Lanikuhonua’s Aug. 11 Concert Attracts Local Music Stars

Lanikuhonua, or the place “where heaven meets the earth” – a cultural institute fronting the beach at Ko Olina Resort – will be the backdrop for traditional Hawaiian festivities, which are set for 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 11.

It’s the institute’s second annual summer mele and hula concert featuring the Hoku-award winning Lim Family with its Big Island roots, and Oahu slack key guitarist Ledward Kaapana. Also in the lineup is musician, chanter and dancer Kimo Alama Keaulana, as well as classic Hawaiian trio Pa’ahana.

The concert is dedicated to the memory of kumu hula O’Brian Eselu, who died April 3. The halau he founded, Ke Kai O Kahiki, a consistent award-winner at the Merrie Monarch festival, will perform in his honor.

Halau Hula Olana, another multiple Merrie Monarch winner, also will take the stage along with Kapolei High School’s Halau Kaululau’e and the keiki of Aha Punana Leo O Wai’anae preschool.

In support of West Oahu schools, the James Campbell Company will take advantage of the festive occasion to present donations to nine public schools.

It will award $45,000 to Kapolei High and Middle schools, $25,000 to Kapolei, Barbers Point, Makakilo and Mauka Lani elementary schools, and $20,000 to Campbell and Wai’anae high schools and Nanakuli High and Intermediate School.

Gates open at 4 p.m., and tickets cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door. They are available at No Fear Kapolei in the Marketplace at Kapolei, at the Ihilani Resort concierge desk, at tix.com, or by calling Hawaii Elite Events at 220-8874.