the Arts is "Hawaiians on Different Paths," a panel discussion that will examine who Hawaiians were, are and want to be in the future. The four panelists represent the fields of religion, law and politics, the arts and the hospitality industry.

"They face conflict and compromise — or do they?" Nae­ole said. "Do they have different goals, or, looking at the big picture, are they striving for the same things in different ways?"

Four films are also sure to strike a chord with viewers, albeit in different ways. In "From the Eyes of a Kayak," a veteran waterman observes the majesty of the ocean and the humpback whale close-up. "The Haumana" shows how hula traditions are being perpetuated in a contemporary world.

A scientific study verified the accuracy of another film’s title: "Hale­akala, The Quietest Place on Earth." The silence of the stately mountain inspires a sense of sanctity and reverence. Poignant and powerful, "Malama Ko Aloha (Keep Your Love)" proves that much can be accomplished through love and respect for self and ohana.

"At Celebration of the Arts, attendees are not customers, but rather participants at an event based on enjoyment and the sharing of thoughts," Nae­ole said. "Whether they’re a visitor or a kama­aina, whether they have Hawaiian blood or not, everyone is an equal contributor and partner walking a common path to honor the past, perpetuate cultural traditions and shape a better future for Hawaii."

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

May 9
7-9:15 p.m.
Two film showings at Montage Kapalua Bay:
7 p.m.
"From the Eyes of a Kayak": Richard Roshon — waterman, lecturer and author — explores the realm of the humpback whale from the solitude of a kayak.
8:15 p.m.
"Haleakala, The Quietest Place on Earth": The stillness of Haleakala enhances its sanctity and spirituality.

MAY 10
10-10:45 a.m.
Opening ceremony
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Contemporary and traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts (exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities).
Also on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Hawaiians on Different Paths: The Rev. Kawika Kapaku, mediator and labor and land law consultant Kealii Blaisdell, filmmaker Keo Woolford and cultural adviser Kainoa Horcajo discuss the paths they have chosen to express their love for Hawaii.
Noon-12:45 p.m.
A Green Harvest with executive chef John Zaner: Enjoy a stroll through The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s organic gardens.
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Tasting Teas of the Islands: Cultural practitioner Lyons Kapiioho Naone discusses the significance of six Hawaiian herbal teas.
2-2:45 p.m.
Hawaiian Adornments: Kumu hula Hokulani Holt explains how the meanings of dancers’ adornments go far deeper than the beauty of the materials used to make them.
2-3:30 p.m.
Papa Mea Ono: Executive pastry chef Rafeeque Hameed shows children ages 10-17 how to make a delicious dessert using banana and coconut.
3-5 p.m.
"The Haumana": The responsibility of kumu hula and the discipline of haumana (students) are explored in this thought-provoking film.
6-9 p.m.
Celebration Luau and Show features ono local delicacies and entertainment by Halau o ka Hanu Lehua and the Hawaiian swing band Kahulanui.
9 p.m.-midnight
Celebration After Hours with Kekuhi Kealii Kanakaole, Kaumakahiwa Kanakaole and Shawn Pimental.

MAY 11
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mother’s Day Brunch
4-5:30 p.m.
"Malama Ko Aloha (Keep Your Love)": Documentary about Auntie Nona Beamer, beloved Hawaiian musician, singer, dancer, teacher and champion of Hawaiian values and traditions.