Nā Hōkū Hanohano Haku Mele Award

This award is given to a composer or composers for “best achievement in creating a new song or chant primarily in the Hawaiian language.” Unlike most of the awards which are determined by voting members of the Academy, this award is adjudicated by a special judging panel of Hawaiian-language experts.

2011: Kainani Kahaunaele for “‘Ohai ‘Ula.” Recorded by Kainanai Kahaunaele on ‘Ohai ‘Ula
2010:  Manu Boyd for “Hanohano Helumoa.” Recorded by Ho‘okena on Nani Mau Loa–Everlasting Beauty
2009:  Joseph Brian Badis and Kellen Paik for “Uluwehikalunaoka‘ala.” Recorded by Kūpaoa on Pili o Ke Ao
2008:   Cody Pueo Pata for “Miliopua.” Recorded by Cody Pueo Pata on He Aloha . . .
2007:  Pekelo Cosma and Ileialoha Beniamina for “Ni‘ihau.” Recorded by Pekelo on Hana by the Sea
2006:  Kīhei de Silva for “Ehuehu Mae Nei ‘o Mānoa.” Recorded by Aaron Sālā on Ka ‘Upu Aloha
2005:  Kimo Alama Keaulana for “Kinoiki Kekaulike.” Recorded by Kimo Alama Keaulana and Lei Hulu on Hula Lives!
2004:  Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole for “Mele Ha‘i Kupuna.” Recorded by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole on Ha‘i Kupuna
2003:  Julian Ako for “Pili Kapekepeke.” Recorded by Nā Palapalai on Makani ‘Olu‘olu
2002:  Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett for “Aloha Ku“u Home A I Ke Aloha.” Recorded by Sean Na‘auao on Holomua
2001:  Julian Ako for “Mapu Mau Ke ‘Ala.” Recorded by ‘Ale‘a on Take Me Home
2000: Lee Ann Anuenue Punua for “Pua ‘A‘ali‘i.” Recorded by Ho‘okena on Ho‘okena 5
1999:  Nālani Kanaka‘ole and Pualani Kanahele for “E ō mai ‘o Ka‘uku.” Recorded by Hālau o Kekuhi on Uwōlani
1998:  Puakea Nogelmeier for “Nematoda.” Recorded by Keali‘i Reichel on E O Mai
1997:   Kīhei de Silva for “Līhau.” Recorded by Moe Keale on Imagine
1996:  Keali‘i Reichel for “Ku‘u Pua Mae ‘Ole.” Recorded by Keali‘i Reichel on Lei Hali‘a
1995:  Louis Kauakahi and William Panui for “Ke Alaula.” Recorded by The Makaha Sons on Ke Alaula
1994:  Ku‘uipo and Samuel Kumukahi for “‘O Wai Kulumea.” Recorded by Ku‘uipo Kumukahi on Nā Hiwa Kupuna o Ku‘u One Hānau
1993:   Jean Ileialoha Beniamina for “Pua ‘Ala Aumoe.” Recorded by Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau on Ho‘oluana
1992:  Haunani Apoliona for “E Mau Ana Ka Ha‘aheo.” Recorded by Olomana on E Mau Ana Ka Ha‘aheo
1991:  Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett for “Poli‘ahu.” Recorded by Teresa Bright on Self Portrait
1990:  Diana Aki for “Mana‘o Pili.” Recorded by Diana Aki on Moments With You
1989:  Larry Lindsey Kimura for “Tou Hei Ahiahi.” Recorded by The Peter Moon Band on Guitar Man
1988:   Haunani Apoliona for “Kukui‘ohiwai.” Recorded by Haunani Apoliona on Nā Lei Hulu Makua, Nā Wahine Hawai‘i
1987: Jean Ileialoha Beniamina for “Ho‘ola Lāhui Hawai‘i.” Recorded by Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau on Ho‘ola
1986: Irmgard Aluli and Lokomaika‘i Snakenberg for “E Pili Mai ‘Oe Ia‘u.” Recorded by Nālani Olds Napoleon and Leo Anderson Akana on Women of the Throne
1985:  Haunani Apoliona for “Alu Like.” Recorded by Haunani Apoliona on Nā Lei Hulu Makua, Nā Wahine Hawai‘i
1984:  Manu Boyd for “Ka Hanu Pua Mokihana.” Recorded by The Brothers Cazimero on Proud Family
1983:  Larry Lindsey Kimura and Peter Moon for “E Pili Mai.” Recorded by The Peter Moon Band on Cane Fire
1982:  Emma DeFries for “E Ku‘u Sweet Lei Poina ‘Ole.” Recorded by Olomana on Come to Me Gently
1981:  Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett for “Ka Wai Lehua ‘A‘ala Ka Honua.” Recorded by The Brothers Cazimero on Waikīkī My Castle By The Sea