It was a breathtaking moment in the historic Hawai'i Theatre as four incredible local groups converged on one stage. Holunape, Natalie Ai Kamau'u, Howard Ai and Kumz performed individually, and then united as one in an unprecedented Hawaiian music and hula celebration on Sunday, May 3. The concert was called Nāhoalike (the companions), and the theme carried throughout the show spreading a warm wave of aloha across the faces of the entertainers and into the audience.

Nāhoalike concert rocks Hawai'i Theatre

The music in and of itself was astonishing, but to top that, kumu hula Olana Ai and her Hālau Hula Olana graced the stage with her elegant style. The multi-talented Kumz, Michael Casupang and Karl Veto Baker, were impressive as they serenaded the audience from behind the piano. Howard Ai and his daughter Natalie Ai Kamau'u both have dynamic voices, and you could see Kamau'u's beauty inside and out in her live performance. Last but not least the award-winning Holunape thrilled the crowd when in their hana hou performance, Kama Hopkins & Kanai'a Nakamura danced to the kolohe "Tewe Tewe". Casupang and Baker ran onstage to join them followed by the men of Hālau I Ka Wēkiu and Howard Ai.

It was a night to remember. As Hopkins said before the show, "For the support our families, friends and everyone throughout Hawai'i has shown us, we wanted to give back and hopefully give them a show that they will never forget."

These friends all have recently released CDs. Click on the images for links to album track listings and sound samples: