Kalapana: A Nā Mele Performance 50 Years in the Making

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

On Monday, Dec. 8, Kalapana graces PBS Hawai‘i’s Nā Mele stage for the very first time in their legendary 50-year career.

Few groups have shaped Hawai‘i’s musical landscape as profoundly as Kalapana. Their smooth harmonies, soulful arrangements and unmistakable grooves defined the sound of the 1970s and continue to inspire artists and listeners across generations. In this special Nā Mele pledge event, PBS Hawai‘i honors that legacy with a program that artfully connects the band’s storied past with the voices carrying their music into the future.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Viewers will experience rare, never-before-aired archival performances of the original members, woven together with powerful new renditions from musicians who grew up with Kalapana as a soundtrack to their lives. Longtime band members Kenji Sano and Gaylord Holomalia offer heartfelt reflections throughout the program, sharing personal stories and perspectives on their years performing alongside founding members Mackey Feary, Malani Bilyeu, D.J. Pratt and Kirk Thompson. Their insights illuminate not only the band’s history but the enduring spirit that continues to guide Kalapana’s music today.

At its core, this Nā Mele special is a tribute to community, memory and the bonds that make Hawai‘i’s music timeless. As bassist Kenji Sano explains, “To keep this music alive means the world to us. The fans—old and new—come to sing with us. That’s why we do this.”

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Sing along to beloved classics like “Hurt,” “Nightbird,” and “Naturally” and celebrate the songs that have become woven into the fabric of island life. By supporting PBS Hawai‘i during this pledge event, viewers help preserve the stories, sounds and cultural heritage that define our islands. This special episode is both a heartfelt mahalo to Kalapana and a reminder of the magic that happens when Hawai‘i’s musicians share their aloha with the world.

Nā Mele: Kalapana

Monday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Broadcast and streaming on pbshawaii.org and YouTube

SEE ALSO: Joshua Kahula and Nuff Sedd Take the Nā Mele Stage on PBS Hawai‘i

Every month, HONOLULU publishes a blog written by the folks at PBS Hawai‘i, the only locally owned, statewide television station in Hawai‘i that receives support mainly through donations. Visit pbshawaii.org to learn more about exceptional, locally produced shows and the most prominent provider of educational and national programming. Explore music and the arts, discover in-depth documentaries and learn what makes Hawai‘i so special. Follow PBS Hawai‘i on all platforms: @pbshawaii