Live from the Atherton: Mele Hawaiʻi - Ei Nei

Celebrate mele Hawaiʻi, live from the Atherton! Join us for the Mele Hawaiʻi Performance Series at our Honolulu studio featuring: Gregory Juan, Laritza Labouche, Keanaliʻiomanaʻe Bertelmann, and Ei Nei.

Don’t miss your chance to hear their intimate performance and exclusive setlist in person at our Honolulu studio at 738 Kāheka Street. This performance will be recorded for future broadcasts and online content.
Ei Nei
Saturday, February 28
Show starts at 6:00 p.m.
Join Ei Nei for an assortment of our favorite mele Hawai‘i and maybe a few of new takes on music from other genres.

Hui! Ei Nei is a trio rooted in mele, friendship, and place—featuring Dane Fujiwara (Wailuku), Grant Kono (Oneawa), and Ekolu Chang (Kāneʻohe). After years of traveling their own individual musical paths and earning recognition as solo artists, the three joined together in 2016 to create a sound that is both deeply grounded and unmistakably their own.

Since then, Ei Nei has continued to grow as one of Hawaiʻi’s standout contemporary Hawaiian groups. In 2020, they were honored with the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Most Promising Artist, and their work has since garnered multiple nominations across the Hawaiian music industry. Their recordings have been featured on television programs, films, and even an Emmy award-winning documentary, sharing the voice of Hawaiʻi with audiences near and far.

Ei Nei’s newest release, Ei Nei, Look At Us, showcases the group at a new creative peak—blending heartfelt originals, fresh arrangements, and their signature harmonies into a collection that honors their roots while expanding their musical horizons. The album reflects the group’s continued evolution and invites listeners to experience their growth, unity, and vision for modern Hawaiian music.

Known for their smooth vocal blend, warm harmonies, and thoughtful approach to traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music, Ei Nei offers listeners a sound that pays homage to the past while confidently embracing the future. With each performance and each new composition, they continue to celebrate culture, connection, and the evolving story of Hawaiian music.

Featuring:

Dane Fujiwara

Dane was born and raised in Wailuku, Maui and was fortunate enough to attend Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. He accredits his love for all things Hawaiian, especially mele Hawaiʻi to his teachers. When he is not playing music, he is either teaching math at his alma mater or in the ocean.

Grant Kono

Until 2008, Grant called California home. Grant credits his dad for helping to find his passion for Hawaiian music at such a young age. Upon his family's return to Hawaiʻi, he was immersed in the culture, language, and music native to our home. Although music is his first love, Grant can usually be found frolicking in the waves all around Oʻahu.

Ekolu Chang

ʻEkolu resides in his Kāneʻohe home with his loving family. Since his time at Kapālama, he has been playing traditional Hawaiian music in the trio fashion. With continued guidance, ʻEkolu aims to preserve our traditions through mele Hawaiʻi for future generations. Allowing the past to be the foundation for his future, ʻEkolu continues to expand his horizons.

=========================================

When you purchase HPR event tickets, please consider opting in to receive HPR’s email newsletters. You may update your subscription preferences or unsubscribe using the links at the bottom of our emails.

=========================================

Live from the Atherton's Mele Hawaiʻi Performance Series series takes place on Saturdays in February. Events 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 and available on a first-come, first-served basis — advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested. General admission tickets are $45, unless otherwise noted.

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

Feeling social?

Follow us on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

Watch our past Atherton Concerts

Subscribe to our newsletters

Listen on demand to our programs at hawaiipublicradio.org or listen to our live stream by asking your smart speaker to "Play Hawaiʻi Public Radio"

Love what we do? Become a monthly supporter. Make a gift today. Or, volunteer with us. Learn more.

Look for more “Live from the Atherton” events, with thanks to our sponsor HMSA. Get the latest news when you subscribe to our newsletters.

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 

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Hawai‘i Public Radio