Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, Lehua Kalima, Shawn Pimental, with Pono Fernandez, hula

“Mele Collective”
contemporary music & hula of indigenous Hawai‘i

“[Kaumakaiwa]… vaulted through various registers and timbres, from bass to witchy contralto rasp to sweet soprano (“skinny girl” voice, [she] said), a traditionalist tour de force.” –NY Times

“The Pimental/ Kalima harmonies were breathtaking.” –Big Island Music

A riveting performer, Kaumakaiwa creates some of the most original work to emerge in contemporary Hawaiian music, drawing from ancestral memory and hula practice as chant transforms to melody. Kaumakaiwa seamlessly melds Hawaiian culture and modern sensibilities in deeply powerful music. A modern Hawaiian, she is a vibrant keeper of culture, and at the same time, an authentic innovator. 

Kaumakaiwa is joined by his long-time guitarist Shawn Pimental, an award-winning musician in his own right, and Lehua Kalima, of the renowned trio Na Leo for their “Mele Collective” project. With soaring vocals, island harmonies and a folk vibe, accompanied by an easy-going charm, they are committed to the stories of Hawai’i revealed through songs embedded with Hawaiian values, perspectives, and ways of being in the world. Pono Fernandez enhances the performance with beautiful hula, and performs “Kahiko” (ancient) hula together with Kaumakaiwa.

“What they do isnʻt just music, itʻs an experience…The respect and love they have for their community and land is so inspirational.” —Audience member

Together, Kaumakaiwa, Lehua, Shawn & Pono present an engaging evening of contemporary Hawaiian music and hula deeply rooted in authentic culture, as they address our world today through music, chant, and sharing of spirit. With prodigious talents as performers, songwriters and composers, their original songs are inspired by diverse musical styles and a passionate commitment to Hawai‘i, reflecting a growing population of Native Hawaiians empowered by their responsibility as protectors of land and culture.