Holunape to headline largest Pacific Islands celebration in Southern Nevada
For the first time, Holunape, one of Hawaii’s premier music groups, will headline at this year’s Prince Kuhio Ho’olaule’a Festival in Henderson. The award-winning trio will perform at 12 p.m., both Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11 at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. Admission is complimentary.
“We’re proud and honored to be hosting Holunape,” said Tamar Hoapili, President of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club. “This Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning trio will be a great highlight to our annual event.”
Comprised of vocalist/bassist Kekoa Kaluhiwa, vocalist/guitarist Kanai’a Nakamura and vocalist/bassist Kama Hopkins, Holunape has been a fan favorite for 10 years. Their acoustic set paints the perfect picture of island life - peaceful, relaxing and true to the aloha spirit. The ensemble’s blend of timeless Hawaiian tunes from the ‘40s and ‘50s with original compositions, which highlight the contemporary sounds found in today’s music, as well as beautiful harmonies and witty humor, appeals to audiences of all generations.
Thousands of islanders, visitors and Hawaiian music connoisseurs have enjoyed Holunape’s unique shows. The group, which produced two award-winning albums, He ‘Olu in 2006 and Ahea? ‘Ano, released three years later, has performed concerts throughout Hawaii and Japan, as well as made special appearances at several Hawaiian-inspired festivals like May Day in downtown Las Vegas.
While in Henderson, Holunape will honor traditional and innovative Hawaiian music. The band will debut new music, as well as play their hits. In addition, they will perform several nostalgic standards and pay homage to several island legends, including “Hawaii’s Songbird” Lena Machado and Hawaiian Music Hall of Famer Johnny Almeida, by serenading the crowd with their unforgettable works.
Ho’olaule’a will celebrate its 21st anniversary this year. Touted as one of Southern Nevada’s largest Hawaiian and Pacific Islander celebrations, the event will be held Saturday, September 10 – Sunday, September 11, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily, and feature a mixture of musical performances, dance routines and island delicacies. Additionally, the festival will include a Healthy Living Pavilion and Na Mea Village, where natives and islanders-at-heart will have a chance to learn how to make crafts such as a haku lei, ribbon leis, kukui nut keychains, lei hulu and kapa stamping. Admission is complimentary.
For more information, visit HendersonLive.com or call the Cultural Arts & Tourism Department at (702) 267-2171. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For full telephone, use Relay Nevada by dialing 7-1-1.
About the City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism
The City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism is dedicated to creating and promoting innovative events, entertainment, programming and venues that celebrate diverse cultural arts, enhance tourism, involve and serve the community and enrich the economic and cultural fabric of Henderson.
The Henderson Pavilion, Henderson Convention Center and Henderson Events Plaza are all managed by the Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism.
For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please contact us directly at (702) 267-2171. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.