July 30, 2025

For the first time, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Kula Waena presented their Lā Mei Hoʻokūkū Mele. Inspired by the original from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, as well as what KSH Kula Kiʻekiʻe has done with Hōʻike over the past two years, Kula Waena introduced this special new element into their traditional Lā Mei celebration.

This year's theme was Moananuiākea, celebrating our journey throughout the Pacific. Throughout the year, students took time to learn mele and hula to perform along with the song.

Nā Manu Kani Leʻa performed the following mele

• Nā ʻApapapane (Papa 6) - "ʻŌiwi Ē" by Pariare Tomoana  
• Nā ʻAmakihi (Papa 7) - "E Mau Ē" by Kainani Kahaunaele
• Nā ʻIʻiwi (Papa 8) - "E Nā Kini" by Ernest Kala

Kula Waena extends their heartfelt mahalo to these song supporters for taking the time to speak with our haumäna, enriching their learning with the stories and inspiration behind each mele:

• Tuhoe Tamaiparea (Aotearoa)
• Kainani Kahaunaele (Hawaiʻi)
• Thomas Raffipiy (Satawal Island)
• Kalani Peʻa (Hawaiʻi)

This year's production was also incredible special as our Kula Waena Hawaiian Ensemble, Nā Lei Liko o ʻŌlaʻa, celebrated 20 years of spreading aloha and perpetuating hula with heart and dedication. Hoʻomaikaʻi to Kumu Kimo Kekua on the past two decades! 

Mahalo to Kumu Leinani Baker who coordinated our Māpuna Leo program and brought this special new tradition forward in her final year as a kumu ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi here at Kamehameha Hawaiʻi, leaving a special legacy grounded in mele for our Kula Waena to continue to grow.

Watch the full Kula Waena Lā Mei Song Contest on the Kamehameha Schools YouTube channel: 

Mahalo to Kerry Kamisato who continued his legacy of capturing these special moment for Nā Lei Liko o ʻŌlaʻa.

Hoʻomaikaʻi to our Class of 2031, Na ʻApapane Papa 6 who won the inagural Hoʻokūkū Mele!