Kanikapila in Kailua FREE concert featuring The Waimanalo Sunset Band

Hawaiian music is alive and well in Kailua, mahalo to Kawika Kahiapo, Charlani Kalama, Castle Foundation and A & B! Check out FREE concert in the parking deck near Pier 1 Kailua. We provide chairs, music and aloha! Just kick back and enjoy the sweet Hawaiian music provided this month by The Waimanalo Sunset Band. Spread the word!

About the band:
Winners of the 2015 Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search, the Waimānalo Sunset Band came to life in 2001. Originating band members Lanakila Makua, Keliʻi Makua, and Keao Kamalani regularly came together in the backyard of the Makua ʻohana home in Waimānalo as the sun began to set over the Ko’olau Mountains. It was through those simple jam sessions where the melodies began to flow and the music began to blend.

The intricacies of the music of the Sons of Hawaiʻi formed the foundation for the Waimānalo Sunset Band’s sound. Entertaining at an ʻohana anniversary pāʻina gave birth to the band’s exposure beyond the backyard. Before the year was over, they were asked to play at several family lūʻau, and quickly earned a regular spot at The Willows restaurant in Mōʻiliʻili. The band also played at the 2007 Aloha Festivals’ Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a, performed at many other local venues, and played the Legends of Hawaiian Music annual fundraiser from 2009-2012. Never forgetting their humble beginnings, giving back by supporting fundraisers continues to be at the heart of the Waimānalo Sunset Band.

Founding members Lanakila Makua, Keliʻi Makua, and Keao Kamalani eventually expanded their group to include Chris “Baba” Yim and Manuwai Mejia (‘ukulele and vocals).

A little more about the band members:
Brothers Lanakila and Keliʻi Makua were born and raised on the homesteads of Waimānalo. They each grew up playing the ‘ukulele and later moved on to learn the guitar and electric bass while attending Kamehameha Schools. As Lanakila favored the guitar, Keliʻi took to the bass, which led to him designing his own pākini bass. Both Lanakila and Keliʻi are full time teachers at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue.

Keao Kamalani, another graduate of Kamehameha Schools, became an avid guitar player in high school. Ranging from rock and roll to reggae to Hawaiian music, Keaoʻs passion for the Sons of Hawaiʻi brought a shared common interest to the brothers Makua. His talent on the guitar provides a solid rhythm to complete the group’s sound. Keao is a fulltime teacher at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue.

Chris “Baba” Yim joined the Waimanalo Sunset Band in 2008. In addition to his connection to traditional Hawaiian music, Baba brought the group an expanded sound. Taking lead on many contemporary selections, the addition of Baba’s talents offers a melodic sound that promotes the group’s diversity. Baba is also a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and is a Vice Principal at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue.

Manuwai Mejia, a graduate of St. Louis School, started as a “go to” member of the Waimānalo Sunset Band since 2006. Manuwai started as a stand in bass, ʻukulele and guitar player for the band. His versatility with multiple instruments made him an invaluable addition to the band. Manuwai is a Fire Captain with the Honolulu Fire Department and a substitute teacher at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue.

With families and fulltime careers, the Waimānalo Sunset Band continues to express their aloha for being Hawaiian through their music. The melodic combination of any or all of these band members is special. It is through their shared vision as kumu at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue that their passion for the Hawaiian language, culture, and old time Hawaiian music creates a unique flavor not often found among the bands of today.