Behind the Scenes with Singer Nāpua Greig

The music and hula show at The Shops at Wailea with Nāpua Greig and her halau has become a tradition they all look forward to.  The singing, the dancing…and yes, the dessert!

“It’s also tradition that I buy between 50 and 60 ice cream sundaes from Lappert’s,” she smiles. “Every child and adults get ’em too!”

Greig and her sister started Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka in their mother’s garage in upcountry Maui more than 22 years ago.  This year, the halau was honored with the overall winner title of the 55th Merrie Monarch Festival.  But after decades of growth and accomplishments, Greig says they have decided to “take a break” from hula for at least two years, and pursue “growth in other areas.”

One such opportunity for growth has come Greig’s way, as the new radio co-host on KPOA 93.5 FM for Maui Morning Rise with Shane Kahalehau!  Her knowledge, respect and connections within the Hawai‘i music industry make her a fantastic fit.  Greig garnered six nominations for Pihana, her first solo recording released in August of 2007, and won the title for Best Female Vocalist at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Music Awards.

“There are not a lot of females in our industry, that’s just the nature of the music industry, so I’ve been really blessed and so fortunate to have the guys in the industry as like my brothers, like for real brothers.  We travel the world together, we go to each other’s children’s events,” Greig explains.

Her concert at The Shops at Wailea on Wednesday, Dec. 19 featured beautiful performances from the keiki and adult members of her halau, along with a troupe of powerhouse musicians like Zanuck Lindsey, Sean Naleimaile and Wailau Ryder.  Her longtime friend Kaulana Pakele, lead singer for The Mana‘o Company, was also part of the talented team.

“They’re known for ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ this reggae, contemporary music, but he has a beautiful voice for Hawaiian music,” she says. “We’re old friends from college; we’ve been singing duets together for at least 25 years.”

Hear more of Greig’s thoughts on music, work and the prominence of hula in our interview above.

The Concerts at The Shops is a free, monthly concert series that is open to the public and features headlining musicians from all the Hawaiian Islands. This event occurs on the third Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7pm with performances at the main Fountain Courtyard.

The Shops offers a four-hour special event parking voucher for $5, and donates 60% of those fees to a different Maui nonprofit each month.  December’s recipient is Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. The Shops’ goal is to enrich the community through exploration and discovery in the arts and music while supporting local businesses and non-profit partners.

For a complete calendar of events, activities and entertainment, please visit The Shops at Wailea website.