According to Kuana Torres Kahele, music can transcend boundaries. He hopes that Hawaiian songs, or mele, can spark something inside of listeners, no matter their culture. Enjoy this new episode of Nā Mele and our digital exclusive content.

Ahumanu, an all-wāhine Hawaiian music trio from Maui is featured on this episode of Nā Mele: Traditions in Hawaiian Song. Members Kekai Robinson, Marja Lehua Apisaloma and Liz Morales say their work in the community outside the entertainment realm brings to their music a dimension of authenticity, service and responsibility.

Mailani Makainai takes us on a musical journey as she performs some of her favorite songs.

Join us as we go on location to Halekulani's House without a Key with musical trio Pa‘ahana (Pakala Fernandes, Kaipo Kukahiko and Douglas Po‘oloa Tolentino).

Renowned songwriter, record producer and performer Kenneth Makuakāne offers a sentimental and candid performance inside historic Kawaiahaʻo Church in Honolulu. Among the songs he performs are “ʻO Violeka,” an affectionate ballad for his mother, and “Kuʻu Pua Lei Mēlia,” inspired by his experience of sending off his oldest son to college.

Slack key guitarist and singer-songwriter Kawika Kahiapo shares music inspired by his lifelong home, Windward Oʻahu.

The young trio Hūʻewa is comprised of Kupu Dalire-Naʻauao, Kekoa Kane and Kahi Lum-Young. The trio performs songs. Dalire-Naʻauao explains, “The Hawaiian music that we chose, the type of songs that we chose…we just like to pull things from back in the day.”

More! Ledward Kaapana and Family on this program of Na Mele. Kaapana, along with his sisters Lehua Nash, Rhoda Kekona, and Lei Aken play in his Kaneohe garage on a rainy evening.

This special Nā Mele features Ledward and his sisters Lei Aken, Lehua Nash and Rhoda Kekona, playing their music in Ledward’s garage. Ledward’s falsetto voice leads off with “Nani,” and Lei, Lehua and Rhoda take vocal solos on “Kaneohe,” “Kalapana” and “Holei.”

In this episode of Nā Mele: Traditions in Hawaiian Song, Raiatea Helm talks about her influences, recordings and responsibilities as a Hawaiian artist.