Annual Mele Mei Offers Expanded Event Schedule

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Lifetime Achievement Awards 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mei

This year, the Annual Mele Mei will share the culturally rich heritage of Hawaiian music throughout the state, with an expanded schedule of 40 events, including four offerings on Maui (see complete schedule below).

The 6th Annual Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month) will showcase the largest calendar of musical performances to date‚ expanding into June for the first time, with events scheduled at various venues throughout Honolulu, the Neighbor Islands and Japan.

The 2016 lineup of artists and industry icons will take place at various hotels and venues statewide, featuring entertainment from ‘ukulele and steel guitar to traditional Hawaiian music and hula.

Mele Mei will include special events and performances by multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning and Grammy-nominated artists.

Just a few of the names on this year’s schedule include Nathan Aweau, Maunalua, Mailani and Ledward Ka‘apana.

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Na Mele No Na Pua – Lehua Kalima & Shawn Pimental, Aug. 9, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mei

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Lifetime Achievement Awards, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mei

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mei

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mai

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mai

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mai

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Lifetime Achievement Awards, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mai

Mele Mei (May Hawaiian Music Month): Lifetime Achievement Awards, 2015. Photo credit: Mele Mai

Highlights will include the annual Lifetime Achievement Awards Show on April 30, the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame – Lei of Stars concert and brunch honoring the 2015 Hall of Fame inductees on May 1, the 39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards ceremony and dinner show on May 28, as well as the Hō‘ike Lanakila—a new concert series taking place in Japan from June 20 to 26.

Mele Mei will kick off on April 10, in Maihama, Japan, with the 2nd Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Nomination & Music Festival.

“On behalf of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, it is exciting to watch as Mele Mei continues to expand to touch even more people with the beauty and joy Hawaiian music offers,” said Pali Ka‘aihue, Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts president. “The expansion of Mele Mei is a true testament to our talented local musicians and loyal and committed partners who understand the importance of cultivating this important cultural treasure.”

Mele Mei 2016 is sponsored by HARA and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.

Additional events may be added at a later date. For more information, go online to www.melemei.com and click on the “events” tab.

Ticket information for the 39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards Show as well as a list of this year’s nominees, can be found online at www.nahokuhanohano.org.

Maui

Friday–Sunday, April 15–17
8th Annual Maui Steel Guitar Festival, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel This annual event, now in its third year, was developed to promote appreciation and interest in the Hawaiian steel guitar. This event is free and open to the public.

Sunday, April 28, 6–7:30 p.m.
Hawaiian Music Series, Baldwin Home Museum Free Hawaiian music takes place beneath the trees at the Baldwin Museum lawn at the corner of Front and Dickenson Street the last Thursday of every month.

Thursday, May 26, 6–7:30 p.m.
Hawaiian Music Series, Baldwin Home Museum Guests are invited to enjoy free Hawaiian music beneath the trees at the Baldwin Museum lawn at the corner of Front and Dickenson Street the last Thursday of every month.

Sunday, June 26
25th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Maui Arts and Cultural Center The public is invited to participate in a family-friendly event—the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival. This free outdoor concert series will feature some of Hawai‘i’s best slack key guitar players. The will event also feature an array of crafts and food booths to explore.

Japan

Sunday, April 10
Nā Hōkū Hanohano Nomination & Music Festival, Maihama Theatre Mele Mei 2016 will kick off with the 2nd Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Nomination & Music Festival on Sunday, April 10, at the Maihama Amphitheater within the Tokyo Disney Resort.

Tuesday–Sunday, June 21–26
Hō‘ike Lanakila, Osaka, Nagoya, Chiba and Sapporo This is the last event of Mele Mei 2016 in Japan. This new event features a concert series of Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artists, hula hālau and their nā kumu.

