Week-long Prince Kuhio Celebration of the Arts set for March 19th through 26th on Kaua'i.

A week of daily events interpreting Hawaiian cultural arts and practices includes canoe races, story-telling, a royal dinner and Hawaiian fashion contest, commemorative ceremonies, powerful kane kahiko hula, ukulele lessons, a luau, taiko drummers, name entertainment plus numerous cultural demonstrations and learning opportunities.

PO`IPU, KAUA`I (December 15, 2010) - A week of festivities honoring the birthday and birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, one of Hawai`i's most beloved monarchs, is set for March 19th through the 26th, 2011, on Kaua`i. Called the Prince Kuhio Celebration of the Arts, event highlights include the powerful male kahiko (ancient) hula by Na Kane O Keoneloa, teaching of Native Hawaiian arts and cultural practices, a lu`au, a canoe club regatta, renowned entertainment, a royal dinner and Hawaiian fashion contest and many other interpretive activities. Most events are free of charge to the public. Many of the events will take place at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa as well as other locales such as Kauai Beach Resort, Kalapaki Beach, Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club, Plantation Gardens, the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Prince Kuhio Park and Kukuiula Village. The events are planned to demonstrate and perpetuate Native Hawaiian cultural arts, practices, and values. A complete event schedule is located at http://princekuhio.wetpaint.com.

Prince Kuhio is known for his efforts to re-vitalize the Native Hawaiian culture during his lifetime. The Prince Kuhio Celebration of the Arts honors Kuhio's dedication to the culture.

Prince Kuhio, in line for succession to the throne before the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown, was famous for his work to perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture and preserve Native Hawaiian practices. Serving in the U.S. Congress for 10 years, Kuhio led the effort to establish the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. He was called Ke Ali`i Maka`ianiana (prince of the people).

These events are sponsored, in part, by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and Kaua`i County.

Contact: Stella Burgess, director of Hawaiian culture and community relations, Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort and Spa, 808.240.6369, sburgess@hyatt.com. Event information is located http://princekuhio.wetpaint.com. Event dates and times are subject to change.

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Written by: Margy Parker, 808-651-5394, mp@margyparker.com