Keali’i Reichel 

Robi Kahakalau

perform concerts for the 

New Hamakua Music Festival

When the Hamakua Music Festival was conceived back in 1994, the little town of Honoka’a on the windward side of Hawai’i Island had just suffered through the closing of the sugar industry. Losing its economic mainstay for the last hundred years depressed the mood of the town, as residents faced unemployment and an uncertain future. The Hamakua Music Festival (HMF) brought hope and uplifting music and helped raise spirits.

HMF staged its first concert at the Peoples Theatre in Honoka’a, built in 1930 by the Tanimoto family, who owned several theatres on the Big Island . The theatre operated until 1988, when deteriorating conditions caused its closure. Two years after it closed, the theater was acquired by Honoka’a family practitioner, Dr. Tawn Keeney, who has restored and renovated the 525-seat movie house, including new wiring, lighting, seating and a concession stand.

Over the years HMF presented such diverse artists as Kenny Loggins, Jesse Colin Young, Chuck Mangione, Rita Coolidge, Keb Mo , the Lanier Trio, even Janis Joplin’s band Big Brother and the Holding Company and Van Cliburn Gold Medal award winner Stanislav Ioudenitch. Along the way, HMF awarded scholarships to students all over the Big Island and funded a dedicated music teacher for Honoka’a and Paauilo Elementary Schools.

Then in 2007 things ground to a halt. Several key players in the nonprofit organization moved away. Exhaustion, frustration and the difficulties of running a nonprofit began to wear down festival organizers. The decision to shut HMF’s doors was not easy, but it was necessary at the time. Now the Hamakua Music Festival is back, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Once again it emerges during difficult economic times.

Two of Hawaiian music’s biggest names, Keali’i Reichel and “Sistah” Robi Kahakalau will perform in November concerts cosponsored by the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, the Big Island ’s classical music nonprofit that has been in existence since 2005.

Hoku Award winner “Sistah” Robi Kahakalau’s concert will be held on the luau grounds of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Friday, November 13 at 5:30 pm, with doors opening at 5:00. Robi’s backup band is the well known Hawaiian band Kau. There will be an open bar and snacks available for purchase. Audience members are encouraged to dine in one of the hotel’s restaurants either before or after the concert. VIP seats are $49 and general seating is $39.

Popular recording artist Keali’i Reichel will perform with his award winning 12-person halau at the Peoples Theatre in Honoka’a on Saturday, November 21 at 7:00 pm. Doors will open at 6:00 pm. Hamakua Youth Center will receive a donation from the proceeds of this concert. VIP seats are $60 and general seating is $40.

Both concerts are generously supported by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

With the support and involvement of volunteers, supporters and audiences, organizers hope that Hamakua Music Festival can continue to present name artists and further the cause of music education. Initial response from the Hamakua coast community has been enthusiastic.