Pōmaika'i Keawe

What did YOU get for Mother's Day?

We are devastated to share that Legend Tilton, a 5th grade haumāna at Pauoa Elementary School and student of our kumu Papa Joe, has passed away.

Legend was part of a generation of young haumāna being guided by Papa Joe, who aspired to be a musician when he grew up. In this video, he was featured singing “Cool Down” by Kolohe Kai Official Page .

He will be remembered through the friendships he built, the joy he carried, and the time he shared with those around him.

In this moment, we stand in deep aloha with his ʻohana, his classmates, and our entire Mana Mele community as we carry this grief together.

The loss of this beloved haumāna, alongside the condition of his Kumu Papa Joe in such a short span of time, is something we are all holding and moving through as one.

We invite you to join us in sending your p**e and aloha to Legendʻs ʻohana. If you have memories, words, or manaʻo you’d like to share, we welcome you to do so here.

Rest in aloha, Legend.

This was good fun to film! Love my Mana Maoli ohana ❤️
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Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is the perfect time to celebrate the mele that continues to carry our language forward.

At a recent Mana Mele Kumu Professional Development session, our kumu took a joyful approach to a beloved classic. Here’s Lead Program Instructor Pōmaika'i Keawe , Kumuʻs Naki, and J bringing their own energy and fun to Nā Hoe Waʻa, filmed on location during the gathering.

Composed by Mary Kawena Pukui, Nā Hoe Waʻa is a well known educational mele that uplifts the image of canoe paddlers moving in rhythm and purpose. The song highlights values of laulima, leadership, and forward momentum, reminding us that progress happens when we paddle together with intention.

We love seeing our Mana Mele kumu embody that spirit through play, music, and shared learning. During Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and beyond, these moments help strengthen both language and community in our classrooms.

Mahalo to our kumu for always showing up with ʻike, heart, and a little bit of fun along the way.

E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!

Hoʻomaikaʻi to my beautiful daughter Malie Lyman !
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from Mana Maoli

Yesterday we paid tribute to the Queen of Hawaiian falsetto, Aunty Genoa Keawe. Today we feature her great granddaughter, Mana Maoli Kupu Collective artist Malie Lyman!

Like her mother Pōmaika'i Keawe, Mālie continues the legacy of her Tūtū nui with her amazing falsetto voice that is sure to take your breath away. Mālie has been a part of our programs since elementary school, became our 1st audio engineering intern in high school, and continues to be a mana-full presence at Kupu Collective performances and kanipila, along with wearing her audio engineering hat at various events and film shoots.

Please check out her FIRST single release, “Wasting Time,” which dropped on all streaming platforms yesterday! She is a talent you do not want to miss.

Also, stay tuned on Monday, when weʻll be sharing details of an exciting event on 11/8 that will feature Mālie and some of our Mana Maoli Youth Collective artists!

Mana Maoli is HIRING! If you feel like you're a good fit or know someone that might, see details below and apply here!
https://manamaoli.org/job-openings/
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Tag ʻohana & friends to receive a digital gift pack, potentially get $100, and more importantly, connect them to a potentially life changing opportunity - to earn income working behind the scenes supporting the next generation of musical & digital storytellers!

As you listen to kumu Kaʻohu, Kawaiola, Nakana and Pono share why they chose to join the team, and haumana Maviri, Penina, and Kalea, share why they love their Mana Mele classes and kumu, read on for details - and mahalo for tagging those who may be a fit, or be down to help spread the word!

Mana Maoli is hiring!

Hui Hoʻokō (Executive Team) - this is an interim position available due to 2 team members on sabbatical and bereavement leave, with long-term potential, pending performance and available funding.
* Focusing on Events Coordination and/or Exec team duties
* For Exec team duties, pending your level of relevant experience, youʻd apply as Hope Poʻo (Assistant Director), Hope Hanana (Senior Executive Asst), or Kākoʻo Hoʻokō (Executive Asst)

Hui Hoʻoulu Kumupaʻa (Resource Development Team) - Alakaʻi or Kākoʻo (Director or Assistant)
* Grant proposals and reports, donor development, and working with Finance Director on budgeting and HR tasks as needed
* Alakaʻi position would take lead in the above duties, Kākoʻo position would assist

Click the link in our bio/comments for more details on kuleana, minimum and preferred qualifications, and how to apply.

Mahalo for sharing and tagging ʻohana & friends who would be a great fit for these positions, or apply yourself if you feel you are a fit!
If you tag at least 2 people, weʻll send you a digital gift pack of music & videos. If any of those you tag are hired, as a mahalo weʻll send you $100 via venmo, paypal or digital gift card.

E pūpūkahi i holomua kākou!