Haunani Kahalewai

Haunani Kahalewai (February 19, 1929 – March 2, 1982) was a singer and entertainer known as the "First Lady of Song in Hawai‘i". Her distinctive contralto voice spanned three octaves. She was featured on dozens of recordings and headlined the Polynesian Revue at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. Kahalewai was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1996.

Early life and education

Myrna Kahaunaniomaunakeakauiokalewa Kahalewai was born in Hilo on February 19, 1929. The day she was born an unusual snowfall blanketed Mauna Kea; after hearing her on the film soundtrack, producer Webley Edwards exclaimed, "Find that voice!" She hired many well-regarded Hawaiian performers to perform with her at the Royal Hawaiian's Monarch Room, including singers Danny Kaleikini, Nina Keali'iwahamana, and Boyce Rodrigues, and hula dancers Beverly Noa and Lani Custino. She was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1996, its second year of existence.