Ekolu - Back To The Valley, Reggae Music and Hawaiian Music.

"Ekolu...the trinity of Maui music.
From their humble beginnings, they have been loved and enjoyed
by the keiki's to kupuna's of the world. Their smooth voices, song
selection and presentation reveal a true understanding
of the island life. Maui is proud of you, Imua Ekolu."

Alaka'i Paleka- KPOA Program Director

Lukela Keala was born on September 9, 1978 on the island of Maui. He was raised in Wailuku with his Father, Samuel Keala and Mother, Dawn Napua Keala along with his 3 sisters, Erinell, Kelly Ann, and Fini. Lukela was always raised around music. He remembers going to his grandma’s house every weekend to watch his auntie’s and uncle’s sing and play music. He would often ask questions about playing the ukulele, but never got into it until later year’s. Lukela's sincere interest of music came about at the age of 14. He was in the 8th grade, attending Iao Intermediate School, where he was placed in a music class. Not really knowing how to sing or play the ukulele, he often hung around the crowd that could. One thing led to another and that’s when the life of music began. Lukela was always very shy to sing around people, but you could often catch him cutting class singing in the hallways and stairways. He also learned how to play slack key guitar from his uncle, Kevin Brown who was the Slack Key/ Ukulele teacher at Baldwin. In Lukela’s free time he enjoys writing music and spending quality time with his family. Although his mom is a missing part of his life, he never forgets how much of an inspiration she was to him. Lukela’s favorite group is a reggae band called ASWAD. There style of music grew on Lukela from a young age. Another interest he has is those “Oldies but Goodies.” Lukela never forgets how great God has been to him. On every CD that he has completed you will find a church song on it. This is his way of expressing how thankful he is of the blessings that only GOD can give. Through all the success that has come his way, he takes no credit for the talent God has blessed him with, but in return gives God all the glory.

Shane “Akoni” Dellomes was born on November 22, 1977 in Harbor city, LA. However, he was raised on the island of Maui. He attended Lihikai Elementary from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Shane came from a musical background family that played numerous instruments. Shane’s father played keyboards and the flute in a live band in LA, California. His father also was a well-known vocalist too. Shane used to sleep under his fathers keyboards while playing at night clubs. His first instrument he learned was the ukulele back in 8th grade. His sister taught him about the scales on the ukulele. When he reached his high school years, he then took interest in playing the guitar. His mother always listened to her 70’s style of music and that’s where Akoni took great interest in music. His first song that he learned was by Metallica, “Nothing Else Matters.” In his mid-high school years, he learned how to play slack key guitar from Uncle Kevin Brown. Akoni now plays as a full time musician at the Old Lahaina Luau playing the upright bass. He works Monday-Friday and on the weekends he plays with the group Ekolu. His job works out perfectly for his schedule because he is one guy who loves not only music, but enjoys SURFING. On Akoni’s free time, he enjoys surfing with all his friends. He also enjoys writing and arranging the style of music that they love to do. Akoni would like to give all praises to God for his blessing that he bestowed upon him. He humbly thanks God for giving him the opportunity to share his music with these talented musicians of Ekolu.

Makapu Ho'opii was born on August 13th 1977 in Honolulu, Oahu. He was raised in Papakolea with his parents Martha and Bobby, along with his four brothers Daryl, Smokey, Darren and Hana. It was at a very young age that Makapu seemed to take interest in music. Makapu’s dad would always play his ukulele around the house, so as Makapu got older he learned more about the ukulele. Encouraged by his father a few years later, he soon moved on to playing bass. It was then that Makapu realized his love for music. At the age of 12, Makapu and his family moved to the island of Maui and he attended Iao Intermediate. Other then music, Makapu is a very hard worker and works full time as a fabricator for Truss Systems Hawaii. He has been with this company for over 7 years and works Monday thru Friday. On the weekends he enjoys playing music with Ekolu and diving. When the band goes out camping, everyone looks forward to what Makapu’s gonna catch for lunch. Makapu is known to be the clown in the group, but when he’s on stage he’s nothing but serious and you can always expect him to be hyped.

Listen to Ekolu Free Click Here Now!