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.

2019 “No Ānela Uʻilani He Inoa” by Zachary Lum. Recorded by Keauhou on Ua Kō, Ua ʻĀina (Keauhou)

2018 “Aloha Maunalua” by Nicholas Kealiʻi Lum. Recorded by Keauhou on I Ke Kō A Ke Ao (Keauhou)

2017  “Hanohano Haʻikū” by Zachary Lum. Recorded by Keauhou on Keauhou

2016  “He Wehi No Pauahi” by Kahikina De Silva and Chad Takatsugi. Recorded by Chad Takatsugi on Ahuwale (Koops2)

2015: Kealiʻi Reichel for “Kawaiokalena.” Recorded by Kealiʻi Reichel on Kawaiokalena (Punahele)

2014:  Puakea Nogelmeier for “Bumbye.” Recorded by Kūpaoa on Bumbye (Hulu Kupuna)

2013:  Kaiponohea Hale for “Kakaʻako, Kuʻu ʻAina Aloha.” Recorded by Kamehameha Schools on Hoʻōla Lāhui, Hoʻoūlu Pae ʻAina (Kaʻikwakiloumoku)

2012: Kalehua Krug for “Kuʻu Hoa Hiʻikua. Recorded by Hiʻikua on Aia i Hiʻialo (Hiʻikua)

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