O‘ahu

Sunday, April 10, 5–6 p.m.
Na Mele No Na Pua for Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Beach Walk Guests will enjoy some of Hawai‘i’s most beloved performers in a casual, open-air setting on the lawn of the Plaza/Fountain Stage. Relax to the melodic musings of Ku‘uipo Kumukahi at this free, family-style Sunday showcase.

Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 p.m.
Music of Hawai‘i Series, Doris Duke Theatre The Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art for the Music of Hawai‘i Series will feature Sean Robbins.

Sunday, April 24, 5–6:00 p.m.
Na Mele No Na Pua for Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Beach Walk Guests will enjoy some of Hawai‘i’s most beloved performers in a casual, open-air setting on the lawn of the Plaza/Fountain Stage. Performers will include Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental at this free, family-style Sunday showcase.

Saturday, April 30
Lifetime Achievement Awards, Ala Moana Hotel Tickets are available for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts. The event will begin on Saturday, April 30, at the Ala Moana Hotel’s Hibiscus Ballroom, featuring a lunch buffet, silent auction and awards show celebrating artists who have made major contributions to Hawai‘i’s iconic music scene.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards recipients include Jon de Mello, founder of the Mountain Apple Company; vocal coaches Neva Rego and Betty Grierson; steel guitar player Hiram Olsen; Roy Sakuma, founder of the Ukulele Festival; and celebrated entertainer and recording artist Elaine Ako Spencer.

Tickets for the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Awards show are $75 and can be purchased online.

Saturday–Sunday, April 30–May 1
Hawai‘i Book and Music Festival, Frank Fasi Municipal Grounds The 11th Annual Hawai‘i Book and Music Festival will feature more than 30 panels centered on Native Hawaiian culture, health and living in Hawai‘i, astronomy in Hawai‘i and more. Guests can experience activities including a singer-songwriter competition inspired by leading ‘ukulele performers, major author presentations and a performance of The Gravedigger’s Tale, celebrating the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. Admission and parking are free to the public.

Sunday, May 1
Waimea Valley May Day Music Festival, Waimea Valley This May Day concert will honor slack-key performer and singer Gabby Pahinui. Guests will experience live Hawaiian music, culture and family activities in Waimea Valley.

Sunday, May 1
Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame – Lei of Stars, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa Enjoy brunch and a concert honoring some of the best in hula and Hawaiian music. The Lei of Stars gathering will recognize the 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees to be held at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.

Sunday, May 1, 3–5 p.m.
May Day Waikiki, Waikiki Beach Enjoy a May Day celebration on Waikiki Beach. This day celebrates Native Hawaiian traditions; particularly, the well-known custom of the lei. Event activities include lei-making competitions, live concerts, hula and more. A free concert on the beach will honor the Hawaiian Beachboys. Guests can also take advantage of complimentary canoe rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 1, 5–9 p.m.
Outrigger Kani Ka Pila Grille Mele Mei Concert Series, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Celebrate contemporary Hawaiian music under the stars featuring Blayne Asing from 5 to 6:45 p.m. and Brother Noland from 7 to 9 p.m. Experience the special sounds and unique cultural traditions of Hawai‘i at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Call (808) 924–4990 for more information.

Thursday, May 5
Pakele Live! at The Willows Restaurant, Willows Restaurant Enjoy the beauty and richness of Hawaiian culture during the Pakele Live! weekly showcase. Celebrating Mele Mei 2016, Pakele Live! will feature live Hawaiian music and hula.

Sunday, May 8
Mele Mei at Halekulani, House Without a Key Guests will enjoy a brunch concert at Halekulani’s House Without a Key featuring special performances every Sunday throughout the month of May. No reservations are required.

Sunday, May 8, 5–9 p.m.
Outrigger Kani Ka Pila Grille Mele Mei Concert Series, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Celebrate contemporary Hawaiian music under the stars featuring Ben & Maila from 5 to 6:45 p.m. and Nathan Aweau from 7 to 9 p.m. Experience the special sounds and unique cultural traditions of Hawai‘i at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Call (808) 924–4990 for more information.

