Mālie Foundation


Mālie Foundation E Komo Mai - Welcome Hawaiian Cultural workshops, contests, music, hula and folk crafts on Kaua'i


The Mālie Story In 1984, James "Ekolu" Panui, Larry Kelii Duhaylongsod and Nathan Liberato Kahikolu Kahapea Kalama, started the first Kauai Composer's Contest and Concert with $300 in their pockets-- a grant from the HasegawaKomuten Relations Board. With the support of Radio Station KUAI 720 and Mayor Eduardo Malapit, the first concert was held at Kauai Convention Center. They were lucky if there were 50 people in the audience... but they made a $5 profit! These 3 men were known as the musical group Mālie Trio and had a unique quality of harmony, blend, rhythm and style that set them apart from other local Hawaiian groups. All three played several instruments, could sing 3 or 4 parts, composed many songs individually and collectively, and danced hula for Willy Kala`au Pulawa in the early 1980's. Though Larry and Ekolu are gone, the legacy they left to and for the island of Kauai lives on through Mālie Foundation. We miss you guys! The Mālie Awards Seeing opportunity to give back to Kauai, the Mālie Awards were initiated. Given every year, this award honored individuals, groups and businesses that have shown a high standard of excellence in the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian music on the island of Kaua'i. In recent years, honorees were chosen based on Malie Foundation theme of the year. The Mālie Scholarship In 1987, Nathan convinced Larry and Ekolu that they should start a scholarship fund to send children to Punana Leo Preschool. At one of their Christmas concerts, they donated $300 to this effort and this was matched by a man sitting in the audience-- Buddy McGuire. Over the years, the scholarship has expanded to include other categories. In the last few years, funds have been raised through donations for an ukulele and case made and donated by a committed local island couple.