Mele Hali'a at Waikiki Beach Walk
Waikiki Beach Walk has introduced a series this year called “Ke Kulāiwi” that concentrates on the “native homeland” of our Hawaiian people in specific Hawaiian organizations, hula schools, and alike.
May Performers: Waimanalo Sunset Band
Waimānalo Sunset Band includes brothers Lanakila & Keliʻi Makua, Keao Kamalani, and Paul Kim. Together, they bring their style of ʻONO Hawaiian music.
When the sun began to set over the Koʻolau Mountains, originating band members of the Waimānalo Sunset Band regularly came together for jam sessions in the backyard of the Makua ʻohana home in Waimānalo. Then in 2001, the Waimānalo Sunset Band came to life when asked to entertain at a family party. Before the year was over, the band quickly earned a regular spot at The Willows restaurant in Mōʻiliʻili. In 2007, the band played in the Aloha Week Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa. Since then, the Waimānalo Sunset Band performed at many local establishments and also played in the Legends of Hawaiian Music annual concerts from 2009-2012. In 2015, the Waimanalo Sunset Band were crowned winners of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search.
Founding members Lanakila Makua, Keliʻi Makua, and Keao Kamalani expanded their group to include Paul Kim, and Manuwai Mejia. The melodic combination of these band members creates a unique flavor not often found among the bands of today.
