Golden Na Leo: Makana Sings Hawai’i’s Songs of Romance from the 50s & 60s | Feb 3, 2025

Golden Na Leo: Makana Sings Hawai’i’s Songs of Romance from the 50s & 60s | Feb 3, 2025

EKK opens Season 2025 on Monday, February 3 at the OUTRIGGER Kaua?i Beach Resort & Spa in Lihu’e with a nostalgic and scintillating musical flashback to an earlier time in Hawai’i featuring celebrated entertainer, singer and slack key virtuoso Makana.

Join us for an evening of “golden era” sounds as Makana takes us back in time to the heyday of Hawai’i’s legendary crooners, remembering icons like Alfred Apaka, Don Ho, Sonny Chillingworth, Kui Lee, The Kalima Brothers and more.

The atmosphere of mid-century Waikiki inspires this tribute to a time and place that remains indelibly tattooed on the hearts and minds of people worldwide, never again to be experienced.

Makana in a tiki bar setting

Makana shares about his inspiration and process reanimating these vintage styles and sounds:

“Modernity often feels as though we are being swept into a homogenized future leaving behind our rich and varied cultural past, yet we value timeless cultural practices, traditional folk arts, and cherished memories of a simpler time. I was watching old videos of my kumu, Uncle Sonny, and realized his unique slack key sound was partly attributed to a specific guitar — a 1964 Chet Atkins 6120. So, I went searching, found one, and had it restored. The sound is incredible and just like Sonny’s! Hearing it inspired me to go back through my LPs and fall in love once again with songs and sounds from those early days of highly melodic Hapa Haole classics — some sappy, some truly classy and others downright comical. The levity spoke to me; some innocence lost. Listening to live recordings of these legends brought tears to my eyes. I’m diving into arrangements in slack key and other modes to reanimate favorite mele and exploring my baritone and falsetto deeper. It feels like I’m unearthing all these varied personalities; like acting, in a fashion. I’m having a blast, and I’m excited to share these treasures from our past. There’s really almost nowhere in Hawai’i one can go to hear the older styles. Virtually everyone has moved on. But I’ve always felt these classic musical contributions deserve our eternal enjoyment and celebration. And they speak to our not-so-distant history, and in that I feel there is much to be learned in terms of envisioning where we are heading and where we may want to adjust course. As Hawai’i homogenizes more toward any modern capitalist society, what sense of place are we maintaining? Many transplants moved here with the vision portrayed in this old music. Now it’s gone, and so is the vision, which means those visions are often replaced by those offered up by corporations and institutions. We all have different orientations; perhaps this particular aesthetic still has great value to offer our diverse community. Simply, remembering a time when singing, laughing, socializing and appreciating beauty were core to our appreciation for being in Hawai’i.”

Makana believes in honoring those who came before. Makana shares about his inspiration and process reanimating these vintage styles and sounds:

“As Hawaiian music has “streamlined” with economic influences like the massive hula market in Japan, much of the musicianship and varied influences have quietly atrophied. Much attention has been given to the renaissance artists of the 70s— Gabby, Genoa, Sons of Hawai’i, Makaha Sons, Calimero’s, Peter Moon, Hui ‘Ohana, Beamers — but not so much from the previous eras. However, the music from all those eras was intimately influenced by American styles. The crooners of mid-century paved a glorious path of melody, rhythm and harmony that perfectly encapsulated the aesthetic of the era prior to the folk/rock explosion of the late 60s. Those entertainers and their magical environs swept locals and visitors alike into a dreamworld of myth, romance and music- a curious blend of crooning, lounge, exotica, Hawaiian traditions, Broadway, Latin jazz and American pop. Songs from this era celebrate the amalgamation of cultures and lifestyles like no other, like time capsules to a time when Hawai’i was truly the romance capital of the world!”

Attendees are encouraged to dress “period-appropriate” with Hawai’i-inspired fashion from the 50s, 60s and even 70s. To get into the proper mood of the music of an earlier time, we invite the audience to come dressed in their best “retro” attire from yesteryear; arrive your fashionable best with Japanese silk “ka-be” shirts, vintage mu’umu’u, elegant coifs and whatever else might transport you back to those days of magical music from the bygone golden era of romance celebrated in Hawaiian song.

