Māealani Leon Guerrero - Kulaiwi - Mana Mele Showcase 2024

MELE HAWAI‘I | OPEN DIVISION | KAIKAINA (8th gr & under)
BRING OUT THE TISSUES 😭 Here’s 1 last hana hou - worth watching thru the end! In honor of wrapping up this year’s Mana Mele Showcase, we end how we began - with 1 of our favorite moments with 4-year-old Māealani and her dad, ʻEkolu! 🌟
When asked why she chose this song, Māealaniʻs simple (yet simply profound) response was “ ‘O Hawai‘i Ku‘u Kulāiwi!”
This father-daughter rendition of 'Kulāiwi' isn't just a song - it's a touching exchange that showcases the profound intergenerational connection at the heart of Hawaiian culture. Further, the lyrics, composed by Larry Kimura, are very relevant, and empowering, through today. Sing along, and in case you miss your cues, Māealani’s got your back! 😄
ʻEkolu has been a #ManaMele kumu for 10 years now, so it’s a full circle moment to witness he and Māealani gracing us with this harmonious duet. Māealani was exposed to Mele Hawai’i ever since she was in her mākuahine @estonia_kay womb, and she is now a haumāna of @punanaleoowaialua - Eō!
It has been an honor to witness all of the amazing submissions from across our paeʻāina and around the world. Mahalo for joining us in celebrating the heart and talent of the keiki, ʻōpio and Makua who showcased their passion! Join us next year to keep it going! 💙
#OleloHawaii #MeleHawaii #ManaKeiki #ManaMeleShowcase #ManaMaoli