The Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas, a captivating experience that intertwines projected animation, evocative music, storytelling and hula, will kick off Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra’s (HSO) on June 30.
In a collaboration led by the (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant), this free, one-hour performance features HSO performing ocean-themed original compositions by celebrated local composers Michael-Thomas Foumai, Herb Mahelona, Logyn Okuda, Justin Park and Takuma Itoh, paired with animations by Kari Noe, Janae Taclas, Dillon Valenzuela, Jewel Racasa, Sam St. John, Edward Ayano, Napua Rice, Huy Nguyen and Kieren McKee with guidance from partners, a storytelling advisory, and students from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Art Department.
The program also features a beautiful mele and hula created by Rosanna “Rosie” ʻAnolani Alegado and Aimee Sato under the guidance of Kumu Hula Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani that re-roots our deep pilina (connections) with Kanaloa and kai (the ocean). Audiences will be guided through time alongside native sea life and ʻaumākua (family or personal gods), exploring the vital role humans play in protecting our cherished waters.
“Hawaiʻi Sea Grant is humbled to support the Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas as this program embodies our mission to connect people to place and the science that sustains us,” Darren T. Lerner, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant director, said. “By uniting cultural practitioners, artists, educators and researchers, we are able to extend the life of moʻolelo (stories) and ocean wisdom through music, dance and animation that speaks directly to the hearts of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 families. It is a beautiful, collective effort to ensure these stories and understanding continue to thrive for generations.”
“The Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas celebrates our deep connection to the ocean, bringing together music, storytelling, hula and animation to inspire care for 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 precious waters,” said HSO President and CEO Amy Iwano. “We are proud to share this immersive, locally created experience with our community through a free public performance.”
Audiences of all ages
HSO’s Blockbuster Summer Festival 2026 is made for audiences of all ages who love to experience something special together. For only the second time, the Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas will be available to the public to enjoy as a free ʻohana concert.
One hour prior to the concert, nearly a dozen organizations that focus on 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 marine and coastal environment will be available in the lobby to share educational information with the concert attendees. Immediately following the concert, there will be a 30-minute talk story session with key contributors Kalilinoe Detwiler, Itoh and Alegado facilitated by Foumai and Beth Lenz.
The Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas brings together the University of Hawaiʻi, local experts and organizations, as well as federal, state and county agencies to weave culture, science and the arts into an inspiring shared experience. By uniting diverse partners under a common vision, the performance highlights the importance of collective stewardship and showcases how music and storytelling can inspire communities to care for 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 unique marine environments.
The program is a collaborative effort funded by the 东精影业 Mānoa Strategic Investment Initiative awarded to Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, initiated by Lerner and led by Lenz with coordinators Itoh (东精影业 Music Department), Detwiler (东精影业 Mānoa English Department), Anne Rosa (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant), Melissa Price (东精影业 Mānoa Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management) and Kanesa Duncan Seraphin (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant).
Details:
- Date: Tuesday, June 30
- Doors open at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6 p.m.
- Location: Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall (777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96814)
- Admission: .
Conducted by Foumai and narrated by Kanaka singer, actor and voiceover artist Barrie Kealoha.