The 66th recognition banquet on January 22, 2027 will honor Imaikalani Kalahele. For nearly half a century, Uncle ʻĪmaikalani Kalāhele, a musician, poet, artist, and activist from Nuʻuanu, Oʻahu, has stood as a pillar within various communities in Hawaiʻi, steadfast in his devotion and dedication to Kānaka ʻŌiwi creative expressions and the movement at large. Uncle ʻĪmai’s multidisciplinary practice references traditional stories and techniques to breathe new energy into contemporary forms and situations, which in turn become portals and passageways into Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Uncle ʻĪmai is a true Hawaiian patriot. He embodies the values of his people and sustains the cultural fabric of his communities. One of the most impactful elements of his creative connectivity in the Hawaiian community is its resonance across age, gender, medium and discipline. Uncle ‘Imai is a creative force–a steady beat of the pahu, a kahea, a call to our people, and communities. His creativity affirms our place, our ways in our ancestral lands.
Uncle ʻĪmai is a true Hawaiian patriot. He embodies the values of his people and sustains the cultural fabric of his communities. One of the most impactful elements of his creative connectivity in the Hawaiian community is its resonance across age, gender, medium and discipline. Uncle ‘Imai is a creative force–a steady beat of the pahu, a kahea, a call to our people, and communities. His creativity affirms our place, our ways in our ancestral lands.
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