Inside the Song: A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Songwriters Event
About this Event
Live from the Atherton and HPR Music present Inside the Song — a special seated evening blending live performance, storytelling, and deep listening in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Artists.
Live from the Atherton and HPR Music Presents:
Inside the Song: A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Songwriters Event
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Show starts at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45 general admission
This intimate writers-in-the-round style experience brings together celebrated Hawaiʻi songwriters and finalists for an evening exploring the inspiration, creative process, and stories behind their music. Moderated by HPR Executive Producer of Music Zilla Barbosa, the evening will feature in-depth artist conversations followed by live performances of the songs discussed throughout the panel.
Designed as both a cultural and editorial event, Inside the Song offers audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look into Hawaiʻi’s songwriting community and the music shaping the islands today.
The evening will be recorded for future broadcasts and online content.
Panelists include:
Ei Nei
Featured Song: “Hawaiʻi Forever”
Formed in 2016, Ei Nei brings together Dane Fujiwara, Grant Kono, and Ekolu Chang — three accomplished musicians creating a sound rooted in Hawaiian tradition while helping shape its future. Known for their rich harmonies and smooth vocal blend, the group won the 2020 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Most Promising Artist and is currently nominated for Album of the Year and Group of the Year.
Kainani Kahaunaele & Kaniaulono Hāpai
2026 Song of the Year Finalist: “Ahe Nani ka Laulā o Puna”
Kainani Kahaunaele is a celebrated Hawaiian singer, songwriter, educator, and advocate for Hawaiian language revitalization through mele. Joining her is daughter Kaniaulono Hāpai, a Hilo-raised vocalist, hula practitioner, and emerging artist dedicated to uplifting Hawaiian culture through music and performance.
Together, they represent generations connected through mele, ʻike, and storytelling.
Kalaʻe Parish (Special guest, winner of 2025)
2025 Song of the Year Winner: “Kickin’ Back”
Kalaʻe Parish is a multi-award-winning Native Hawaiian singer, songwriter, and producer whose debut album Where I’m Going earned Album of the Year, Song of the Year (“Kickin’ Back”), and Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
His original music, inspired by the countryside of Hawaiʻi, has also been featured by major brands and Netflix series.
This event is made possible thanks to our partnership with the The Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA).
Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA)
The Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) is the nonprofit organization behind the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards — Hawaiʻi’s premier music awards program celebrating excellence in recorded music across the islands.
Since 1978, HARA has supported Hawaiʻi’s music community through advocacy, education, and cultural preservation.
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Live from the Atherton's Performance Series begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Doors open thirty minutes before the show starts.
This event will be filmed, recorded and photographed. Your presence constitutes your release of all rights to your recorded voice and image, which may be used in projects by Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
Seating is limited — advance ticket purchase or RSVP is strongly suggested.
Ticket Policy: Ticket sales are final. Sorry, no refunds.
Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood (metered parking is free after 6 p.m.).
Mahalo to HMSA for their sponsorship of our HPR “Live from the Atherton” events.
HPR exists to serve the people of Hawai’i. We are a trusted, community-funded public service that informs with essential news, inspires through the power of music and the arts, and connects people through conversations and convenings.
See the latest in news, talk, and entertainment at hawaiipublicradio.org
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PARKING: Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood (metered parking is free after 6 pm). See more information here: https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/parking-instructions
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 48.24
