7th Annual Mele Mei Returns to Maui, May 12

Mele Mei, which translates to “May Hawaiian Music Month” in Hawaiian, returns to Maui starting Friday, May 12, at the Lahaina Town Party.

Chad Takatsugi

Mele Mei shares the culturally rich heritage of Hawaiian music and has grown in popularity over the years. This year, the annual event has been expanded to include events in June on Maui for the very first time.

This year the event will showcase the largest calendar to date of musical performances held at various venues throughout Honolulu, neighbor islands and Japan. It will include multiple performances by Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning and Grammy-nominated artists.

“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, HARA 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.”

Maui events start during Lahaina’s second Friday town party on May 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Campbell Park. Opening the evening will be Lahaina’s own, Maui Jam followed by award-winning recording artist, Nathan Aweau.

Enjoy live Hawaiian music the rest of the weekend under the Lahaina Banyan Tree with music from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with entertainment by Chad Takatsugi, Kupaoa, IZIK, Reiko Fukino, Kulewa and other special guests.

Click here for an up-to-date line-up.

Mele Mei features more than 40 events throughout the Hawaiian Islands and provides both locals and visitors from around the world a chance to immerse themselves in the local music and culture.

This year’s events will take place at various hotels and venues statewide and feature entertainment from ‘ukulele and steel guitar to traditional Hawaiian music and hula including performances by Keauhou, Mailani and Ledward Kaapana, to name a few.

An up-to-date schedule of this year’s events can be found online under the “events” tab. Ticket information for the 40th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards Show as well as a list of this year’s nominees, can be found here.