Ha`i Kupuna
Kaumakaiwa Kanaka`ole

HONOLULU, HAWAI`I, APRIL, 2003... "THE GENERATION CONTINUES!"  Hula Records proudly announces the new  CD release,  "HA`I KUPUNA," our brand new recording artist, Kaumakaiwa "Lopaka" Kanaka`ole, of the legendary Kanaka`ole `ohana. 

"Talent, a natural or acquired ability."  Lopaka possesses both, naturally, through his great-grandmother Edith Kanaka`ole, his grandmother Pualani Kanahele, and his mother, Kekuhi Kanahele; all winners of multiple awards, from Living Treasure Recipients to Hoku's for their preservation of hula, chanting, singing and songwriting abilities.  With this lineage, and his continual thirst for knowledge, Lopaka is blossoming into an individual worthy of caring and expanding the Kanaka`ole traditions and values. 

We at Hula Records are truly honored once again to continue our recording endeavors with the Kanaka`ole `ohana.

Articulate and true to the Hawaiian traditions and values, "Lopaka" has composed and arranged many of the mele on this premiere album.  He's joined by his grandmother Pualani,  mother Kekuhi, and new recording artist, Kainani Kahaunaele (`Aha Punana Leo Label).  Written in a traditonal vein and performed with a contemporary flare, Lopaka's music offers a fresh new sound for Hawai`i.

Also included are two of great-grandmother Edith Kanaka`ole's popular mele "Ke One Kaulana O Hawai`i" and "Kokolo Au I Hilo Hanakahi," winners of the coveted Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.