Press Kit

Aloha Writers Conference Debuts in Kapalua, Maui January 2013

Download this press release in PDF format

Kapalua, Maui, HI – January 18-21, 2013 marks the premiere opening of the Aloha Writers Conference to be held at Maui’s renowned Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.  The four-day conference features award-winning authors and poets, as well as screenplay and television scriptwriters, agents and editors. The conference will be followed by an optional five-day writers’ retreat at the historic Pioneer Inn for attendees who want to extend their Maui stay and expand their learning.

Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers, a Native Hawaiian non-profit organization and the conference host, will be launching the inaugural event over the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. Keiki O Ka Aina has been providing educational and family strengthening programs in Hawaii for over 16 years. All proceeds from the writers’ conference will go to support the organization’s free programs.

The Aloha Writers Conference is bringing together a stellar lineup of bestselling authors and top literary agents. Keynote speakers include Kaui Hart Hemmings, whose book The Descendants was made into a blockbuster movie starring George Clooney. Other keynotes are Luanne Rice, world-renowned author of more than 30 novels, including 22 New York Times bestsellers; and author John Lescroart who is included in the Libraries Unlimited publication, The 100 Most Popular Thriller and Suspense Authors.

A unique component of the Aloha Writers Conference is its cultural speakers who will add depth to the attendees’ Maui experience. Hawaiian poet and storyteller, Puanani Burgess, has presented throughout the world. Master of Ceremonies and Oli (Chant) Clifford Nae’ole, serves as cultural advisor for The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Hokulani Holt-Padilla is an esteemed hula master, who has dedicated her life to teaching, promoting and supporting traditional Hawaiian culture. Her evening-length hula drama about Maui’s supreme chief, Kahekili toured through the U.S. and to two German festivals.

A Pre-Conference whale–watch event will allow attendees the opportunity to network, enjoy and explore the Hawaiian culture. The Post-Conference Retreat will provide five intense, inspiring days, working under the direction of a New York Times bestselling author or acclaimed screenplay writer in an intimate group of no more than ten. Retreat workshops will emphasize how to shape and present a saleable manuscript or screenplay. All three events – Pre-Conference, Conference and Writers Retreat will support, encourage, motivate and inspire new, as well as experienced writers. One-on-one sessions with agents and publishers will allow authors to present their concept to those who can help them get published.

For more information and to sign up for any of the events of the Aloha Writers Conference in January 2013, please visit www.alohawritersconference.com. To find out more about Keiki O Ka Aina, visit www.keikiokaaina.org.