Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett

Welcome to the homepage of Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, one of the most respected kumu hula (hula instructors), haku mele (song writers), performers, and advocates of Hawaiian language and culture for the past twenty five years.

Best known as kumu hula of Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa 'Olapa Kahiko, Kawaikapu is also a noted Hawaiian Cultural leader.

New Release: Kawaikapuokalani's latest release, "Ulu Kau", is now available. Check your favorite music store, or purchase online from the following retailers:

Mele.com
BuyHawaiianMusic.com
HawaiianMusic Store

More updates to follow...

At an early age he learned hula and healing arts from his maternal grandmother. He continued his studies in hula with Edith Kanaka'ole and Emma DeFries. His song writing and vocal talents were first expressed in 1983 with the release of his first album, Makalapua 'Oe. He has continued to write songs and chants, many of which have been recorded by other artists, and have earned him several coveted Na Hoku Hanohano awards for best original Hawaiian language compositions. Kawaikapu believes in the importance of language in perpetuating culture. He has been a vocal supporter of the continuation of the Hawaiian people through Hawaiian language in music and dance.

These beliefs were reflected in Kawaikapu's 1993 release, E Ho'omau Ka Ha O Ka Hawai'i. Ka ka o ka Hawai'i - the breath that came from the ancient gods and gave life to Hawai'i. The same breath that is reflected in the Hawaiian language. The same breath that imparts healing into one's soul.

While livinig on Maui, Kawaikapu collaborated extensively with the talented duo known as Hawaiian Heart. On Sweet Lahaina Nights Kawaikapu composed all of the mele, and they reflect his deep appreciation for the beauty of Maui and its people. Though a number of the compositions are in English, there is also a number of his signature Hawaiian language compositions represented.

Kawaikapu celebrated family and ancestors in his 1996 collaboration with his cousin Teresa Naniali'i Bright, Ka Pilina. Ka Pilina - the relationships that stem from the past. Our lineage. Kawaikapu provided the chants, and Teresa, herself a Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning vocalist, made her debut as a producer with this release.

Kawaikapu's joined in an exciting collaboration with Freddy Boy Paraz entitled Native Grooves. It features Kawaikapu's original songs with grooves by Freddy Boy.