Review: Maunalua Thrills Locals and Visitors at NA MELE NO NA PUA SUNDAY SHOWCASE

On Sunday, Maunalua performed as special talent at NA MELE NO NA PUA SUNDAY SHOWCASE. Held Sundays at the Waikiki Beachwalk lawn stage, the event showcases the best of Hawaiian musicians and vocalists.

Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts voted Maunalua the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards' Group of the Year in 2016.

Formed in 1993, the group Maunalua (Bobby Moderow, Jr., Kahi Kaonohi, and Richard Gideon) released their first album, Maunalua, in 2000 - and promptly won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award (the Hawaiian Grammy) for "Hawaiian Album of the Year." Their 2003 album, Kuleana, garnered Na Hoku awards for both Group and Favorite Entertainer of the Year. Their third album, Hookanaka, was released in 2007 and won yet another Na Hoku Award (Group of the Year). After an eight-year break from the recording studio, they released their highly anticipated fourth album, He Inoa, to critical acclaim in 2015. The album's title, which translates to "We Are" Maunalua, introduces their newest member, ukulele and guitar player Richard Gideon, who joined the band in 2009.

All strong vocalists, the group is known for its tight harmonies accentuated by Moderow?s falsetto and prowess with the slack key guitar. Long a favorite with audiences all over Hawaii, their always-entertaining performances range from fun, high energy songs to sweet and soulful ballads, interspersed with banter between the three group members and with the audiences.

Cultural Director for the SHOWCASE, Blaine Kamalani Kia said, "Maunalua has been in the local entertainment scene since the early 90s. I know Bobby Madero, the leader of the band. Back in those days, I would often frequent a lot of entertainment clubs around Honolulu. I was dancing hula (art of Hawaiian dance) for an acclaimed and legendary Kumu Hula (hula teacher) at the time and was often called up on stage to dance a few hula numbers. Maunalua was one of those musical groups we would often go and listen music to. Bobby Modero became a great friend through the years, because I am also a musician and entertainer myself. So, we had much in common. The great thing about this group, Maunalua, is that this Hawaiian trio endured two decades of a changing musical industry and kept it together when many could not withstand the test of time. It is an incredible achievement ... because Maunalua kept it "real." They are the real deal... real Hawaiian and island music... the way we like it! They have heart, they have compassion, and they have the spirit of Hawaii in them! I am the cultural advisor and entertainment director for the Waikiki Beach Walk. When we started Na Mele No Na Pua "Music for the Generations," which is a musical showcase series every other Sunday, Maunlua was a "no brainer!" I feature Hawaii?s finest. And many of them are actually personal friends of mine, and fellow musicians. It gives me great pleasure and joy when I am able to showcase my good friends to play music for folks at the Waikiki Beach Walk, seeing them all again, and again, and again! It?s like "old times," you know? Pure joy!"

SHOWCASE is held on Sunday afternoons at the Plaza Stage of the Waikiki Beachwalk; it is proudly sponsored by the Outrigger Resort Group. Outrigger continues its commitment to share Hawaii's host culture through activities that entertain and inspire. Na Mele No Na Pua brings to life the past, present and future of Hawaii's performing arts through the islands' best entertainers in a casual, family-style setting.

Featured stars include:

May 7: Maunalua
May 21: Na Mea Hookani

For further information kindly visit http://www.waikikibeachwalk.com

Join Team BroadwayWorld

Are you an avid theatergoer? We're looking for people like you to share your thoughts and insights with our readers. Team BroadwayWorld members get access to shows to review, conduct interviews with artists, and the opportunity to meet and network with fellow theatre lovers and arts workers.

Interested? Learn more here.