Kainani Kahaunaele To Perform at Imiloa

Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kainani Kahaunaele will perform at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center Friday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.

Known for her warm, dynamic vocal abilities, Kahaunaele was raised by her grandparents in Anahola, Kauaʻi surrounded by four generations of Kahaunaele, Pānui and Kaluahine family musical talent.

There Kahaunaele’s love for Hawaiian music was infused at an early age, playing ʻukulele and harmonizing in church, on stage with the Kapaʻa High School Show Choir, and at frequent backyard jams and lūʻau.

While earning her B.A in Hawaiian language studies at UH Hilo, she began singing professionally and composing traditional songs (haku mele) as Hawaiian language curriculum for ʻAha Pūnana Leo, promoting the documentation of Hawaiian history through mele.

Along the way she earned several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

“Special places and people are always the basis of my songs,” she said in a release for Friday’s performance. “It is important to know our storied areas of Hawai’i and for me, to document through my mele, their current state, not just that fact that they were famed in the olden days. My mele reflect my acknowledgement of these places that still exist and are still ‘living.’”

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the ‘Imiloa front desk or by calling 969-9703.