In the first Ka Maka Kilo Community Spotlight episode, we welcome the gentlemen of Kahālāwai, musicians Dana Piʻilani Arias and Joshua Pilialoha Kahula.

With his pulse on the Maui music community, Mr. Kaholo Rickard hosts Josh and Piʻilani as they share the manaʻo behind their new project,  Ke Aliʻi.

They start by telling about their families and humble beginnings growing up. They name early musical mentors from the Maui community, including their ʻohana, Mrs. Shishido at Makawao School, Mr. Rama Camarillo at Kalama Intermediate, and Mr. Dale Nitta, who was at Maui High before coming to Kamehameha Maui.

This podcast is filled with great advice for any Maui musicians who want to know what it takes to make it in the music business, and the story of the hours they’ve spent in and out of the studio working on music is a reminder to holo mua to turn a passion into a profession.