Kaumakaiwa “Lopaka” Kanaka'ole

This charismatic young artist has it all. The voice, the music, the movements, the looks and the lineage. The great-grandson of legendary Edith Kanaka'ole, son of Kekuhi Kanahele, released his first album Hai Kupuna in 2003. It was an instant success and he won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award just a few months later in 2004. One year later, he released his second album Welo, another breathtaking creation.

Kaumakaiwa's music sounds ancient as well as new. He is one of the most promising new artists in Hawaii, and his goal is to perpetuate the culture of his people, to share its knowledge through teaching and with his art. Kaumakaiwa is a great singer, chanter, hula dancer and drummer. He sings in the Hawaiian language. You will notice that it is not necessary to understand the words, but that one can feel the message.