Maui’s premier wahine Hawaiian music band to play free concert

The band includes (from left) Liz Morales, Marja Lehua Apisaloma and Reiko Fukino.
LAHAINA – Ahumanu, widely recognized as Maui’s premier wahine (female) Hawaiian music band, will perform at Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s free monthly Hawaiian Music Series concert on Thursday, March 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in front of the Baldwin Home Museum at the corner of Dickenson and Front streets in Lahaina.
In 2015, the duo known as Ahumanu regrouped and transformed into a full band, featuring talented musicians Liz Morales, Marja Lehua Apisaloma and Reiko Fukino, along with hula dancer Mapuana Samonte-Nowak.
Multi-instrumentalist Morales, who co-founded Ahumanu with Joni DeMello (now semi-retired), has recorded two Ahumanu albums: “The Gathering” and “No Ku’uipo,” which were nominated for Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2007 and 2012.
Apisaloma, also a recording artist and a former singer with the group Reality, performs on ukulele and guitar, adding a contemporary feel to the band’s island music.
Veteran solo artist Fukino is a versatile singer-guitarist who has added the electric ukulele bass to her repertoire. All three women combine beautiful melodies and harmonies in the Ahumanu sound, which is enhanced by the graceful hula of Samonte-Nowak.
Limited seating is provided; blankets, mats and low beach chairs are welcome. Call 661-3262 for information.