HAPA
The word "hapa" ("part") is a perfect description of the musical group by the same name. Barry Flanagan and Keli'i Kaneali'i have each brought distinctive and remarkable traits to form the various components, or parts, of the group HAPA. HAPA made its mark as the group of the 20th century, emerging as one of the most powerful forces in contemporary Hawaiian music.

Originally 6,000 miles away from each other, Flanagan, a New Jersey native, met Kaneali'i, an O'ahu-born boy, in 1983 at a holiday party on Maui. They immediately recognized each other's talent, playing music together into the night as if they had been doing so for years. It was the beginning of HAPA.

Flanagan had been introduced to Hawaiian music during a visit to Hawai'i in 1979, and was immediately impressed with the style used by the late, great Gabby Pahinui. An acoustic guitar lover, Flanagan's own proficiency on the instrument allowed him to become skilled in the slack key style. It didn't take long for Flanagan to realize that Hawai'i had called and he decided to call Maui home.

Kaneali'i grew up in a very musical Hawaiian family; one of fifteen brothers and sisters who started singing in the church choir. During his Roosevelt High School days, Kaneali'i was the star of his Glee Club, and traveled to Washington, D.C. to perform at the White House for President Ford. Since 1978, Kaneali'i had danced hula and played professionally with Martin Pahinui and "Hawaiian Expressions" on Maui.

Their first release in 1993, self-titled "HAPA," instantly climbed to the top of the Hawaiian music charts and included such remarkable songs as "Lei Pïkake" and "Ku'u Lei Awapuhi." The CD was nominated in six categories for Na Hoku Hanohano awards, and captured all six awards for which they were nominated, including "Most Promising Artist," "Album of the Year," "Group of the Year," "Song of the Year," "Single of the Year," and "Contemporary Hawaiian Album of the Year."

Since their debut release, HAPA has consistently proven they have what it takes to continue their remarkable success in contemporary Hawaiian music into the 21st century. An additional four CD releases followed: "HAPA", "HAPA Holidays," "Surf Madness," "In The Name of Love," and "Namahana." In 2000, HAPA released their newest CD, "Collection," which showcases an offering of the best music that Barry and Keli'i achieved.

HAPA is destined for unheard-of stardom in the 21st century. Their music is a passionate result of blending the "parts" of Flanagan and Kaneali'i into a single force. The music of HAPA is complete.



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