Hale 'iwa Store Lots showcases KS alumni entertainers Kamakana and Oliveira

2006 Kapālama graduate Duncan Kamakana, joins the list of entertainers sharing their talents on the Haleiwa Store Lots stage.

Apr. 4, 2016

Contributed by Aron Dote

The Kamehameha Schools retail center Hale‘iwa Store Lots, which honors the plantation and surf culture of Haleʻiwa Town, has become a stage for local artists to showcase their talents and pay homage to traditional Hawaiian mele and hula.

One such local artist is KS Kapālama 2006 alumnus Duncan Kamakana, who credits much of his development and success as a musician to Kamehameha’s rich musical history.

Kamakana grew up in a family deeply immersed in music and the Hawaiian culture, but his participation in the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest and Concert Glee Club fueled his love of music even further, and played a part in his decision to become a singer/songwriter.

“While I’m not known in particular as a Hawaiian musician, Hawaiian music has certainly been a huge influence on me,” said Kamakana. “The stories and culture of these islands hold a special place in my heart, and I try to show that through my music, whether I’m singing in Hawaiian or English.”

Hale‘iwa Town is a sentimental place for Kamakana, as some of his most cherished childhood memories can be relived in the area, especially at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice.

Hale‘iwa Store Lots also showcases the talent of kumu hula Kanani Oliveira, a 1997 KSK graduate and owner of the Wahiawa Hula Studio.

Like Kamakana, Oliveira attributes much of her appreciation for music to her time as a student on the Kapālama campus. Music and dance were a part of her everyday life, where she learned so much as a participant in both the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Ensemble and orchestra. She is now dedicated to sharing this knowledge with not only her students, but her audiences as well.

“As a kumu hula, I am honored to share that mana‘o and spirit with my haumāna so they too can benefit from all I was taught at Kamehameha,” said Oliveira. “The history or story of each mele is shared with the audience in hopes to educate and enlighten those who come and share their time with us, kama‘āina and malihini alike.”

Oliveira understands the importance of perpetuating the cycle of learning that started with her time at Kamehameha Schools. She is not only sharing her knowledge and passion for Hawaiian music, dance, language, culture and spirit with her students, but she is also teaching them to share this same passion with the community through their performances at Hale‘iwa Store Lots.

Featured entertainers also include vocalist Tony Spencer and slack key guitarists Mike Tulba and Danny Carvalho. For show times and additional information visit HaleiwaStoreLots.com.