Kanikapila With Holunape

Award-winning Hawaiian trio Holunape will entertain Saturday (June 22) in Castle Foundation's free monthly Kanikapila in Kailua at the Kailua Town Center parking garage. They are (from left) Kekoa Kaluhiwa, Kama Hopkins and Kanai'a Nakamura. Photo from Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

Holunape will entertain the “Kanikapila in Kailua” crowd this month, taking the Kailua Town Center stage from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the parking garage behind Longs Drugs.

The series is sponsored by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation in partnership with noted Waimanalo musician and pastor Kawika Kahiapo. According to Terry George, the foundation’s chief operating officer, having Holunape in the lineup elevates the series to one of the best in the state.

“Kama, Kekoa and Kanai’a have a deep love and respect for both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music that is evident in their performances,” George said. “We invite our friends and neighbors from the Windward side and across the island to kick off summer in Kailua at (this event).”

Future Kanikapila gigs will headline Dennis Kamakahi July 20, Kapena Aug. 17, John Cruz Sept. 21 and Hookena Oct. 19.

Holunape (“gentle swaying motion”) has won both Hawaii Music and Na Hoku Hanohano awards for its nahenahe-style music, delivered in the Hawaiian language by Kama Hopkins, Kekoa Kaluhiwa and Kanai’a Nakamura. Both Hopkins and Kaluhiwa are Kaneohe born-and-raised. The band recently performed for the Mothers and Others brunch at KEY Project, where Kaluhiwa is on the board of directors. The trio also is booked for 6 p.m. July 3 at Honolulu Zoo’s “Wildest Show in Town.”

Castle Foundation also sponsors the free monthly “I Love Hula in Kailua” shows, set for 3 to 4 p.m. on most second Sundays between Macy’s and Pier One.

Next up will be kumu hula Ku Souza and Halau Hula ‘O Kawaiho’omalu July 14.

For more information, call 263-7073.