Waipuna is an exciting collaboration of three talented individuals from celebrated Hawaiian musical families: Kale Hannahs, Matthew Sproat and David Kamakahi. The trio brings a fresh and contemporary energy to Hawaiian classics and to the island sound, preserving tradition while moving it into the 21st century. Their eclectic musical backgrounds yet similar tastes in music have led to their unique sound that draws comparisons to their name, Waipuna, or spring water.
In a few short years, Waipuna has leaped to the forefront of Hawaiian contemporary music. Winner of 3 Na Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaii’s “Grammys”) Awards in 2012 – Group of the Year, Island Contemporary, and Single of the Year –they went on to win Single of the Year Award in 2013, 2 more Awards in 2014 for their 7-track EP Napili, and 1 in 2015 for E Mau Ke Aloha.
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
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.
