About the Festival
The Third Annual Puna Music Festival celebrates the music of Hawai’i, and the undying spirit of Puna. The 2013 festival remains non-profit, supported by the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, the County of Hawaii, presented by KAPA FM, and stewarded by Kalani.
The seven-day festival features top Hawaiian artists, as well as local talent. The open concert on Sunday, May 5th, is the only festival concert of its kind in Hawaii, helping to showcase local artists who have applied to perform in one of the open concert time slots.
Participate and Create!
Participating artists and instructors will be using innovative methods to help engage festival audiences with the active creation of music – at all levels, from songwriting (haku mele) and instrumentation, through to performance.
The 2013 Puna Music Festival is set to be a truly innovative, creative, and inspiring experience – one that engages participants in exciting ways.
Le`a ka pu`uwai i ke kani ka pila.
Joyous is the heart upon the sound of music.
May your Puna Music Festival experience bring you great joy, as music fills the sweet air of glorious Puna.
read moreFestival Schedule
We are thrilled to present an action-packed schedule of music and celebration throughout the beautiful district of Puna. So many artists have graciously offered the gift of their talent, all in the name of lifting the spirit of Puna to new heights.
Our schedule includes our main concerts/events, workshops, and special events.
Sunday May 5th 2013, 11:00am - 5:00pm - Pohoiki Open Concert
We are delighted to announce this yearʻs lineup for our free outdoor concert, and are deeply honored to welcome Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole and Kuana Torres Kahele as our headline performers.
Hosted by DJs Jaz and Kaʻea from KAPA FM, the day will start off with Kumu Hula (teacher of hula) Ehulani Stephany and performers from her Halau Hula Ka Makani Hali Ala O Puna, and will be followed by Keiki o ka `Aina, a series of performances by young people from local schools. As the day continues, enjoy food and shopping from local vendors and performances from Puna Men’s Chorus, Bruddah Kuz, Ikaika Marzo and the Kalapana Awa Band, and Sean Robbins.
It is an absolute privilege to feature Kuana Torres Kahele, who won an astonishing 6 Na Hoku Hanohano awards in 2012 and thrilled crowds at last year’s Intimate concert at the Puna Music Festival. This year, Kuana is again nominated for multiple Hanohanos, and we are so very pleased to bring him back to join our celebration of Puna!
Best known for his lead vocals with the multi-award winning band Nā Palapalai, Kuana gained critical acclaim for reviving Hawaiian classics, as well as for original, new compositions. From the meteoric rise of Nā Palapalai’s debut CD, Makani ‘Olu’olu, the group maintained a prominent presence in both the local and international hula and Hawaiian music scene. Although still young, their contribution to hula is significant. To this day, Kuana’s original, “Ke Anu O Waimea” is the most popular hula song in Japan, home to over 10,000 hula halau groups.
We are also very honored to feature Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, a five-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winner, and the eldest son of Kekuhi Kanahele, the eldest grandchild of Pualani Kanaka‘ole, great grandson of Edith Kanahele Kanaka‘ole, and great-great grandson of Mary Keali‘ikekuewa. The Kanaka‘ole family has important roots in Puna, and Kaumakaiwa will perform with his mother Kekuhi at this symbolic performance.
With his new album, Kanaka’ole finds himself setting the pace, raising the bar and pushing the standards—yet again—challenging not only himself but his contemporaries. As strong a Hawaiian as his bloodline, Kanaka’ole delivers 12 oli (chants) and mele (song) with refined dynamics that is exclusively his own.
Accompanied by a passionate, unmatched love of his culture and the power that lies within his lineage, Kanaka’ole is blazing a new trail in the 21st century while paying homage to those who have come before him, a theme that resonates in his newest album.
Location and Time
Sunday, May 5, 2013: 11:00am – 5:00pm Pohoiki (Isaac Hale Beach Park)
Concert Schedule
11:00 AM - Kumu Ehulani and Halau Hula Ka Makani Hali Ala O Puna
11:15 AM - Puna Menʻs Chorus
Keiki o ka ʻAina (Puna Schools)
11:30AM – Kua O Ka La
11:45AM – Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu
Spotlight on Puna
12:00 - Bruddah Cuz
1:00 - Kalapana Awa Band and Ikaika Marzo
2:00 - Sean Robbins
Headliners
3:00 - Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole, joined by his mother, Kekuhi Kanahele
4:00 – Kuana Torres Kahele
Tickets
Free – Donations gratefully accepted at the venue
Monday May 6th, 2013, 7:30PM - Storytelling Performance: Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah - Hawaiian Music and Instruments
Some 20 years ago, Cultural Practitioner Leilehua Yuen coined the term, “edutainment,” for her Hawaiian cultural programs which combine traditional storytelling, chant, and hula with original music to teach, history, culture, and science of the Hawaiian islands.
