Waipuna
Photos: Kanai'a Nakamura
Waipuna
Bold new sound of Hawaiian music!
“The men of Waipuna have once again created a recording that honors the Hawaiian language and displays the art of Hawaiian poetry in song. ” –KKCR
“The symphonic blends of Waipuna… are so melodic, they soothe the soul and fuel your mana [divine power]!” –Hawaiian 105 KINE Radio
Celebrating 15 years at the forefront of Hawaiian contemporary music, Waipuna consistently wins Na Hōkū Hanohano (Hawai‘i’s “Grammys”) Awards for their albums. From 2012 to the present, their total of 9 awards – most recently for Island Music of the Year — honors their sound that combines powerful musicianship, beautiful harmonies, and deep affection for traditional songs with an upbeat delivery that makes them so popular.
Waipuna is an exciting collaboration of three talented individuals: David Kamakahi, Kale Hannahs, and Matthew Sproat, all from celebrated Hawaiian musical families. Their eclectic musical backgrounds yet similar tastes in music have led to their unique sound that draws comparisons to their name: Waipuna, “a deep well spring where fresh water bursts forth — [their] songs connect to the cultural and spiritual foundations of the group.” –Honolulu Star-Advertiser
One critic has dubbed their distinctive sound “neo-traditionalist” – authentic roots with a contemporary energy, sensibility, and joy.
Past Tours Dates
2025
Sun Mar 9, 2025 – Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland OR
Tues Mar 11, 2025 – Civic Auditorium, The Dalles OR
Presented by MCCCA (Mid-Columbia Community Concerts Assoc)
Thur Mar 13, 2025 – The Triple Door, Seattle WA
Sun Mar 16, 2025 – Crescent Elk Auditorium (Crescent Elk Middle School), Crescent City CA
Presented by the DNACA (Del Norte Association for Cultural Awareness)
2024
Sat Oct 26, 2024 – Juneau Arts & Culture Center, Juneau AK
Presented by Juneau Arts and Humanities Council
Fri Nov 1, 2024 – Discovery Theatre, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage AK
Presented by Anchorage Concert Association
Sat Nov 2, 2024 – CW Davis Concert Hall, Fairbanks AK
Presented by Fairbanks Concert Association
2023
Wed Nov 29, 2023 – Private Event, Honolulu HI
Sun Sep 24, The Sofia, Sacramento CA
presented by SBL Entertainment
Tue Sep 26, Private Event, Ripon CA
2022
Thurs July 21, 2022, Lake Meridian Park, City of Kent, WA
Tue July 26, 2022, Open Space, Vashon Island WA
Wed July 27, 2022, Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland OR
Thurs, July 28, 2022 – Kenmore Summer Concert Series, Kenmore WA
Mon, May 16, 2022 – Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis MN
Wed, May 18, 2022 – Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago IL
Thurs, May 19, 2022 – The Ark, Ann Arbor MI
Fri, May 20, 2022 – The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, Kansas City MO
Showcase – Folk Alliance International Conference
Sun, May 22, 2022 – Blue Note Napa, Napa CA
Sat, April 9, 2022 – Water Street Plaza Amphitheater, Henderson NV
Presented by the City of Henderson
Sat, April 16, 2022 – Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine CA
2020
Sat, Feb 8, 2020, Pacific University, Forest Grove OR
Sun, Feb 9, 2020, Cal Poly Arts, San Luis Obispo CA
Wed, Feb 12, 2020, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, Berkeley CA
With Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole & Shawn Pimental
Thurs, Feb 13, 2020, Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga CA
Sun, Feb 16, 2020, The Sofia, Sacramento CA
presented by SBL Entertainment
Thurs, March 12, 2020, The John G Shedd Institute for the Arts, Eugene OR
2018
Thurs, Feb 1, 2018, 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley CA
Fri, Feb 2, 2018, Blue Note Napa, Napa CA
Sat, Feb 3, 2018, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Redding CA
Kamehameha Trilogy
E Mau Kealoha
Tribute to Dennis Kamakahi