Maui, HI – Wiwo‘ole in native Hawaiian means ‘fearless, brave, bold, and courageous.’ In this historic occurrence of unprecedented and catastrophic loss, the unifying and healing power of mele (music) has summoned Maui’s celebrated recording artists and halau to gather for the Wiwo‘ole Maui Benefit Concert (Livestream) on Saturday, August 19, 2023 live-streamed from Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Wiwo‘ole #MauiStrong is dedicated to raising essential disaster relief funds urgently needed to support and sustain the victims of the August 8 Maui wildfires that affected communities across the island and devastated the historic town of Lahaina (traditionally known as Malu’ulu’olele).
Lahaina, originally a small fishing village, holds significance to Hawai‘i as it was chosen by King Kamehameha II, to be the revered royal capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1820-1845. Today, the Lahaina wildfire is now the deadliest in U.S. history in more than a century.
Wiwo‘ole Maui Benefit Concert (Livestream), presented by Grand Wailea, The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, KITV4 News, Pacific Media Group, and emceed by, Malika Dudley. will be live-streamed worldwide on August 19, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time on www.kaainamomona.org and across participating artists’ social media platforms.
Proceeds from Wiwo‘ole #MauiStrong will be stewarded through Native Hawaiian 501(c)(3) ‘Aina Momona at Wiwo‘ole Maui benefit concert and the Maui Strong Fund at The Hawai’i Community Foundation
Participating Artists include Grammy and Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winners:
Amy Hanaiali‘i, Cody Pueo Pata, Ekolu, Hoaka, Kalani pe‘a, Kanekoa, Kamaka Kukona, Kimie Miner, Kuikawa, Pi”ilani Arias, Raiatea Helm, Waiolohia, Halau o Ka Hanu Lehua- kumu hula Kamaka Kukona, Halau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi -na kumu hula ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes, Halau n lei kaumaka o uka- kumu hula Napua Silva, and more…