‘Ike i ka Nani o Lēʻahi (Know the Beauty of Lēʻahi)
About this Event
ʻIke i ka Nani o Lēʻahi (Know the Beauty of Lēʻahi)
Join us for a powerful unveiling of “Ke Aloha ʻĀina Paʻa Mau Loa,” a historic song recreated through a new composition by TJ Keanu Tario. The song was originally created and sung by nā koa o ke aloha ʻāina (Hawaiian Kingdom patriots) during the Kaua Kūloko of 1895 as they took up arms against the U.S. military-backed oligarchy in an effort to restore Queen Liliʻuokalani to the throne. Only the lyrics were recorded in the account, Kaua Kuloko 1895 (edited by Thomas Spencer); the original music was lost. While the lyrics have been set to new music by Tario, the inspiration remains the same: the ongoing spirit of ke aloha ʻāina that is “paʻa mau loa,” with us forever.
Tario, joined by Makaʻala Perry-Tario and Moana Maeva, performs this song for the first time at Lēʻahi, 131 years since the koa before them.
The program features an artist conversation and a series of music, poetry, and storytelling inspired by the beauty of Lēʻahi and explores the many ways of knowing and understanding the complexity and resilience of this storied place.
Featured muscians:
- TJ Keanu Tario
- Makaʻala Perry-Tario
- Moana Maeva
Featured Poets:
- Donovan Kūhiō Colleps
- Kalilinoe Detwiler
- ʻIhilani Lasconia
- Kealiʻi MacKenzie
- Heoli Osorio
- Lyz Soto
With storytelling by Kauwila Mahi and Ka‘imina‘auao Kahikina
The event will take place at the site of the Wahi Pana: Storied Places installation Lēʻahi from Aloha Kaʻapuni (2025) by Brandy Nālani McDougall.
Program:
5:30–6:15 p.m. — Music and light refreshments and beverages.
6:15–6:30 p.m. — Opening welcome
6:30–6:50 p.m. — Artist conversation
6:50–8:30 p.m. — Poetry, mele, and storytelling program
Event information:
This event is free and open to the public. While a limited number of seating will be provided, attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs for comfort.
Light refreshments and beverages will be served.
The event will be held at:
Operation Red Wings Medal Of Honor Park
3906 Kahala Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96816
Street parking will be available. Please be mindful of the neighboring residents.
This event is co-presented with Puuhonua Society and Shangri La.
Cover Image:
Joseph Dwight Strong, "Hawaiians At Rest, Waikiki" (1884)
About Wahi Pana:
Wahi Pana is a temporary public art project of the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) and is a winner of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge grant. The project includes art installations that activate sites across O‘ahu by connecting them to stories rooted in Native Hawaiian history and stories. Launching in 2025, this project brings together local artists and storytellers to create 11 multi-media installations around the island, with installations debuting in February, May, and September. Created in partnership with Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Economic Revitalization, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Puʻuhonua Society, Aupuni Space, Hawai‘i Contemporary, the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, and the Bishop Museum, this initiative will run for a three-year period from 2025 to 2028.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
