Nā‘ālehu Theatre provides free music instruction and mentorships to elementary school students who wouldn’t otherwise have access to lessons. Students in our programs receive weekly instruction from Hawaiian music masters in ‘ukulele, steel guitar, slack-key guitar, and vocals.
The program initiated by George Lanakilakeikiahiali‘i Na‘ope, began in 1995 at the historic theatre in Nā‘ālehu . Ka‘u as a way to bring music instruction to at-risk youth in this remote, isolated community. It has grown significantly since, and has impacted more than 5,000 of Hawai‘i’s youth on every island.
Students in our programs have an opportunity to share their hard work with their families and community at community performances and school hōʻike and at our annual Gabby Pahinui Waimānalo Kanikapila. At these performances, students play along-side master instructors and other well-known professional Hawaiian musicians.
Nā‘ālehu Theatre provides in-school concerts and performances for students at no charge throughout the year.
Our program also provides after school and summer music workshops for youth and their families in rural communities taught by award-winning instructors.