Hawaiʻi island honors Kamehameha III at ʻAha Mele

March 24, 2016

Beach chairs, mats and sun hats decked the lawn at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay as Hawaiʻi island residents and visitors celebrated the life and legacy of King Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III.

This year's ʻaha mele (concert) featured performances by ʻAha Pūnana Leo Keiki, Kainani Kahaunaele with Sonny Lim, Bulla Kaʻiliwai, Kunia Galdeira and Darlene Ahuna with Kuʻuipo Kumukahi. Students from the KS Hawaiʻi Hōʻike A Haʻi Performing Arts Department also performed highlights from their original Hawaiian language opera entitled, “Hā‘upu.”

Hawaiʻi island Senior Communications Specialist Leanne Okamoto was on hand to capture the highlights of the event. Read more about the celebration in the I Mua Newsroom story, “Hawaiʻi island residents pay tribute to King Kauikeaouli.”