The first cohort of students from the island of Moloka‘i in the University of Hawai‘i Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music have released a compilation CD. Awaiāulu ‘Ia E Ke Aloha Nō Moloka‘i (Bound Together By Love For Moloka‘i) featuring nine recordings, seven of which are original compositions by the students.
The students will celebrate with a live concert from Hiro’s ‘Ohana Grill at the Hotel Moloka‘i. Because of COVID-19 protocols this event will NOT be open to the public, however, it will be broadcast live on Akakū and streamed live, starting at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 1.
“We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment by our Moloka‘i students. Their dedication and perseverance during trying times was incredible,” said Keola Donaghy, assistant professor of music and faculty coordinator for Institute of Hawaiian Music and music studies at UH Maui College. “We had to take our class online until it was safe to resume in-person classes, and once we did, we were able to complete the composition of their mele and recording of their release before their graduation.” The new Awaiāulu ‘Ia E Ke Aloha Nō Moloka‘i will be available for purchase online via Mele.com