Sunday, May 8, 9:30 a.m.
Na Leo Mother’s Day Brunch, Hawai‘i Okinawa Center Legacy Ballroom Celebrate Mother’s Day with the sounds of iconic local group Na Leo Pilimehana. The 22-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners will perform along with special guests Mailani and Kaui Dalire. Doors open at 9 a.m. and entertainment starts at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 8, 4–6:30 p.m.
Peter Apo Presents: Mother’s Day Kanikapila, Hawai‘i Theatre Spend Mother’s Day enjoying song and dance at this year’s Peter Apo Presents: Mother’s Day Kanikapila. Just a few of this year’s featured performers include Peter Apo & The Rainbow Nation Band, Jerry Santos, Del Beazley, Ipo Kumukahi, Sistah Robi, Jeff Rasmussen and Na Wahine O Ka Hula Mai Ka Pu‘uwai.

Thursday, May 12
Pakele Live! at The Willows Restaurant, Willows Restaurant Enjoy the beauty and richness of Hawaiian culture during the Pakele Live! weekly showcase. Celebrating Mele Mei 2016, Pakele Live! will feature live Hawaiian music and hula.

Sunday, May 15
Mele Mei at Halekulani, House Without a Key Tune up your Sunday with a brunch concert at Halekulani’s House without a Key featuring special performances every Sunday throughout the month of May. No reservations required.

Sunday, May 15, 5–9 p.m.
Outrigger Kani Ka Pila Grille Mele Mei Concert Series, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Celebrate contemporary Hawaiian music under the stars featuring Ku‘uipo Kumukahi from 5 to 6:45 p.m. and Mailani from 7 to 9 p.m. Experience the special sounds and unique cultural traditions of Hawai‘i at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Call (808) 924–4990 for more information.

Sunday, May 15, 5–6 p.m.
Na Mele No Na Pua for Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Beach Walk Enjoy some of Hawai‘i’s most beloved performers in a casual, open-air setting on the lawn of the Plaza/Fountain Stage. Relax to the melodic musings of Nā Waiho‘olu‘u o ke Ānuenue at this free, family-style Sunday showcase.

Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 p.m.
Music of Hawai‘i Series, Doris Duke Theatre Stop by the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art for the Music of Hawai‘i Series featuring Pomaika‘i Lyman.

Thursday, May 19
Pakele Live! at The Willows Restaurant Enjoy the beauty and richness of Hawaiian culture during the Pakele Live! weekly showcase. Celebrating Mele Mei 2016, Pakele Live! will feature live Hawaiian music and hula.

Sunday, May 22
Mele Mei at Halekulani, House Without a Key Tune up your Sunday with a brunch concert at Halekulani’s House Without a Key featuring special performances every Sunday throughout the month of May. No reservations required.

Sunday, May 22, 5– 9 p.m.
Outrigger Kani Ka Pila Grille Mele Mei Concert Series, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Celebrate contemporary Hawaiian music under the stars featuring Lehua Kalima & Shawn Pimental from 5 to 6:45 p.m. and Kuana Torres Kahele from 7 to 9 p.m. Experience the special sounds and unique cultural traditions of Hawai‘i at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Call (808) 924–4990 for more information.

Thursday, May 26
Pakele Live! at The Willows Restaurant, The Willows Restaurant Enjoy the beauty and richness of Hawaiian culture during the Pakele Live! weekly showcase. Celebrating Mele Mei 2016, Pakele Live! will feature live Hawaiian music and hula.

Friday, May 27
Nā Hōkū Hanohano Music Festival Workshops, Mike Curb Mele Studios Guests will enjoy this year’s Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards with a festival of workshops featuring solo sessions with Nā Hōkū Hanohano award–winning artists. Other activities will include slack key guitar, ‘ukulele, mele and professional development workshops.

Saturday, May 28
39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Hawai‘i Convention Center Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts’ 39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards ceremony and dinner show will honor entertainers’ achievements of excellence in the recording arts. Tickets are available for purchase at the HARA office or by calling (808) 593-9424!

