Mentor and students take E Kanikapila Kakou stage

NUKOLI‘I — Keiki o ka ‘aina, translated to mean “child of the land,” from Anahola Kainani Kahaunaele has blossomed into one of Hawai‘i’s premier singer-songwriter-musician-teacher of Hawaiian music. She has won a number of Na Hoku Hanohano awards, including her most recent Female Vocalist of the Year.

Kahaunaele will be joined by 16-year-old Kaniaulono Hapai on guitar and Emma Coloma on bass to share an evening of songs that speak about the lifestyles in Hawai‘i when E Kanikapila Kakou 2024 opens its doors on Monday starting with the ‘Ukulele circle that starts at 5:15 p.m. after doors open at 5 p.m. at the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort.

Kahaunaele has been a mentor to both Hapai and Coloma, who have been recipients of the reknown performer’s education and performances that nurture young students to develop their own musical talents. She will also add her own compositions to the night’s performance that starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m.

This is the seventh week of E Kanikapila Kakou 2024, known commonly as EKK, that invites attendees and participants to a season of exploring and understanding the relationship between the songs and dances of Hawai‘i; and the life and times of its people like Kahaunaele as reflected in the Significant Songs of Hawai‘i.

EKK is open to the public with registration being able to be done online at ekk2024.eventbrite.com.

A no host bar and food concession will be available by the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort.

E Kanikapila is presented by the Garden Island Arts Council with support from the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, the County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Opportunity, the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort and the EKK patrons.