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Mele (Music)

The Hawaiian spirit is fertile with the soul of music from the traditional to the contemporary, from Hawaiian mele to Asian melodies to Western tunes. Discover the musical versatility of Hawaiian music and check to see if one of Hawaii's performers is celebrating the Hawaiian culture with a concert during your visit. Not to be missed are artists such as the Brothers Cazimero, Amy Hanaialii Gilliom, Jake Shimabukuro, Na Leo and Raiatea Helm. Venues along Waikiki fill the air with the sounds of local artists nightly. Set aside an evening or two for the Honolulu Symphony, the oldest American orchestra west of the Rockies. Check out a performance with an internationally acclaimed guest from their MasterWorks Season Collection. For those who seek something less traditional, choose a performance from the symphony's Pops Season. Or head to one of Honolulu's clubs and restaurants for jazz, rock and contemporary sounds island style. On Fridays, step back into time as The Royal Hawaiian Band plays on the grounds of Iolani Palace. Wherever one goes on Oahu, the song of the trade winds in the palm trees are accompanied by the sound of music.

ONGOING EVENTS

"Curators of Hawaiian Music Series" at the Royal Hawaiian

On July 9, The Royal Hawaiian, celebrated its return to grandeur with its new indigenous music series. The "Curators of Hawaiian Music" is a weekly cocktail-style event with two performances each Thursday evening by award-winning local musicians. The series was created in an effort to bring the rich musical legacy of The Royal back to life and to pay tribute to Hawaiian culture as part of the re-culturalization of Waikiki.

Makana, Hawaii’s youngest slack-key guitar master, is the first artist in the “Curator” series. As one of the most recognizable music icons of his generation, his unique sound—an eclectic mix of Hawaiian slack key and world fusion—Makana's music helps to fortify the islands’ cultural heritage. “I am honored to be the first musician to perform in this series,” he said. “We’ve created a dynamic, theatrical performance that pays homage to the cultural heritage of Hawaii and promises to keep the music of these islands alive and thriving.”

Makana will be performing every Thursday in July and August (July 9, 16, 23, 30, and August 6, 13, 20, 27). Next in the series is Maunalua, featuring traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music Thursdays in September and October, followed by Cecilio & Kapono performing Hawaiian acoustic rock in November and December.

The first performance is from 7:30-8:30 p.m., followed by a later show from 9:30-10:30 p.m. Each hour-long performance includes a four-piece band, and traditional Hawaiian dancers. Kama’aina (local resident) rates, dinner packages and children’s pricing are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact The Royal Hawaiian at 808.931.7311, call Starwood Waikiki’s dining reservation desk at 808.921.4600, or visit http://www.royal-hawaiian.com.

LIVE FROM THE LAWN
First Friday of Each Month, 5 - 9 p.m.; Free Admission
(808) 586-0900/Hawaii State Art Museum/250 South Hotel Street/www.hawaii.gov/sfca
This popular event is held as part of First Friday and features free musical, theatrical, and/or dramatic performances on the front lawn and second floor lanai of the Hawaii State Art Museum. Performing artists to be announced.