June Livestream Kanikapila Will Feature the Keawe ‘Ohana

May 27, 2021 • Addison Ching • Festivals and Conventions

The Keawe ‘Ohana, family members and descendants of Hawaiian Music legend Genoa Keawe, will be the featured musicians and performers for the June Livestream Kanikapila feature of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase. The Livestream will be held on June 12, 2021, beginning at 3 PM HST to honor and celebrate Kamehameha Day.

Gary Aiko, Pomaika‘i Keawe Lyman, Momi Bee Kahawaiola‘a, and Alan Akaka

Original Keawe ‘Ohana members Gary Aiko, Pomaika‘i Keawe Lyman, Momi Bee Kahawaiola‘a, and Alan Akaka will be joined by Eric Keawe, Mālie Lyman, Ocean Kaowili, Bobby Ingano, and Greg Sardinha.

The Keawe ‘Ohana have not performed on a regular basis since their departure from the Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort and Spa in 2016 (see Steel Trappings article). Gary Aiko has been notably absent from the Hawaiian music scene since that time, while the other members of the ‘Ohana – Pomaika‘i Keawe Lyman, Momi Bee Kahawaiola‘a, and Alan Akaka, have continued to perform individually at various venues and events.

The two-hour event will undoubtedly feature many of Aunty Genoa's trademark songs and vocalizations by Gary and Pomaika‘i. However, kanikapila requrests can be submitted to mele@hawaiiansteelguitarshowcase.com for consideration.

Aunty Momi got her start in music when she and her sisters recorded the Hukilau Song in 1950 and was the recipient of the Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Page recently paid tribute to Aunty Momi.

Gary Aiko was a finalist for several Hoku awards in 2013 with his CD release Poina ‘Ole ‘Ia, and Alan Akaka's Simply Steel CD was nominated for a Hoku in 2011. Pomaika‘i started singing in 1986 and soon thereafter realized that her calling was to following her grandmother's footsteps.

Besides Aunty Momi, three generations of the Keawes will participate in the kanikapila. Aunty Genoa's sons Gary and Eric will be joined by Eric's daughter Pomaika‘i and granddaughter Mālie.