NEWS RELEASE

Windward Mall Hosts Nā Mele Ko‘olaupoko Original Song Competition

Windward Mall is pleased to invite the community to Nā Mele Ko‘olaupoko Original Song Competition on Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m. in Center Court. The event showcases inspiring composers who submitted an original song about the kūpuna of Koʻolaupoko, its people, its place, its ancestral spirit, and their relationships to this area. The moku of Koʻolaupoko runs from Kualoa through Waimānalo, extending all the way to the edge of Maunalua (also known as Hawaiʻi Kai).

WHAT: Nā Mele Ko‘olaupoko Original Song Competition
WHEN: Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Windward Mall Center Court

This free, family-friendly event will feature talented, local artists performing an original mele inspired by the people, places, stories, or experiences of the moku of Ko‘olaupoko located on the Windward side of O‘ahu. The competition is broken into three categories: amateur, professional, and Hawaiian language. Ten entries of mele were accepted in Sept. 2021 and will be performed for professional composer judges at Windward Mall.

“Windward Mall is excited to celebrate the beautiful mele inspired by the Ko‘olaupoko area,” said Cesar Topacio, vice president, senior general manager of Windward Mall. “After two years, we are honored to welcome Nā Mele Ko‘olaupoko Original Song Competition back to the Center.”

This one-of-a-kind event is a hosted by the Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, the Ko‘olau Foundation, Windward Mall, and Hawaiian Electric Company.

"We are so excited about this event because it is a mele composers competition that celebrates the heart and soul — the na‘au — of our people," said Mahealani Cypher of the Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club. "It is not limited to Hawaiian mele. Over the years, there have been so many beautiful songs introduced at these mele competitions. It's open to everyone to compete, to introduce their composition, and to see how a live audience reacts. It has been such a treat to hear these new songs, and to enjoy the talents of little-known performers who later became Hoku award winners, like Keauhou."

Established in 1937, the Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club is a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to the perpetuation of the Native Hawaiian culture, its heritage and its people. Membership is comprised of Native Hawaiians and "Hawaiians at heart," and is open to anyone interested in supporting cultural, educational and service programs primarily in the Ko‘olaupoko district of Windward O‘ahu.

“We are honored to collaborate with the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, pay tribute to Prince Kūhiō, and spotlight these artists by paying homage to our kūpuna community and the historical significance of this area through moʻolelo and mele,” said Gary Evora, Kamehameha Schools commercial real estate senior asset manager. “Through this family oriented educational event, we hope to inspire people to learn more about the history, place names and importance of the moku of Koʻolaupoko.”

For more information, please visit us at www.windwardmall.com or follow @WindwardMall on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.