About the School

Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i o Akaka is a school for Hawaiian music study established by renowned music artist and teacher Alan Akaka. It is a place where creative and musical ideas can be developed, nurtured, and shared in a safe, fun, and supportive environment firmly built on a foundation of Ho‘ihi (Respect), Kuleana (Responsibility), Malama (Care for), and Aloha (Love).

Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i provides opportunities to demonstrate excellence, inspire others, build hope, model leadership and enrich all the lives that it touches.

School Info

Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i was founded in September, 2009. Instruction is offered for the ‘ukulele, guitar, Hawaiian-style upright bass, and the Hawaiian lap steel guitar. Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i is the only music school in Hawai‘i that offers specialty training in the Hawaiian lap steel guitar. The school entertains students of all ages with special emphases on Keiki (youth) because today's students become tomorrow's musicians.

Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i offers both class instruction or individual private lessons. Please refer to the section on classes for additional information. Instruction is provided by Kumu (teacher) Alan Akaka, master musician and steel guitarist.

Location

Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i is located in Keolu Hills, Kailua, on the windward side of O‘ahu. The school is about a half hour from downtown Honolulu and less than an hour from Waikīkī. » See the map.

Staff

The staff of Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i includes:

Alan Akaka, Director

Alan Akaka received his B.Ed. in music and M.Ed. in administration. Alan enjoys a successful career in music and education with a long stint at the Halekulani, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, and Duke's Waikiki. » More

Dr. Michiko Akaka, Co-Director

Dr. Michiko Akaka is a medical doctor from Nagoya, Japan and relocated to Hawai'i to spend her life together with Alan. Michiko has a deep passion for music and has done research on the effects of music on learning, memory, and wellness. » More

Gale Warshawsky, Public Relations

Gale Warshawsky earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts Drama from San Jose State University, a M.S. in Computer Information Systems from Golden Gate University, and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu. » More

Addison Ching, Technical Support

Addison Ching is an alumnus of University of Southern California and retired director of Network Support Services for the California State University Office of the Chancellor. He provides various aspects of technical support for Ke Kula Mele's website, social media pages, and related activities. » More

Parental Involvement

Parents are invited to support the school and students by assisting at various school-related activities. Assistance is welcomed in these areas:

loading and unloading equipment
performance stage setup (music stands, chairs)
stage teardown (music stands, chairs)
loading equpiment

Policies

Please review Ke Kula Mele's School policies and Protocols which exist to foster a positive and productive learning experience for everyone.