“Ka Haku Mele” features 12 new compositions by Keali‘i Reichel (left), Kainani Kahaunaele, Cody Pueo Pata and Zachary Lum.

HONOLULU — Award-winning artists and composers Keali’i Reichel, Kainani Kahaunaele, Cody Pueo Pata and Zachary Lum present new music that highlights haku mele: Hawaiian language song composition.

The compilation album, “Ka Haku Mele,” features 12 new compositions aimed at demonstrating the unique attributes of this cultural practice.

Unlike traditional albums, each recording is accompanied by visual liner notes — a video in which each composer provides educational insight on the haku mele process.

Together with written lyrics and translations, “Ka Haku Mele” is an audiovisual exhibit that gestures toward a next step in the Hawaiian language revitalization movement: fluency in mele vernacular.

The visual liner notes will premiere at Kahuli Leo Le’a’s Facebook page and added to their website (kahulileolea.org) Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the month of September. The written lyrics and translations can be viewed at kahulileolea.org.

“Ka Haku Mele” is now streaming on all digital music platforms. Enjoy the entire project at kahulileolea.org.

This project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The compositions include:

“Nani Wale ‘o Pi’iholo” by Keali’i Reichel;

“‘A’oe Ho’olale a Koe Aku: Kahalu’u” by Zachary Lum;

“Kapua” by Cody Pueo Pata;

“Kuaokala” by Kainani Kahaunaele;

“Ipo Ka’upu” by Cody Pueo Pata;

“Lei Pahapaha” by Kainani Kahaunaele;

“Me ‘Oe Always Ku’u Aloha” by Zachary Lum;

“My Dahling” by Kainani Kahaunaele;

“He Mele Hua Inoa no Kuaola Kamaleiokauhale” by Zachary Lum;

“No ‘Umaleimakani” by Keali’i Reichel;

“Kahalaoweke” by Cody Pueo Pata;

“Ode to a House” by Keali’i Reichel.

“It may be easy to think that haku mele is just about combining Hawaiian words with a catchy tune, but there is much more to it.” said Lum. “The haku mele process encodes lots of information in a few words or references. Revitalizing this skill provides access to oral documents of the past, and more importantly, allows us to create oral documents for the future.”

Ka Haku Mele is a project of Kahuli Leo Le’a, a nonprofit organization that produces creative media to catalyze aloha ‘aina. This project is the latest in a series of “edu-tainment” programs presented by the organization, including albums, films and events like the annual May Day concert broadcast.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. It advances, supports and empowers America’s museums, libraries and related organizations through grant-making, research and policy development.

Its vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.