Kani Maiau: Haku Mele Fundamentals

This first plenary session of Mele Conference 2026 features a fundamental discussion around the significance of mele as a cultural practice – from discussions on the unique attributes, procedures, and values of haku mele (mele composition) to
the importance of ...

Kani Kuamauna: Composing Place

“Kani Kuamauna: Composing Place” features mele practitioners who utilize mele to interact with – ceremonialize, sanctify, honor, transform – a sense of place. Throughout the conversation, each panelist will reference a composition of their own, demonstrating their ...

Kani Kō: Competitive Hula and Mele

As an extension of the Mele Conference 2025 panel, “I Leʻa i ka Hoʻopaʻa: Reflections of a Hula Musician,” “Kani Kō: Competitive Hula and Mele” features the reflections of kumu hula who often engage in the competitive realm of hula and mele. Moderated from the ...

Kani Pono: Hula and Mele Economies

“Kani Pono: Hula and Mele Economies” focuses on a few economies through which mele and hula practitioners find economic value and sustainability. Discussing economic opportunities in Hawaiʻi, considering mele and hula's popularity in Japan, and utilizing resour...

Kani Nahe: Haku Mele Competition

This final plenary session, “Kani Nahe: Haku Mele Competition,” features the performances and adjudication of the four finalists of the 2026 haku mele competition. Selected from 20 entrants, competitors presented and performed their
mele for the adjudicators to p...

Hakukole

Offered by renowned mele practitioner and kumu hula, Kealiʻi Reichel, this session explores
a specific genre of mele, “hakukole,” which Pukui and Elbert define as “to defame, ridicule, as
in figurative language and chant; defamer.”

Mele and the Law: Exploring Contracts & Intellectual Property

How can we yield the law to uplift our cultural practices? How can contracts become a site for cultural advocacy? How do we steward ʻike and does it align with western notions of intellectual property? Join Native Hawaiian attorneys, ...

Haku Mele with Kumu Hula Kimo Keaulana

This session features renowned haku mele and kumu hula, Kimo Alama Keaulana, as he shares original compositions and his process in composing these mele.

Innovation: How Far?

This session is dedicated to the notion of innovation in the practice of mele Hawaiʻi. Panelists share their experiences on their innovative practices and the values that shape the parameters of their creativity. Throughout the conversation, each panelist reference a composi...

ʻEhuehu Mai Nei ʻo Mānoa

This session features renowned haku mele and scholar, Kīhei de Silva, as he shares his original composition, ʻEhuʻehu Mai Nei ʻo Mānoa, and his process in composing this mele.

Mele Aʻo: Developing Mele Curriculum

This session is aimed at educators who wish to develop mele-based curriculum for the classroom and beyond. Panelists will reflect upon their experiences in developing mele-based curriculum to provide possible next steps for those who wish to pursue this uniqu...

Mele Pū: Still Singing Together

This session features Robert Cazimero, Kaipo Hale, and Kuana Torres Kahele as they share songs that have strengthened their friendship over the years. In doing so, panelists touch on the connective power of mele, its performance, and the moments in between.