KUmZ
KUmZ is the musical group name for Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lānakila Casupang. The name stems from a modern slang term for “Kumu,” which their students used to address them. KUmZ has released seven CDs, primarily featuring original songs inspired by their travels with Hālau I Ka Wēkiu. These songs serve as diaries of specific times and places, deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition. The group has traveled extensively and was named Group of the Year at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
KUmZ
KUmZ is the musical group name for Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lānakila Casupang. The name stems from a modern slang term for “Kumu,” which their students used to address them. KUmZ has released seven CDs, primarily featuring original songs inspired by their travels with Hālau I Ka Wēkiu. These songs serve as diaries of specific times and places, deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition. The group has traveled extensively and was named Group of the Year at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
Ikaika Blackburn
Hailing from Maui, Ikaika Blackburn is a member of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group Nā Hoa. He is particularly renowned for his solo performances, where his nahenahe tenor register truly shines. A graduate and former football player for UH Mānoa, Ikaika also serves as a captain for the Maui County Fire Department. We are delighted to have him performing in Waikīkī.
Natalie Ai Kamauu & Iolani Kamauu
Natalie Ai Kamauu from Waimea, Hawaii is a celebrated Hawaiian musician, songwriter, and kumu hula raised in the hula family of Olana and Howard Ai. A former Miss Aloha Hula, she has won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, and is a Grammy nominee. Her husband, Iolani Kamauu, accompanies her with exceptional guitar virtuosity. Together, they bring the best of Hawaiʻi to the stage.
Mālie Lyman
Mālie Lyman is a young entertainer from Pāpākōlea, Oʻahu, who comes from a distinguished musical ʻohana. She is the daughter of Pōmaikaʻi Keawe Fatongia and the great-granddaughter of the legendary Genoa Keawe. Known for her pure vocals, Mālie will be performing on both the steel guitar and ʻukulele. She is a rising talent in the Hawaiian music scene.
Hālau I Ka Wēkiu
Hālau I Ka Wēkiu was established in March 1998 by Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lānakila Casupang. Both graduated through ʻuniki rites in August 1995 under Lōea Robert Uluwehi Cazimero after decades of study. Based in Pauoa, Oʻahu, the hālau is dedicated to honoring the practitioners who came before them. The group has performed globally and has twice been named the overall winner at the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival.