The fifth annual Puna Music Festival, featuring charismatic musicians from across the Hawaiian Islands, kicks off Sunday and continues through May 9.
The festival, stewarded and co-hosted by nonprofit Kalani, is the second largest multi-day festival in East Hawaii, spotlighting Hawaii’s distinctive musical style over seven days. A marquee event during Kalani’s 40th anniversary year, the festival fulfills one of the organization’s primary goals: to preserve and share Hawaiian culture.
This year’s festival kicks off with a free concert at picturesque Pohoiki, also known as Isaac Hale Park, where homegrown artists including Makana and Lito Arkangel will take the stage. This family oriented, free event, will also provide the opportunity for event goers to sample the area’s local cuisine and peruse artisanal crafts.
Makana is an internationally acclaimed artist known for lending his musical talent for social change. Born and raised in Hawaii, Makana grew up on the shores of Waikiki amid the likes of legend Don Ho and young Elvis-impersonator, Bruno Mars. Makana, whose name means “a gift given freely,” began singing when he was 7 years old, took up ukulele at 9 and began learning the ancient art of slack key guitar at 11.
The festival continues through the week with classes and performances. On May 4, Mary Isis will host a songwriting workshop at Kalani and on May 6, event goers can peruse the many offerings of the Kalapana Night Market at Uncle Robert’s Awa Club. On May 7 there will be a music workshop by Tommy Osuna as well as an open mic night at Kalani.
On May 8, Kalani’s campus will play host to an evening concert with RootHub, a soulful singer-songwriter born in Los Angeles and “schooled” in Hawaii, where he now resides. Visitors will be invited to enjoy a chef-prepared meal at Kalani’s outdoor dining lanai, followed by an engaging evening of song and talk story.
The festival will close with Kanikapila in Pahoa, which will transform historic Pahoa Village into a musical wonderland with area restaurants, , windows, and stages offering an array of musical performances on May 9. The historic Akebono Theater will participate by hosting “Bloom,” a colorful collective dance experience, while more than 100 performers take to the streets to entertain festival-goers.
Kalani is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit, presenting nature, culture and wellness in sustainable programs that honor Hawaii’s native and diverse heritage. Kalani provides workshops, healthy cuisine, accommodations for every budget, rejuvenating bodywork, recreational facilities, and outdoor adventures. Visit Kalani.com for more information on the organization.