Ahiwela Headlines Free Concert in Lahaina, Aug. 31

Ahiwela will headline the Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s free monthly Hawaiian Music Series concert on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in front of the Baldwin Home Museum at the corner of Dickenson and Front Streets in Lahaina.

Jacob de la Nux and Zacc Kekona of Ahiwela. Photo Courtesy

The trio, Zacc Kekona, Jacob de la Nux and Jesse Tanoue, started performing together earlier this year as Ahiwela.

The group says they are busy bringing back the Country-Hawaiian music genre. The band members enjoy playing timeless pieces that they grew up listening to, from songs by Hui ‘Ohana and Kapena to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Kekona comes from an entire family of musicians. With their parents, he and his brothers entertained all over the mainland, singing Hawaiian and country tunes with the family’s band. When he was 16, Kekona went out on his own to explore reggae music and formed a five-man group named Ahiwela. In 2001, he recorded a self-titled solo album composed of his original songs.

de la Nux is a fourth generation musician. His father performed with Leiomana and his brother, George was an original member of the popular band, Ekolu. For 13 years, Jacob was lead musician for The Feast at Lele show in Lahaina. He currently performs with the team of Manutea Nui E at private events and as a solo guitarist at Watercress and the Ale House.

Tanoue also comes from a family of musicians, watching them perform in bands like Island Heat and learning how to play guitar and ‘ukulele at a young age. In high school, Jesse started a band called Kohomua, which was popular around the island.

Ahiwela currently performs regularly with Willie K at The King Kamehameha Golf Club and at Andaz Maui Resort.

Limited seating will be provided on the lawn; blankets, mats and low beach chairs are allowed.

This ongoing Hawaiian Music Series program is sponsored by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and Outlets of Maui with support from KPOA 93.5FM.