Quad City Arts Visiting Artist: Kulaiwi

Kulāiwi is three of Hawai‘i’s most delightful performers --Lehua Kalima (of Na Leo), Shawn Pimental, and Kawika Kahiapo – who have come together with hula dancer Pono Fernandez to share exceptional songwriting and cultural talents. Soaring vocals, island harmonies, superb guitar with a folk vibe, and fun “talk-story” won them 4 Nā Hōku Awards (Hawai‘i’s “Grammy’s”) for their first CD together, including top honors as Group of the Year. Kulāiwi means “land of my ancestors” and reflects their passionate commitment to their islands as they celebrate Hawai‘i today.
While Kulāiwi sings songs for Hawai‘i, they tell stories for all Indigenous peoples and all ‘āina (lands). Their goal is to pay tribute to the people and ‘āina they visit, to spread the wider message of aloha ‘āina for Hawai‘i and all lands, with the hope that by telling the stories of their people and their land, they encourage communities to engage with their own stories--to sit at the feet of their ancestors and empower their voices to be heard and woven into the aho (rope) that binds us all together.