HOME HOʻOHENO, KUʻU PUʻUHONUA

MY BELOVED HOME, MY PLACE OF REFUGE

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These six original compositions were created for my play, Glitter in the Paʻakai, produced at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in February 2024. Developed through the Hana Keaka Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Theatre) program under the direction of Kumu Hailiʻōpua Baker, these mele were born from memory, ʻohana and home.

 

The collection opens with an Oli Pule, a prayer chant rooted in scripture. It is a call and reminder to be wiwoʻole, to lead with aloha, and to seek naʻauao. Then the EP journeys geographically through Kona Hema, beginning in Nāpoʻopoʻo, moving through Keʻei, Hōnaunau, and Hoʻokena, before ascending to Mauna Loa, the great mountain upon which all of these places rest. Each mele serves as both tribute and testimony, honoring the beauty, complexity, and deep aloha for these beloved places and the people who continue to give them life. 
 

Mahalo nui to my parents, Walter and Kuʻuipo Tavares, who are my biggest supporters and inspiration. Mahalo Ikaika Mendez and Taisamasama Kaiminaauao-Eteuati for all the kākoʻo in refining, arranging and composing these songs. Mahalo to Zachary Lum and Michael Grande for helping bring these mele to life in this way, my first time releasing original music.

 

Mahalo e ke Akua, nā kūpuna, nā kumu, nā hoa, a me ka ʻohana for the endless love, ʻike, and kākoʻo.

 

These songs are a huakaʻi, a journey through South Kona, the place that I call home and the place that raised me. I hope you enjoy the ride.

 

Eō Kona Hema!

 

MAU LOA KE ALOHA, KE ALOHA PAUʻOLE

THIS LOVE OF MINE IS UNCONDITIONAL, IT KNOWS NO BOUNDS