Live Hawaiian Music with Kuaola in Lahaina, July 26

The trio Kuaola will perform at a free live concert on Thursday, July 26, in Lahaina. Photo Courtesy

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation presents Kuaola for this month’s “Hawaiian Music Series,” taking place tonight, Thursday, July 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Baldwin Home Museum.

Kuaola, a trio of young men, are fast-becoming rising stars on the local music scene. Formed in 2016, Kuaola band members are: Kalani Librando-Souza, ʻukulele player and falsetto vocalist from Kahului, who graduated from King Kekaulike High School in 2013 and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music in 2015; Nalu Robinson, bass player from Wailuku who graduated from Baldwin high school in 2014, and Shem (Kema) Kahawaii, slack key guitarist, from Kula who graduated from King Kekaulike High School in 2015.

Kuaola performs regularly at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului and occasionally at the Grand Wailea Hotel and Travaasa Hāna Maui Hotel.  They also entertain at community festivals under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina and in Hāna, and perform at various fundraisers, functions, parties and weddings.

The trio has opened concerts/shows for Weldon Kekauoha, George Kahumoku, Raiatea Helm, Ikaika Blackburn, Sistah Robi Kahakalau, Jon Cruz and Ekolu.

Now in its 10th year, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and the County of Maui Office of Economic Development sponsor the “Hawaiian Music Series.”  Organizers say the success of this program is due to residents and visitors who support Hawaiian culture and arts in Lahaina Town through their attendance, appreciation and donations.

Kuaola can be contacted directly at kuaolamusic@gmail.com