An Evening with Kulaiwi: Native Lands!

Three of Hawai‘i’s leading award-winning performers — Lehua Kalima (of Na Leo), Shawn Pimental, and Kawika Kahiapo — have joined forces! Hawaiian musicians, singers, songwriters, entertainers, they have formed Kulāiwi to create music that springs from their Native Hawaiian roots. With the addition of bass player Joe Berinobis, they perform with soaring vocals, island harmonies and a folk vibe, accompanied by an easy-going charisma and witty “talk-story”. Kulāiwi means “land of my ancestors” and they are committed to telling the stories of Hawai’i – the land and the people – from the indigenous point-of-view, embedded with Hawaiian values, perspectives, and ways of living in the world. They share their prodigious talents as lyricists and composers, their original songs inspired by diverse musical styles and their passionate commitment to Hawai‘i. Kulaiwi reflects its generation of a growing population of Native Hawaiian speakers, whose pride in culture provides strength, grounding, and helps enable their responsibility as protectors of the land.