LIHU‘E — Home grown Hawaiian music, food and fun are on tap Saturday during the first-ever Waipa Music Festival. Sponsored by the Waipa Foundation, the event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Halulu Fishpond, a half-mile past Hanalei.
LIHU‘E — Home grown Hawaiian music, food and fun are on tap Saturday during the first-ever Waipa Music Festival.
Sponsored by the Waipa Foundation, the event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Halulu Fishpond, a half-mile past Hanalei.
This all ages event will include ono food from local vendors, unique Kaua‘i artisans, children activities and live music by Keli‘i Kaneali‘i, Mike Keale, the Kama‘ainas, Cruz Control, Waipa Serenaders and more.
“It will be almost all Hawaiian music,” Waipa Foundation Executive Director Stacy Sproat-Beck said. “Lady Ipo (Kahaunaele-Ferreira) will be the emcee and she will keep it lively on the mic. She’s always a lot of fun.”
Sproat-Beck said there will be hands-on cultural, educational and craft activities for children and adults, including a hale lashing workshop by Limahuli Garden and Preserve.
The National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Breadfruit Institute will be giving away breadfruit trees during the festival and Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai, under the direction of Kumu Hula Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau, will hold several hula performances.
Solo artist Kaneali‘i is a six-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner and a founding member and original lead vocalist of the world-renowned duo HAPA. He performs a mixture of Hawaiian and contemporary music, including some of his new original songs as well as HAPA hits.
Keale, also a well-known Kaua‘i performer who has been nominated for two Na Hoku Hanohano awards, offers a blend of Hawaiian tunes and traditional English standards.
In addition, local bands the Kama‘ainas, Cruz Control and the Waipa Serenaders will keep the musical vibe alive throughout the day.
“It will be right on Hanalei Bay, so it’s a great time to spend time at the beach,” Sproat-Beck said.
Tickets cost $15 for adults, $1 for keiki and are available at the door or in advance from Magic Dragon Toy and Art Supply (Princeville), Scotty’s Music (Kalaheo), Pono Market (Kapa‘a) and the Waipa Foundation.
Festival proceeds will go toward the construction of the Waipa Kitchen, Hale Imu and Poi Mill, which will support local farmers, food vendors, caterers and customers.
“(The kitchen) has been a dream for 30 years now at Waipa … We are hoping to start construction this summer,” Sproat-Beck said.
For more information visit waipafoundation.org or call 826-9969.
