2019 Hula 'Auana: Halau Hi'iakainamakalehua

The passion of lovemaking is compared to the pressures which power a steamship. The gauge measures the steam as the pressure increases. Overhead the ʻiwa bird is one to be admired as it glides gracefully in flight. Kalākaua composed this mele under his pen name “Figgs,” a pseudonym that he often used when writing mele of a more risque nature.

This mele is dedicated to our dear friend, Uncle Sam Ako of Lāhainā, Maui. Hawaiian music has always been an integral part of Uncle Sam’s life. A musical genius, Uncle Sam was our hālau piano player and musical arranger for many years. “Nani Wale Paunau” is a humble tribute to the beloved land that Uncle Sam calls home, and which aliʻi of old held in great regard.

My lauhala hat can be worn going to the beach, working in the garden or getting dressed up to go holoholo for a night on the town. Whatever the occasion, we cherish these prized hats and the workmanship it takes to ulana (weave) these pāpale (hats). This is a good fun song written by Aunty ʻAina Kekoʻolani Keawe about one’s love for their lauhala hat.

This mele inoa was composed by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett for Waiau, who is also called Kawaikauikeaoiluna. Waiau is a goddess who takes the form of a lake on the top of Mauna Kea. She is known for being unique, for possessing the powers to heal and she is beloved for her nurturing character.

Hālau founder and late Kumu Hula O’Brian Eselu wrote this mele to honor the land, the sacred pond of Anianikū, the Aʻeloa wind and the Pālaʻilaʻi rain. Lanikūhonua (heaven on earth) is a place where the hālau has gathered for the past 28 years and it provides the needed inspiration for hula. The hālau dedicates its performance to the kahu of Lanikūhonua, Aunty Nettie Tiffany, who is the daughter of the original kahu, Lei Fernandez.

This composition was penned by Kumu Keawe Lopes to honor the ʻāina hānau of his beloved uncle, the late Kapena Raymond Keawe Alapaʻi. The mele pays tribute to the ʻohana paniolo, the pana ʻāina and moʻolelo of Puʻuanahulu that was often shared by Alapaʻi. It allows us to celebrate, preserve and perpetuate the many beautiful moʻolelo woven within.