Waipuna

Waipuna is an exciting collaboration of three talented individuals, all from celebrated Hawaiian musical families: David Kamakahi on ‘ukulele, Kale Hannahs on bass, and Matthew Sproat on guitar, with all three contributing vocals that blend in gorgeous harmonies.  Winners of eight Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards (the Hawaiian “Grammys”), the Waipuna musicians combine powerful musicianship, beautiful harmonies, and a passion for the music of their island home, with an upbeat delivery that makes them so popular. The Trio energizes long-standing musical traditions while building new ones. At the forefront of Hawaiian contemporary music,  David, Kale, and Matthew are superb musicians with a sense of fun, mixing Hawaiian classics and original songs in a style all of their own. 

Like the freshwater mountain springs for which the group is named, Waipuna's music rejuvenates and delights.

Dancers will join Waipuna for this festive season opener. Ripon Arts League welcomes special guest artists, Hālau Nā Wai Ola, under the direction of kumu hula Kauʻi Kahaku.

About the Artists Kale Hannahs is a veteran of the music scene, earning a reputation as a steady bass player and vocalist. His major in Hawaiian Studies finds voice in his songs. He has played and recorded with many of Hawai'i's talented musicians and was a founding member of the award winning group 'Ale'a.

Matthew Kawaiola Sproat was born and raised on O‘ahu, but is from the famous Sproat family from the Big Island. In 2003 Matt won the Big Island falsetto competition, and has both studied and performed with some of the best musicians in Hawaii.

David Kamakahi, whose renowned father Dennis Kamakahi was one of Hawaii’s most prolific songwriters, started playing ‘ukulele at the age of 15, studying the greats, such as ukulele master and mentor Eddie Kamae. His clear natural talent shines through in his exceptionally clean technique and exhilarating playing.

Kau`i isa-kahaku began learning hula with her mother, and was sent to formal hula training at the age of six. First a soloist, and then a choreographer, she performed in a Polynesian revue throughout Hawaiʻi, California and Nevada in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Today, she is the kumu hula (hula master) of Hālau Nā Wai Ola, an award winning hula halau (school/performance group).

She is also a founder of The ʻŌpio of Nā Wai Ola, a charitable service organization that provides opportunities for hula practitioners to share their talents.

Halau Na Wai Ola under the direction of Kau`i Isa-Kahaku has brought Hawaiian culture and dance to audiences for more than a decade. Based in San Jose’s Japantown, the halau participates in several competitions, festivals and community events throughout the year and has traveled as far as Italy to perform.