2025 Makana Mele Fundraiser- December 12

Featuring Jerry Santos, Kamuela Kimokeo, and Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes & Halau Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘Eha‘E

Presented by the Heny Kapono Foundation, the 4th Makana Mele is a concert that helps to raise funds for the Henry Kapono Foundation Hawaiian Music Scholarship at Windward CC.

The annual Makana Mele Concert was a delightful night, marking the first-ever 100% sold-out show in the series and an unforgettable evening of Hawaiian music and hula in the true spirit of giving. This special event raised vital funds for the Henry Kapono Foundation Hawaiian Music Scholarship at Windward Community College, bringing the community together in celebration and support.

The concert featured the beautiful and powerful hula of Hālau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe, under the direction of Kumu Tracie and Keawe Lopes, alongside inspiring performances by Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Jerry Santos and Dr. Kamuela Kimokeo, Head of the WCC Music Program. The evening also included a special guest appearance by Henry Kapono, adding to the magic of an already memorable night.

Several Hawaiian Music Scholarship recipients appeared on stage, sharing their talents and personal journeys and joined Jerry Santos for his closing number Kuu Home O Kahaluu. Audience members gained meaningful insight into how the scholarship has supported their artistic growth, education, and connection to Hawai‘i’s music community.

All proceeds from Makana Mele directly support students in the Ka‘ohekani Hawaiian Music Cohort Program. Thanks to the generosity of supporters and scholarship partners, the program has raised over $250,000 in the past two years, strengthening opportunities for the next generation of Hawaiian musicians.

Makana Mele was truly an inspiring evening—one that celebrated excellence in Hawaiian music and hula while continuing a powerful legacy of education, mentorship, and aloha.