Music Tradition Continues: The Keawe Ohana

Growing up on Oahu, many of my childhood and teenage memories were spent traveling throughout Oahu to my maternal Grandmother’s different gigs. My Nanny as we affectionately called her was a Kumu Hula or teacher of Hawaii dance and her schedule was always busy. A normal day would consist of a full day of lessons at her Lusitana Street studio, followed by a quick shower and then a commute to one of the hotels in Waikiki. After that performance, often times we’d drive to Aloha Tower for another performance on one of the visiting cruise ships. I must note, I wasn’t a dancer or any type of entertainer, but a huge fan of my Nanny’s because her life was very fascinating and well, she was my best friend.

One of my early memories was a performance with Auntie Genoa Keawe at the Kuilima Hotel, today better known as the Turtle Bay Resort located on the North Shore of Oahu. It was the first time I met Auntie Genoa’s son, Kaleo (Eric) — in my young mind he was a Hawaiian god — Lono in the flesh.

In 1991, my Nanny passed away at a very young age, needless-to-say the loss changed my life. I was never really involved in the industry anymore or kept up with the events or performers. 17-years later, taking it as a divine nudge to attend, I saw an advertisement in a Maui newspaper that Auntie Genoa would be performing. Her singing was as keen and melodic as ever, and she was backed up by her granddaughter Pomaika’i and sons Gary and Eric.

My family and I with Auntie Genoa on Maui

Auntie Genoa passed away a short time later, and I am grateful to have listened to my heart to attend what would be one of her last performances.

The Keawe Ohana

The music tradition continues with Pomaika’i, Gary, Eric, Momi Kahawaiola’a and Alan Akaka performing as The Keawe Ohana. Keeping a rigorous schedule with performances at the Merrie Monarch to the Falsetto Contest in Redondo Beach, California; the group continues to play each Thursday, poolside at the Waikiki Beach Marriott from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Eric has invited all of the readers of Hawaii Traditions to their performance on Thursday, October 8, 2009. Consider this your gentle nudge to experience the music of one of Hawaii’s legendary families.

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