|
|
Wailea, Maui, HI (July 6, 1998) A series of handpainted
Hawaiian murals depicting the traditional activities of an Ahupua'a now
grace the 9,376 square-foot Lokelani Ballroom at Maui's Aston Wailea Resort.
An Ahupua'a refers to the alter set up at the border of each district where
Lono, the god of the New Year Festival [Makahiki], received tributary offerings
from each district as he traveled around the island.
The wall-sized murals, handpainted by artist Ronny Lynn of the Lanai Arts Program, provide a 360-dgree viewing of life in old Hawaii, from mauka [mountain] to makai [ocean]. In addition, they provide an incredible backdrop for meetings and serve as the highlight of Ho'olokahi, the property's award-winning culture program which was instituted at Aston Wailea Resort in 1993. With 29 meeting and entertainment areas, the property can accommodate up to 1800 for a reception, 1500 for a meeting, and 1100 for a sit-down dinner. "We're pleased to introduce these true-to-life murals in our Lokelani Ballroom," said Alex Doyle, director of sales and marketing for Aston Wallea Resort. By involving our employees and community in the creation of these murals, we've all felt a true sense of ohana [family] as we share the story of the Ahupua'a on which Aston Wailea Resort is situated." The murals recently earned a certificate of merit at the 1998 Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau's Kahili "Keep it Hawaii" awards. The honor was given for superior achievement and respect for Hawaii's heritage and the preservation and enhancement of Hawaiian culture in the visual & performing arts category. Members of the Aston Wailea Resort ohana also participated in the preparation of this exhibition. Several employees were photographed performing the tasks depicted in the mural and served as models for the final painting. Aston Wailea Resort, Wailea's most Hawaiian resort, is nestled ocean
front on 22 acres of lush tropical gardens in Wailea on Maui's southern
coast. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Haleakala, Maui's dormant
volcano, the resort offers panoramic views of the Pacific and neighboring
islands of Lanai, Molokini and Kahoolawe. The resort's 516 rooms all have
private lanais and are designed to blend in with the sloping landscape
that lends a sense of privacy and relaxation. For information call Aston
Hotels & Resorts at 1-800-922-7866 or Aston Wailea Resort at (808)
879-1922 or (800) 367-2960. ASTON's TDD telephone number is (800) 441-2344.
|
|
Also See:
|
ASTON Hotels & Resorts - a 60 Year History / April 1998 |