Today, she and her husband, Manu Josiah, a cultural practitioner and musician with a degree in education, combine their talent and training to give people who attend their programs a memorable and inspirational journey through Hawaiian culture. From the ka`eke`eke to the steel guitar, Hawaiian music has embraced change and innovation.
On this special evening, they will explore the story of Hawaiian music from its legendary beginnings, through its many changes, to modern day.
Location and Time
Monday, May 6th 2013, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Kalani EMAX – 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., halfway between Kalapana and Opihikao.
Tickets
Free – donations gratefully accepted at the venue.
Wednesday May 8th 2013, 5:00pm - 10:00pm - Kalapana Night Market Celebrations
Credit/Copyright: The Bali Cottage at Kehena Beach
Come help us celebrate the wonderful atmosphere of Puna’s well-loved Kalapana Night Market!
Wednesday evenings at ‘Uncle’s’ are famous for great music. This lively weekly gathering is one of the hottest activities in Puna, and on this extra special festival night, special guest musicians will perform in this comfortable open-air environment brimming with local flavor.
Location and Time
Wednesday, May 8th 2013 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Kalapana Night Market (at Uncle’s Awa Bar) 12-5032 Pahoa Kalapana Rd Pahoa, HI 96778
Tickets
Free – donations gratefully accepted.
Friday May 10th 2013, 5:00pm - 8:00pm - Kanikapila in Pahoa
Celebrate Pahoa town with this spectacular evening of music throughout Pahoa Main Street. Live music will played from the windows, balconies, and storefronts all throughout Old Town Pahoa. Enjoy dinner at one of Pahoa’s broad selection of restaurants, or just stroll the streets enjoying the eclectic selection of music.
Maps with venue/artist information will be available at Grand Central (Hawaii Island Homes parking lots, across from the Bank of Hawaii), and at the Kalani Jam Session, located two doors east of Luquins.
Grand Central stage will feature Bruddah Kuz at 5pm, and Jeff hunt and friends at 7pm.
Shopkeepers will extend their hours until 8pm, and dinner accompanied by live music will be offered throughout Pahoa.
Kanikapila in Pahoa is brought to you by Mainstreet Pahoa Association, Hawaii Island Homes, Luquins, and Big Island Chronicle.
Friday May 10th, 2013, 8:00pm - An Intimate Evening with John Cruz
From the time he was a young boy growing up in Palolo Valley on Oahu, John Cruz knew he was destined to play music. 
His family was all musically inclined and, along with numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends, they have surrounded John with the gift of music for his entire life.
When his first album, Acoustic Soul was released in 1996, it made an artistic and commercial impact like few other recordings in Hawaiian musical history. Acoustic Soul to date has sold over 150,000 copies in Hawaii alone. It spawned the radio hits “Shine On,” “Sitting in Limbo” and “Island Style,” which has become a local anthem known around the world. Acoustic Soul won two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 1997 — one for Contemporary Album of the Year and one for Most Promising Artist.
When not on the road, John spends his time supporting cultural and educational projects. He often performs at schools, raising money for arts programs and encouraging kids to believe in themselves and follow their inspirations. He works with Guitars in the Classroom, helping kids all over the country to enrich their lives through music.
Location and Time
Friday, May 10 2013, 8:00pm
Please be advised that this is an adult (over 21) only venue
Concert doors: 7:30pm Historic Akebono Theater 15-2942 Pahoa Village Road Pāhoa, HI 96778
Saturday May 11th 2013, 7:30pm - Nahko and Medicine for the People
Empowering lyrics, a message of unity and hope, stage presence, passion, and talent. Nahko and Medicine For the People has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds, much in part by the enthusiastic support of the people of Puna.
Lead by Nahko, Medicine describe themselves as, “a community experience. Spirited thump-hop storytelling. Earth-based-spirit-inspired. Working for social and environmental justice. Musical medicine. Our band tours and performs at benefits to support causes for other non-profits aligned with a similar vision.”
With a unique and powerful sound that makes you want to move, Nahko and Medicine For the People always deliver an inspiring message of awareness to “shine light on the darkness within us all, that we may grow and become better for it. We will sing together remembering our connection as family.”
This is a magnificent show you will not want to miss!