EKK 2025 Lineup

EKK 2025 Lineup

E Kanikapila Kakou 2025

OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort and Spa

Theme: “Music Heals” & “Hawaiian Music Traditions”

Monday Nights – 6:00 – 8:30 pm;

Doors open at 5:00 pm

.

February 3 – “Golden Na Leo” Makana Sings Hawai‘i’s Songs of Romance from the 50’s & 60’s

February 10 – “The Music Within” — Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band with Mary Lardizabal, Director

February 17 – “Jammin’ with the Masters” — Ledward Kaapana, Jeff Peterson, Bobby Ingano & David Kamakahi

February 24 – “The Amazing Charlotte Apo with the Mokihana Serenaders” (Paul Ventura, Pancho Graham, Norman Kaawa Solomon, and Kilipaki Vaughan). Plus “Hot Kupuna Strut Their Stuff”

March 3 – “Ha‘a Hula All Through the Town” — Community Hula Night with Malie Foundation & Kane Kumu Hula: Hinano Lazaro, Willy Pulawa, Maka Herrod & Blaine Kia

March 10 — “Lei Hiwahiwa: A Lei of Tributes” Madison Makanaokukahaku Scott & Kyle La Benz; “Mele & Memory: Alive in Song” Kim Sueoka & Alan Van Zee

March 17 – “Hawaiian Soul: Mele Aloha ‘Aina” Kamalei Kawa?a (Top 20 in Season 25 of The Voice), Kamaehu Kawa’a, Jon-Gabriel Ako, Tanner Foster

March 24 – “A Legacy of Hawaiian Song & String” Raiatea Helm with Ian O’Sullivan, Duane Padilla, Scott Robert Villager, CaseyAlan Olsen & Kapono Lopes (Music of the late 19th & 20th Century)

Purchase tickets at: EKK2025.eventbrite.com

The Garden Island Arts Council presents E Kanikapila Kakou 2025 as a Community Enrichment program made possible with funding support from the Hawai?i Tourism Authority (HTA) with support services from Kilohana at Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA).

Celebrating Forty-Two (42) years of bringing to Kaua?i audiences, kama?aina and malihini alike, the very best of Hawaiian music and culture. GIAC acknowledges the tremendous and continuous support that makes this program possible.

EKK PATRONS are invited to support this 8-week program with their early donations by contributing a minimum of $250 by clicking on “DONATION” button below, mailing checks to GIAC, P.O. Box 827, Lihue HI 96766, or by signing up as an EKK PATRON at the door. Patrons get priority seating in the ballroom. Your early donations help immensely to start the season.

EKK PROGRAM SUPPORTERS can add their support to the program to insure that this exceptional program can continue into the future. Services and merchandise are welcome donation support.

Mahalo to Southwest Airlines for donating ten round trip tickets for our Hawaiian music artists to participate at EKK 2025.

E Kanikapila Kakou 2024 Overview

EKK 2024 Overview

E Kanikapila Kakou 2024, celebrating 41 years of music, hula and stories of Hawai’i, will once again present an awesome season of the BEST!

The eight-week EKK series begins on Monday, February 5 through Monday, March 25. All events will be held at the Kaua’i Beach Resort Jasmine Ballroom on Kaua’i Beach Drive, located between the Lihu’e Airport and Wailua Golf Course.

The doors open at 5:00 pm; most nights will have an ‘ukulele/hula hour; the main program begins at 6:00 pm and ends at 8:30 pm.

Tickets for EKK sessions:  ekk2024.eventbrite.com

EKK Mondays — Seats can be reserved on Eventbrite; general admission is $20 and kama’aina is $10; seats will be available at the door for general admission $20 and kama’aina seats $10.

Note: children under the age of 12 are admitted free to the eight Monday EKK sessions.

EKK PATRONS are invited to support the season with their early donations by contributing $250 on this website (hit the Donate Button), notify by email to giac05@icloud.com, or sign up as a Patron at the door. Patrons get priority seating in the ballroom. Checks can be mailed to GIAC, PO Box 827, Lihue HI 96766.

