Ho‘okena got started in 1986 and remains one of Hawaii’s longest-lasting Hawaiian Music group. Their most recent CD is Cool Elevation. Ho‘okena maintains high standards of vocal blend, clean instrumentations, intricate arrangements and fresh new compositions. Ho‘okena is respected in Hawaii and abroad as leaders in the Hawaiian music scene. “Ho‘okena is a very unique and diverse group” says group leader Manu Boyd. Each of us has a responsibility in running our Record Company and Label Ho‘omau Inc., which was created in 1987. In addition to our Music Company, we each maintain separate careers, which make our music time together fun, fresh and very therapeutic. Whether it’s playing for thousands of Hawaiian music lovers at a concert in Japan or the mainland, or just a rehearsal at someone’s house, playing music together is always rejuvenating.
Nani Dudoit, Horace’s lovely wife, graces Ho‘okena’s stage with incomparable hula. A long-time student of Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Kalama Heine’s “Na Pualei O Likolehua”. She has performed with the Brother’s Cazimero since the late 70’s and exclusively with Ho’okena since the beginning. The mother of three boys, Hula Stylist extraordinaire. Traveling extensively throughout the mainland as well as Far East to Japan, and not to mention the neighboring islands, sharing their love of music, dance and culture which is truly Hawaiian!
