‘Mele’ brings songs to life at Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere

Maui Ocean Center will launch “Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience” inside its intimate Sphere Theater starting Tuesday, July 1. The immersive visual and musical journey showcases Hawaiian dancers and musicians, led by award-winning performer Eric Gilliom.

The 16-song show begins with the triumphant “Haleakalā,” featuring stunning footage of Maui’s dormant volcano, before heading to the depths of the ocean with songs about marine plants and wayfinding.

“Creating this show has been really fun for me,” Gilliom said. “I especially love when the audience participates on songs like ‘Surf,’ which celebrates Maui’s iconic surfing spots.”

Other highlights range from “Rhythm of the Ocean,” a reflection on the deep cultural connection between Hawaiians and the sea, to the classic Don Ho tune “Tiny Bubbles” and the more recent hit “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.”

Gilliom is accompanied by performers Sanoe Elf, Kehulali Douglas and Gerilyn Hewahewa, who provide a playful and interactive element to the show. They’re joined by Vince Esquire displaying his impressive skills on ukulele. Michael Ruff, who has worked with Lionel Richie and Chaka Khan, serves as musical director.

As a musician, Gilliom has played with Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler and John Legend. He’s also the lead singer of Mick Fleetwood’s House of Rumors Band (Fleetwood plays drums on the pre-recorded backing music of “Mele”). Additionally, Gilliom’s one-man musical “White Hawaiian” is playing at the ProArts Playhouse in Kīhei.

The versatile entertainer said the idea for “Mele,” which means song in Hawaiian, came to him after wanting to develop a show at Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere Theater.

“I had seen the (“Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi” 3D) whale movie and thought it was a really cool space,” he said. “I kept driving by and thinking, ʻIt might be different from the one in Vegas, but we have a Sphere here on Maui.’ It took me about a year to develop the show from conception to completion.”

Gilliom, who describes himself as “super techy,” said the biggest challenge for “Mele” was the show’s audio. His solution? Each audience member receives headphones to deliver studio quality sound.

“‘Mele’ is one of the many ways Maui Ocean Center is more than an aquarium,” said Mark Matthews, Maui Ocean Center’s marketing director. “The Sphere offers limited seating, so each performance is an intimate and unforgettable experience — a heartfelt show of love and appreciation for Hawaiʻi’s vibrant musical heritage.”

“Mele” will be performed Tuesday and Saturday evenings starting next month. Enjoy complimentary pūpū (appetizers) and soft drinks before the show at Seascape along with a selection of alcoholic beverages (available for purchase). For more information or to order tickets, visit mauioceancenter.com/mele-the-hawaiian-music-experience