A simple mound of earth faced with river rock sits in stately silence to one side of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s amphitheater. Its purpose is to honor and perpetuate the art forms at the core of Hawaiian culture.
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 practices of Maui’s kumu hula with their students and guests. One of only four known pā in the state, this pā at the MACC was created under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula and cultural specialists, Hōkūlani Holt, Keali‘i Reichel, AI Lagunero, and Bert Sakata.
Cultural programs embody the MACC’s commitment to Hawai‘i’s diverse cultural communities and Pacific traditions. A core tenet of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center is that Hawaiian culture is vital to the identity of the institution: our cultural programs reflect and maintain Hawaiian values.
The MACC’s cultural programming, under the theme “Celebrate Hawai‘i,” supports the performers and artists of Hawai‘i, and provides activities in the community that engage both artists and audience. Thus, diverse groups of residents and visitors may share, understand, and gain new perspectives on contemporary Hawai‘i's unique multifaceted culture as expressed through the arts.
Click on the year to see highlights of our many activities, season by season.
Also see related activities on the page Artists in the Community
Celebrate Hawaii
Kukahi 2020
February 15 Saturday - February 16 Sunday
Kūkahi 2020: Keali‘i Reichel and Hālau Ke‘alaokamaile Born and raised on Maui, Keali'i Reichel has achieved phenomenal recognition in Hawai‘i and internationally. His passion for the language and culture of Hawai‘i led him to become the founding director for Pūnana Leo O Maui (Hawaiian language immersion school), and to establish his own hālau.
Paniolo – Stories and Songs from the Hawaiian Cowboy
February 6 Thursday
This engaging play, written and performed by Moses Goods, explores a remarkable period in Hawaii's history. From Ikua Purdy winning the 1908 World Roping Championship to the way traditional Hawaiian values and practice integrated with the paniolo lifestyle, the stories and songs will unlock a remarkable time in Hawaii's history. Joining Moses onstage was Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kapono Na'ili'ili.
Kupaoa & Mark Yamanaka
January 31 Friday
Multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners joined forces to bring a beautiful evening of inspired composition with exquisite harmonies. Kellen and Līhau Paik, known professionally as the duo, Kūpaoa, have performed together for 15 years, releasing seven albums and received six Nā Hōkū awards. Mark Yamanaka’s latest release, Lei Lehua, won five Nā Hōkū awards in 2019. His music is informed and inspired by his life experiences and his growth over the years is evident in the evolution of his music.
HAPA – The Original
January 26 Sunday
Reunited after 17 years, the original duo of Barry Flanagan and Keli'i Kaneali'i continued to bring back the groundbreaking sound that established the name HAPA as one of the most recognized names in Hawaiian music since their debut album hit the airwaves. This concert followed several previous sold out shows at the MACC.
Artist 2 Artist – Henry Kapono & Hawaiian-Style Band
January 10 Friday
Continuing Henry Kapono’s A2A music/talk-story series, this edition featured the unique Hawaiian-Style Band. Conceptualized in the ‘90s as a ‘revolving band,’ HSB has included the musical synergy of more than 50 musicians and producers over the course of three albums. Many of their songs remain iconic island anthems, including “Love and Honesty,” “Let’s Talk Story,” “Rhythm of the Ocean,” and “Live A Little.”
Gallery Exhibit -- The Woodworker's Journey: Concept to Creation
January 7 Tuesday - February 23 Sunday
An exceptional group of 25 artists from Hawai‘i and the continental U.S, all with distinguished careers in woodworking, were invited to make one new piece for this exhibition. The works were utilitarian or conceptual in design, with a refined conventional appeal or freeform fusion approach, using wood as the primary material.
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.