E Mele Mai

Welcome to Our Stories

Sharing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) through the medium of Hawaiian music and kūkākūkā (talk story) are ways visitors and residents can experience authentic Hawaiian culture and are able to engage with the living language of our land. This online digital series shares music, hula and history through in-depth conversations with some of Hawaiʻi’s most renowned cultural icons.

Experience E Mele Mai

Clifford Naeʻole

Born and raised on the island of Maui, Clifford Naeʻole shares in intimate detail the story of his life and the kuleana of the name he carries.

More

Leināʻala Pavao Jardin

Kauaʻi born, Leināʻala began her life-long hula journey at the age of three. Upon graduating high school she left her beloved home to study at The University of Hawaiʻi Hilo where her advanced hula training would continue under Kumu Hula Rae Fonseca.

More

Robert Cazimero

Robert Cazimero, Kumu Hula, Composer and music icon joins Aaron at the majestic Moana Surfrider to share stories about his time as a youngster in Waikīkī and all the new happenings in his life.

More

Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻole

Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻole is an educator who has trained in the tradition of Hula ʻAihaʻa and Hula Pele, chant and ritual for 39 years under Hālau O Kekuhi, named for her grandmother, Edith Kekuhi Kanakaʻole.

More

Aaron J. Salā PhD., is an award-winning and accomplished musician, composer, producer, recording artist and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner. Aaron holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is the President and CEO of Gravitas Pasifika, a boutique Native Hawaiian-owned consulting firm focused on storytelling and advancing the Native Hawaiian and Pasifika worldview.