„Na Mele No Na Pua“ will include historical exhibits, concert series and
cultural programs
WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – In addition to the distinctive shops, gourmet restaurants and buzzing nightlife now available at Waikiki Beach Walk, Outrigger Enterprises Group is also bringing authentic Hawaiian music and history to Waikiki’s newest entertainment district.
On April 27, Waikiki Beach Walk will unveil a new Hawaiian music heritage
program, „Na Mele No Na Pua,“ which figuratively is defined as „Music for
the Generations,“ that will feature two, expansive permanent exhibits
highlighting Hawaii’s rich musical history, an ongoing monthly Hawaiian
music concert series, special educational and cultural events, and
interpretive displays – all free and open to the public.
„From the very beginning, when we were still developing our vision of what
would eventually become Waikiki Beach Walk, incorporating the Hawaiian host culture into the project in as many ways as possible, and making it
accessible to both visitors and locals, was one of our primary goals,“ said
David Carey, President and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. „With Na Mele No Na Pua, visitors and the local community can enjoy, celebrate and immerse themselves into the beauty of our islands through a multitude of activities celebrating the past, present, and future of Hawaii’s musical heritage.“
In collaboration with the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, which sponsors the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Waikiki Beach Walk’s Na Mele No Na Pua began as an idea to create a „Preservation Hall“ for Hawaiian music — similar to the historic jazz hall in New Orleans.
Later this month, it will come to life as a „hall without walls“ that incorporates Hawaiian music and history into the entire Waikiki Beach Walk complex. Na Mele No Na Pua includes the following elements:
Permanent Historical Displays
A 50-foot long, glass-encased timeline of Hawaiian music is being
permanently erected along the makai corridor of the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk Hula Tower. Taking viewers from the days when Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii to the current time, the exhibit shows the evolution of Hawaiian music, its impact on the islands‘ culture and includes ukuleles and other artifacts. A second exhibit will pay tribute to Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame musicians, composers, and other honorees. It is currently in development and will be located along the mauka corridor of the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk that leads from the hotel’s porte cochere to the open air plaza of Waikiki Beach Walk.
Live Performances
Beginning Saturday, April 28, Na Mele No Na Pua will present a free monthly concert featuring popular Hawaiian musicians. Hosting the concerts will be TV and Radio personalities Brickwood Galuteria and Kimo Kahoano. The series will kick off with Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii performing from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on the Grand Lanai of the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk.
The concert series is produced in association with the Hawaiian Music Hall
of Fame and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. Future concerts will be held on the last Saturday or Sunday of each month with performers to be
announced in the coming weeks.
Waikiki Beach Walk Tribute Composition
Hawaiian songwriter Kenneth Makuakane and Hawaiian scholar Keola Donaghy have written a special composition in celebration of Hawaii’s musical tradition. The expressive mele (song), to be unveiled in a future concert, is a gift to the keiki of Hawaii. The lyrics tell a story: The music of our
people/the songs in you and me/Na Mele No Na Pua/our voice is Hawaii.
Educational Opportunities and Special Events Na Mele No Na Pua will also
host ongoing events to preserve, protect and perpetuate Hawaii’s music,
including CD release parties and CD signings by Hawaiian musicians,
ceremonies for artists being recognized by the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame
and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, among other activities. These
events will also be open to both visitors and local residents.
„In the past, Waikiki was the center of all Hawaiian music and entertainment
in Hawaii,“ said Carey. „With the Na Mele No Na Pua Hawaiian music heritage program, Waikiki Beach Walk is at the forefront of bringing back this tradition to Waikiki. As a Hawaii company and a strong proponent of sharing the Hawaiian culture, Outrigger Enterprises Group is excited to launch Na Mele No Na Pua.“