Sunday, May 29, 6–7 p.m.
Hula I Ke Kai, Waikiki Hula Mound Celebrate the art of hula and enjoy local music.

Sunday, May 29
Mele Mei at Halekulani, House Without a Key Enjoy Sunday with a brunch concert at Halekulani’s House Without a Key, featuring special performances every Sunday throughout the month of May. No are reservations required.

Sunday, May 29, 5–9 p.m.
Outrigger Kani Ka Pila Grille Mele Mei Concert Series, Outrigger Reef Kani Ka Pila Grille Celebrate contemporary Hawaiian music under the stars featuring Kūpaoa from 5 to 6:45 p.m. and Maunalua from 7 to 9 p.m. Experience the special sounds and unique cultural traditions of Hawai‘i at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Call (808) 924-4990 for more information.

Sunday, May 29, 5–6 p.m.
Na Mele No Na Pua for Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Beach Walk Enjoy some of Hawai‘i’s most beloved performers in a casual, open-air setting on the lawn of the Plaza/Fountain Stage. Relax to the melodic musings of Mike Kaawa & Friends at this free, family-style Sunday showcase.

Sunday, June 5, 5–6 p.m.
Na Mele No Na Pua for Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Beach Walk Enjoy some of Hawai‘i’s most beloved performers in a casual, open-air setting on the lawn of the Plaza/Fountain Stage. Relax to the melodic musings of Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental at this free, family-style showcase.

Friday, June 10
Pan Pacific Festival, Kalākaua Avenue Gather for a celebration to preserve friendship and goodwill. The ho‘olaulea will feature cultural exhibitions as well as talent from across the Pacific Rim including performances at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano stage featuring Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artists and nominees. Events include a custom hula festival ending in a super-sized parade featuring colorful performers, dancers, high school marching bands and ethnic cultural groups from around the world. Join in on the fun at one of Hawai‘i’s largest outdoor multi-cultural exhibits in Waikiki.

Friday–Saturday, June 17–18
International Maui Festival, Ma‘ili Beach Park A bit of Maui comes to the shores of O‘ahu for the International Maui Festival at Ma‘ili Beach Park. The two-day festival includes Polynesian entertainment, music, storytelling and cultural workshops centered on Maui and the history behind the Waianae Coast.

Saturday, June 18
BBQ Booze and Blues, Hilton Hawaiian Village Get your grill on at BBQ Booze and Blues celebration to take place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Great Lawn.

Kaua‘i

Friday, April 29
Na Lei Hiwa Hiwa, Kaua‘i Beach Resort Make your way over to the Kaua‘i Beach Resort and enjoy Hawaiian music put on by the Kuini Trio. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door for adults and $10 for keiki ages six to 17. All proceeds support the organization’s mission to perpetuate Hawaiian culture.

Saturday, May 14
May Day by the Bay, Waioli Beach Park Join Peter Apo at this year’s Mother’s Day kanikapila celebration at Waioli Beach Park.

Saturday, June 18
Annual Celebration of Prince Kuhio, Prince Kuhio Park March over to the Annual Celebration of Prince Kuhio, celebrating the life of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi. The event includes a performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Hawai‘i Island

Friday–Sunday, May 13–22
Ka‘u Coffee Festival, Multiple Venues Take a coffee break and make your way over to the annual Ka‘u Coffee Festival. The eighth annual event is centered around the award-winning Ka‘u coffee with a host of events including gourmet coffee tastings, an informative hike exploring the historic water flume systems, stargazing from a culturally significant mountaintop as well as culinary fun at the new Ka‘u Coffee Lobsterpalooza.

Thursday–Sunday, May 26–30
Big Island Film Festival, Fairmont Orchid Hotel Enjoy an evening under the stars at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel. Movie magic infused with Hawaiian culture will make for a memorable night in the moonlight.