Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 1, 1 January 1999 — "Uwōlani" Hālau o Kekuhi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

"Uwōlani" Hālau o Kekuhi

I I ULA AND OLI tradi-

I tions of Hilo's , Kanaka'ole 'ohana have I been beautifully preI served on a new CD titled "Uwōlani," a product of Hālau o Kekuhi, the renown Hilo troupe led by Nālani Kanaka'ole and Pua Kanaka'ole Kanahele. Produced by Keoni Fujitani for Liko Records, "Uwōlani" is dubbed the "Liko Hawaiian Folk Collection Volume IV," leaving the culturally-oriented curiously thirsting for Volumes I, II and m. Kudos to Liko RprnrHK whinh in an inHnctrv

inundated with reggae, rap and rock recordings, had the foresight to encourage this project. "Uwōlani" is refreshing testament to the growing interest in unadulterated Hawaiian expression.

Hālau o Kekuhi has produced two landmark hula dramas, "Holo Mai Pele," celebrating the travels of the Pele elan; and the recently premiered "Kamei i \r - r r — < • i »> _

namena: iva nu auona, a L powerful tribute to the physiI eal and spiritual training of 1 Paiea Kamehameha, the eon1 queror. Selections from both are among those featured on : this CD. "Uwōlani" exclaims praise ; for akua, ali'i and 'ohana. i The CD is a sampling of ; vibrant traditions that transcend time. Mueh more than a performance, it is a glimpse of an ever-evolving, yet deeply rooted, Hawaiian lifestyle. A portion of the proceeds

from this recording will benefit scholarships, grants and programs of the Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation. ■