Hana Hou!

THE PARTY If there was ever a time to hear amazing Hawaiian music in Waikīkī, it was during Mele Mei, the energetic monthlong celebration of island song that took over top hotels like the Moana Surfrider, Halekulani and Hilton Hawaiian Village. THE PLAYERS Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts President Pali Ka‘aihue, retired Sen. Daniel Akaka, Taimane, Nathan Aweau, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi THE HIGHLIGHTS The festival started on truly a high note with the opening bash at Altitude@37 at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel, where performances by Starr Kalahiki and Kamakakehau Fernandez enthralled guests just as much as the drop-dead gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. Later on during Mele Mei, Hawaiian music aficionados flocked to The Royal Hawaiian’s Monarch Room for the Lei of Stars, which paid tribute to the field’s legendary talents like The Makaha Sons. A few days later, the younger generation of voices appeared at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, including Duncan Kamakana from The Voice, songstress Raiatea Helm and the lively John Cruz. Photography by Travis Okimoto and Jonathan Evangelista