Kauai Beach Resort and Spa is now under new ownership; that has resulted in sizeable increase in our venue expenses.  Your support will be most helpful in this transition.

Go to https://youtu.be/lmQxeZeK6vQ for link to “Celebrating 38 years of EKK” — a recap of E Kanakapila Kakou history of memorable moments. 

For more information: e-mail giac5@icloud.com

E Kanikapila Kakou 2024 Calendar

Venue:  Kauai Beach Resort & Spa, 4331 Kauai Beach Drive

“He Manamana Ka Welo” – Tradition is Diverse.

Theme for EKK 2024 as we share Significant Songs of Hawaii

All Weeks – “Songs of the Hawaiian Royals”

Monday, February 5, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Kinolau in Song: A Celebration of Nature in Hawaiian Poetry” 

Makana; Keale & Chris Lau

Monday, February 12, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Endearing Love Songs”

Ku’uipo Kumukahi & Friends

Monday, February 19, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Favorite Hula Songs” – Community Hula Night

Malie Foundation – Kumu Hula Hinano Lazaro; Puni Wai’ale’ale; La’amea Almeida; Sabra Kauka

Monday, February 26, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Timeless Hapa-Haole Classics”

Nick Masagatani, Douglas Tolentino & Ekolu Chang

Monday, March 4, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Songs for the Renaissance”

Jerry Santos & Kamuela Kimokeo

Monday, March 11, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Iconic Spiritual & Life-Changing Songs”

Kenneth Makuakane & Friends

Monday, March 18, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Hawaii Lifestyles”

Kainani Kahaunaele, Kaniaulono Hapai, Emma Coloma

Monday, March 25, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

“Unique Places on Kauai & Hawaiian Islands”

Eric Lee, Moon Kauakahi, Mel Amina

Mu’umu’u Contest & Fashion Show Call for Entries

Mu’umu’u Contest & Fashion Show Call for Entries

Call For Entries Mu’umu’u Contest & Fashion Show

I invite you to be creative, have fun and win cash prizes by designing & sewing a Mu’umu’u in this first-of-its-kind contest!

Contest and Fashion Show will take place at the Mu’umu’u P’ina, a benefit luncheon for the Kauai Historical Society on January 28th at 11am at Smith’s Tropical Paradise. This contest is presented by the Garden Island Arts Council.

Strut your stuff (or bring a model) for our guest judges in 3 Categories of Mu’umu’u design: Formal • Casual  • Avant Garde

How to get started:

1) Read all Contest Rules online

2) Register and submit $40 entry fee (includes access to the event)

3) Pick up FREE fabric, if desired

4) Start designing and sewing

5) Contest entry deadline is January 7th

6) Finish your mu’u!

7) Fashion Show at the Mu’umu’u Pa’ina on January 28th!

To participate, please visit muumuumonth.com to read all the rules and register. Don’t wait too long—participation is limited to 35 first come first served Contest Entrants!

Tickets for the Mu’umu’u Pa’ina luncheon will go on sale to the general public Mid-November at kauaihistoricalsociety.org. This will be a sensational day filled with yummy lunch buffet, live Hawaiian music, exciting silent auction, historical fashion displays, and build your own bouquet pop up with the Pua Bar!

Kalikimaka with Kamaha’o December 23, 2023

Kalikimaka with Kamaha’o December 23, 2023

Saturday December 23, 2023

Kalikimaka with Kamaha’o

6:00 – 8:30 pm | Doors open at 5:00

Kauai Beach Resort Ballroom

Special Guests:

Kualono and Friends
Waipu’ilani Flores
Hall Ka Pa Hula O Hinano
Kumu Hula Troy Allan Hinano Lazaro
Na Hui O Kamakaokalni
Kumu Hula Maka Herrod
Hall Ka Lei Mokihand O Leinal’ala
Kumu Hula Leina’ala Pavao Jardin

Christmas Craft Fair and Raffle Prizes

Click Here to Get Your Tickets from Eventbright.com