Location and Time
Saturday, May 11 2013, 7:30pm Kalani EMAX – 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., halfway between Kalapana and Opihikao.
Proceeds to Hawaiian Culture Programming at schools and non-profits throughout Puna. A portion of your ticket is tax-receiptable – contact aleisha@kalani.com to arrange for a tax-receipt.
Workshops / Intensives
In addition to our concerts, the 2013 Puna Music Festival will feature five workshops, several individual classes, and jam sessions throughout the 7-day festival. One of our ongoing missions for this incredible festival, is to bring the joys of music into the hands of everyone – with learning opportunities for beginners and professionals alike.
Our workshops provide immersion in an aspect of the creation of music, with a special focus on Hawaiian music. Workshops run half-days, either 9:00am-12:00pm or 2:00pm-5:00pm.
May 6 - 8th 2013 - Afternoons - Slack Key Guitar
Create beautiful, distinctly Hawaiian music with this flexible and individualistic technique. Known as Ki ho’alu, which means “loosen the key,” the tradition of slack key guitar is one in which the strings are “slacked” to produce many different tunings. Each tuning produces a lingering sound behind the melody and has a characteristic resonance and fingering.
After taking this workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to showcase their skills with a live performance at Uncle Robert’s Night Market on Wednesday, May 8th.
Instructor: Ikaika Marzo $150 general | $90 kamaʻaina
Location and Time
Monday, May 6 – Tuesday May 7 – Wednesday May 8 2013, 2:00pm ~ 5:00pm
Kalani – 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., halfway between Kalapana and Opihikao.
To sign up for this workshop, call Mat at 808-965-7828.
May 9th 2013 - Afternoon - Harmonica Basics
In this workshop, join enthusiast Sean O’Phelan for a fun introduction to the harmonica. Playful and portable, the harmonica is a great instrument to keep in your back pocket for any musical opportunity.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: a three hour tour of harmonica playing….we will have an introduction. We will go over a brief history and have a talk story session to figure out where each participant is in their ability, in order to have a better understanding of where we will focus our attention. I will teach you how to get single notes and give you a song to practice. We will go over any advanced work as needed. I will sit with each participant individually and then come back together at the end for a bit of an open jam. You will leave with a basic understanding of how to play harp. PLEASE….bring a harmonica in the key of C, there will be limited access to harmonica for purchase the day of. Mahalo and I look forward to meeting you all! Aloha Sean
Location and Time
Thursday, May 9th – 2:00pm ~ 5:00pm
Kalani – 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., halfway between Kalapana and Opihikao.
To sign up for this workshop, call Mat at 808-965-7828.
May 10th - 12th 2013 - Hawaiian Drum Making
It is a distinct honor to host Alofaitama (Alofa) Meafou, a reknowned carver known for his custom made pahu drums, toere drums, toere sticks, Tahitian banjos, fire knives and other Polynesian items.
Alofa has been making drums for over 30 years, and feels that it is now time to pass the torch onto others. Join us for this extraordinary opportunity to talk story and make a drum with this incredible man.
Instructor: Alofa Meafou $150 general | $90 kamaʻaina
To sign up for this workshop, call Mat at 808-965-7828.
Location and Time
Friday, May 10th – Sunday, May 12th 2013, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Kalani – 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., halfway between Kalapana and Opihikao.
Additional Events
In addition to our many concerts and workshops, Kalani is hosting two additional special events celebrating music and culture.
Tuesday May 7th 2013, 7:30PM - Hula Class
Hula is at the heart of Hawaiian culture and storytelling, and has been described as the soul of Hawai`i expressed in motion. Embrace Hawaiian culture, music, and arts by participating in this beautiful tradition. Kalani is pleased to offer this free beginner-friendly class as part of the Puna Music Festival once again this year with Jonathan Kaleikaukeha Ku’uleimamo Lopez.
Location and Time
Tuesday, May 7th 2013, 7:30pm
Kalani EMAX – 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., halfway between Kalapana and Opihikao.
Tickets
Free – donations gratefully accepted at the venue
Thursday May 9th 2013, 7:45pm - Open Mic
Share your talents and enjoy the talents of others! Open Mic is a great place to share live music, readings, and performances. Hear new and old musical favorites, listen to stories and poetic verse, and be entertained by the extraordinary local talent in our community.
Location and Time
Thursday, May 9th 2013, 7:45pm
Kalani EMAX – 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., halfway between Kalapana and Opihikao.
Tickets
Free – donations gratefully accepted at the venue
