Keawala‘i Music Ministry



Keawalai Church Sunday School


Stay tuned for upcoming music events!

Mahalo Mark Hayes!
Nā Mele O Ka ʻEkalesia


Mahalo to all who attended the weekend music retreat with Mark Hayes, January 24-26, 2020. A special word of thanks to the members of the Music Ministry Team and the Choir Committee including Kahu Danette Kong, Ellen Caringer, Cameron Keys, Cindee Burkitt, Laurie Chang, Elizabeth Current, Kathy Smith, Laurie Tanner and Keiko Vennard for their planning and preparation.

Mahalo also to Fran ʻAʻarona, Jimmy ʻAʻarona, Anita George, and Nick George for hosting all of the meals and to Andrea Yepez and Kate Acks who served as registrars. We also want to thank the Hoke ʻohana of Waiohuli for helping with the food preparations including Jennifer, Phoebe, Hezekiah and Norma Jean.

We are grateful to Mark Hayes for being our kumu, our teacher. We were able to welcome Mark and his spouse Mike Irwin back to Mākena. They were married here at Keawala’i on November 10, 2016.


Mahalo Daniel Rodriguez!
Americaʻs Beloved Tenor


Daniel Rodriguez returned to Maui to sing on Saturday, February 15, 2020 in honor of the retirement of Kahu Kealahou Alika. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Now a retired police officer, he helped bring the country an uplifting spirit of promise and hope with his stirring rendition of “God Bless America” after the 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack and the attack in Washington D.C. and the plane crash in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

He was driving to work on September 11th when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. He arrived at the site as a first responder and witnessed the destruction of both towers. At “Prayer for America” in Yankee Stadium, his inspirational voice gave hope and strength to a grieving nation.

Now known as “America’s Beloved Tenor,” he continues to uplift and inspire in performances for his chosen charities at high profile events and concerts all around the world. Mahalo, Daniel for sharing your time and music with us.


Music is vital


Music continues to be one of the vital ministries of the church. During the months of May and June several friends and guests were welcomed as musicians and singers. On Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019 Ella and Emma Cosmo of Hana shared their music upon the invitation of Auntie Laurie Chang of Mākena.


On Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2019 words of welcome were extended to Dr. Calvin Wood of Livermore, California as a guest pianist. Dr. Wood provided the music for the Prelude.




Words of welcome were also extended to Dr. Ilse-Marie Lee of Bozeman, Montana on that day as a guest organist. Joining her on the return to their “home” in Kīhei were husband and daughter - Denny and Elizabeth. Dr. Lee also shared her music on Trinity Sunday, June 16, 2019.



In addition to special guests, the ʻUkulele/Guitar Clan continues to share their music from time to time. Ensemble members include Carmen Amadio, Cindee Burkitt, Taka Harada, Cameron Keys, Danette Kong and Joan Terhorst.


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