The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, will host the 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts Festival, themed "E ia ka Manawa" (Here, Now is the Time") over Easter weekend.

Celebration of the Arts invites everyone — kamaäina and malihini — to experience the "Hawaiian heart and soul" with artists, cultural practitioners, workshops, films, food and music.

April 2-3: Events and panel discussions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. include:

• "Can or No Can" — on the pros and cons of large observatories on the volcano summits, sacred sites for Hawaiians.

• "2012Huli Ia (to change)" — on the Polynesian view of messages from nature.

• "Passing the Torch" — on mentoring ancient things in a contemporary time.

• "The Mua, the Men and the Mission" — Hawaiian males guiding male youths to become adults, while preparing for being kupuna.

• "A Green Harvest With Chef McDowell" — executive sous chef Marc McDowell hosts a tour of the hotel's organic garden.

• "Got Poke?" — cooking demonstration with Kumu Charles Kaupu and Aunty Mapu Yasue.

• Artists from The Village Galleries and from Niihau to Hilo will offer hands-on activities for children and adults.

• "Celebration After Hours" in Alaloa Lobby Lounge — four-part harmony and contemporary beats of Vaihi on April 2, 9 p.m. to midnight.

• "Ke Kula Kamalii (Children's learning center)" offers a day of Hawaiian manao (thinking) and art inspired by nature. Counting, painting, crafts and outdoor activities with Hawaiian kumu sharing their language and culture.

• "Celebration Paina and Show" at 6 p.m. April 3 in the Aloha Garden Ballroom; music and dance with master chanter and kumu hula Charles Kaupu and his kane kahiko (ancient men's hula) auana (contemporary hula) from the women and children of Keoni Manuel, and the innovative vignettes of Hawaiian history presented by Ulalena and traditional Hawaiian food. $90, adults; $45 for children ages 5 to 12, inclusive. Advance reservations are recommended as the event sells out in advance each year.

April 4: Easter egg hunt on the Plantation Lawn.

• Easter Sunday brunch in The Terrace Restaurant. $75 for adults and $37.50 for children ages 5 to 12. 808-669-6200 for reservations.

808-669-6200, www.celebrationofthearts.org. Event hotline is 24 hours a day at 808-665-7296.

The kamaäina rate with valid ID for stays April 2-4 at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is $225 per night and includes breakfast and valet parking. 800-262-8440, www.ritzcarlton.com.

HÄMÄKUA NIGHTS: At Waianuhea Bed & Breakfast on the Hämäkua Coast, guests who reserve the King accommodation through December get a fourth night free. Rates start at $310 per night. 888-775-2577, www.waianuhea.com.

ESCAPE TO ROMANCE: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa's Escape to Romance includes deluxe accommodations, daily buffet breakfast for two at Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge, champagne and a Hawaiian memory journal by photographer Linda Ching . Rates begin at $263 per night through Dec. 24. www.waikoloamarriott.com, 800-721-6996, promotional code ROM.

WAIKOLOA DEALS: Aston Hotels & Resorts is offering guests who stay a minimum of five nights at Waikoloa Colony Villas, Aston Shores at Waikoloa or Kona by the Sea, at the best daily rate, a $50 credit per room if booked by April 30, for travel through Dec. 21. www.astonhotels.com.

WAIKIKI BEACHFRONT CHAPEL: The Moana Surfrider, a Westin resort and spa, has opened Waikíkí's first beachfront wedding chapel in the hotel's Diamond Wing.

The $3.5 million Moana Chapel will be the centerpiece for the Moana Surfrider's wedding-related facilities, including specialized banquet rooms on the first and eighth floors along with a wedding salon on the hotel's second floor. www.moana-surfrider.com.