2 Kanikapilas

We learned today that in Hawaii, a musical jam session is called a kanikapila. We attended two, one of which we've been planning to attend ever since we learned about it almost a week ago. The second one we happened upon by chance, or luck.

First thing this morning, we went to the assigned place, which we were told about when we visited Brian last week in his music store, Kiernan's Music in Kailaniu. It was a little restaurant near Kailua-Kona called Akule. This is on Ali'i Street, where many resorts in Kailua-Kona are located. It is at the end of the road, like so many places we seem to visit around here. We found a friendly group of about 30 folks. Here is a photo...we especially enjoyed seeing one of the men (Andy?) perform a hula to the second-to-the last song we sang. Most everyone had all their music on their iPads.

We learned about some other kanikapilas that occur in different places near and far, each with its own time during the week.

After we left, we decided to check out the location of a kanikapila we wish to attend next Monday. It is in a Park called Koloko-Honokohau National Park, not too far from the airport north of Kailua-Kona.

It was a bit difficult to find at first, mainly because road work is being conducted right where you need to turn in, and is easy to miss. So, after making a U-turn or two, we finally drove into the correct place with a visitor center, and lo and behold, a group of people were sitting there playing ukuleles and singing. Turns out it was the holiday party for a regular Thursday-noon group who won't be meeting the next couple of weeks. So, we not only got to play an entirely different set of songs - this time mostly Hawaiian songs, we also got to purchase the Mele Hawaiian songbook everyone around here seems to refer to, and we got to meet some more really nice folks.

Rance Pinao was leading this group, and he will be leading the one on Monday, too. One neat thing Ron and I are both looking forward to is the lesson we will get from Rance on Monday.

We were given a big plate of food at the latter kanikapila that some of the park employees had made and insisted that we take with us. It was all local food, like ham, Japanese rice, breaded, deep-fried fish, and some interesting desserts.

Afterwards, we took a short walk in the park to learn a bit more about local history and culture. We might take a hike on the Mamalahoa Trail Monday before the kanikapila.

Ron tries out the Mamalahoa trail. Definitely requires sunscreen and a hat!

We were invited to a small-group kanikapila tomorrow at someone's house - someone we met this morning. It is fun to be able to share music with people, and it is a great way to meet new folks.