On the evening of April 15, 1999, PBS Hawai‘i, then known as Hawai‘i Public Television, launched a new musical program highlighting the history, beauty and magic of traditional Hawaiian music.  The historic premiere featured four iconic names in Hawaiian music, Dennis and David Kamakahi, Martin Pahinui and George Kuo. Since then, PBS Hawai‘i has broadcast 80 episodes of Nā Mele, starring giants in the music industry:

• Nathan Aweau
• Keola Beamer
• Robert Cazimero
• Paula Fuga
• Raiatea Helm
• Led Kaapana
• Genoa Keawe
• Melveen Leed
• The Lim Family
• Mākaha Sons
• Cyril Pahinui
• Kalani Peʻa
• Kealiʻi Reichel
• Jerry Santos
• Josh Tatofi
• Kuana Torres Kahele and dozens more.

In 2024, PBS Hawai‘i will celebrate Nā Mele’s 25th Anniversary with a yearlong pāʻina, featuring special programs, artist profiles, behind-the-scenes footage and virtual events on our broadcast and digital channels.

From a young Jake Shimabukuro, who appeared in September 2000 with an electrifying rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, to an upcoming Nā Mele pledge program featuring Nā Leo at Halekulani, this milestone represents a quarter-century of artistic excellence and our dedication and commitment to spotlight the authenticity and diversity of the music of Hawai‘i.

The journey continues on January 29, 2024, when we present Hawaiian music singer Kamakakēhau Fernandez. Fernandez was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and adopted by a Maui family when he was an infant. He grew up immersed in the Hawaiian culture and is fluent in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

“I consider singing to be a little bit later in my career,” says Fernandez. He has a passion for R&B music and is a huge Beyonce fan. His Hawaiian music influences include Aunty Genoa Keawe, Aunty Hulu Lindsey and Uncle Richard Hoʻopiʻi. This year marks 20-years since Fernandez won Hoʻopiʻi’s annual falsetto contest and he says, “The rest became history after that.”

In this episode of Nā Mele, Fernandez hits all the high notes, with both original and cover songs, all while playing the ʻukulele. As an African-American raised in a Hawaiian household, he’s very much aware of his responsibility to both of his ancestral roots and hopes people who hear his music can feel the aloha he is trying to convey. “For me, the drive really is to look beyond the exterior, you know, and to connect and understand culture and possibilities in hope.”

We’re excited about our yearlong pāʻina and hope you are too. We remain steadfast in our commitment to build on the legacy of this quintessential program by celebrating the past 25 years and setting the stage for 25 more.

Nā Mele25 in 2024…

With gratitude,

Ron and the PBS Hawai‘i ‘Ohana

Ron Mizutani