May 27, 2026

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi in collaboration with UH Hilo Performing Arts Center presented Hōʻike 2026: Keaomelemele on Thursday, March 12, 2026. A recording of the performance is now available to watch on the Kamehameha Schools YouTube channel. 

Keaomelemele is a breathtaking stage production by Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i that brings Hawaiian mythology to life through music, hula, and chant. Originally debuted as our kula's first full Hawaiian opera in 2013, this year's production of Keaomelemele included new arrangements and took place in a whole new venue, adding an additional layer of production quality to the show. ! 

Adapted from Moses Manu’s 19th-century epic, the story follows divine figures of Paliuli, Kahānaiakeakua, Mo‘oinanea, Waka, and Keaomelemele on a journey of love, transformation, and longing across mystical landscapes from the forests of ʻŌla‘a to the summit of Mauna Kea. Audiences will experience a rich tapestry of Hawaiian language, poetic imagery, and original compositions by Herb Mahelona as Paliuli rediscovers her feminine power and identity in the traditional Hawaiian art of hula. This cultural celebration promises an unforgettable evening of artistry and tradition.

VIEW THE SHOW'S OFFICIAL PROGRAM

Hōʻike 2026: Keaomelemele had one public performance on Thursday, March 12, 2026.