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It all began back in 1994 where 3 young and talented men of Maui, began their musical journey.

Lukela Keala, Akoni Dellomes & Makapu Hoopii attended Baldwin High School and was enrolled in the music class. Day after day they would have little jam session’s but always tried to perfect what they played. As the year went by, their talents allowed them to perform in front of an audience for the first time at Brown Bags to Stardom. Although they took 2nd place to ballerina dancers (Ha Ha Ha!). It didn’t stop them. Former Baldwin High school teacher, Kevin Brown plays a great role in their music history today. He was the ukulele and slack key guitarist teacher but also Lukela’s uncle. He taught them the values of becoming a musician but most important, to be humble. Since then Lukela, Akoni and Makapu strived on to become the entertainers they are today.

“Down in the Valley” became their first hit back in 1999. This album made them well-known not only in Hawaii, but also in the Mainland and as far as east coast. Three years later, Ekolu came out with their second debut album called, “Shores of Waiehu.” This album gave Hawaii a little twist of its own unique style. Hits such as “Just one Night” and “Shores of Waiehu” took up a lot of air time on the local radio stations in Hawaii.

Ekolu has traveled to many parts of the United States. They’ve been to Alaska, Seattle Washington, Portland Oregon, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Colorado, Japan and played in front of crowds up to 15,000 plus people. They enjoy every moment of sharing their music with people all over the world. Every trip they take truly becomes a memorable moment. Ekolu has a lot of achievements in their musical journey in Hawaii. Their main goal is to share their music with the rest of the world.

On their free time, the Band loves to spend the day at the beach and reminisce on all the wonderful gigs they did. Individually, Akoni enjoys surfing, Makapu loves to free dive and Lukela enjoys writing music, and spending time with his family. These talented men are the best of friends, but most of all brothers.

Lukela Keala was born on September 9, 1978 on the island of Maui. He was raised in Wailuku with his Father, Samuel Keala and Mother, Dawn Napua Keala along with his 3 sisters, Erinell, Kelly Ann, and Fini. Lukela was always raised around music. He remembers going to his grandma’s house every weekend to watch his auntie’s and uncle’s sing and play music. He would often ask questions about playing the ukulele, but never got into it until later year’s. Lukela’s sincere interest of music came about at the age of 14. He was in the 8th grade, attending Iao Intermediate School, where he was placed in a music class. Not really knowing how to sing or play the ukulele, he often hung around the crowd that could. One thing led to another and that’s when the life of music began. Lukela was always very shy to sing around people, but you could often catch him cutting class singing in the hallways and stairways. He also learned how to play slack key guitar from his uncle, Kevin Brown who was the Slack Key/ Ukulele teacher at Baldwin. In Lukela’s free time he enjoys writing music and spending quality time with his family. Although his mom is a missing part of his life, he never forgets how much of an inspiration she was to him. Lukela’s favorite group is a reggae band called ASWAD. There style of music grew on Lukela from a young age. Another interest he has is those “Oldies but Goodies.” Lukela never forgets how great God has been to him. On every CD that he has completed you will find a church song on it. This is his way of expressing how thankful he is of the blessings that only GOD can give. Through all the success that has come his way, he takes no credit for the talent God has blessed him with, but in return gives God all the glory.

Shane “Akoni” Dellomes was born on November 22, 1977 in Harbor city, LA. However, he was raised on the island of Maui. He attended Lihikai Elementary from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Shane came from a musical background family that played numerous instruments. Shane’s father played keyboards and the flute in a live band in LA, California. His father also was a well-known vocalist too. Shane used to sleep under his fathers keyboards while playing at night clubs. His first instrument he learned was the ukulele back in 8th grade. His sister taught him about the scales on the ukulele. When he reached his high school years, he then took interest in playing the guitar. His mother always listened to her 70’s style of music and that’s where Akoni took great interest in music. His first song that he learned was by Metallica, “Nothing Else Matters.” In his mid-high school years, he learned how to play slack key guitar from Uncle Kevin Brown. Akoni now plays as a full time musician at the Old Lahaina Luau playing the upright bass. He works Monday-Friday and on the weekends he plays with the group Ekolu. His job works out perfectly for his schedule because he is one guy who loves not only music, but enjoys SURFING. On Akoni’s free time, he enjoys surfing with all his friends. He also enjoys writing and arranging the style of music that they love to do. Akoni would like to give all praises to God for his blessing that he bestowed upon him. He humbly thanks God for giving him the opportunity to share his music with these talented musicians of Ekolu.

Makapu Ho’opii was born on August 13th 1977 in Honolulu, Oahu. He was raised in Papakolea with his parents Martha and Bobby, along with his four brothers Daryl, Smokey, Darren and Hana. It was at a very young age that Makapu seemed to take interest in music. Makapu’s dad would always play his ukulele around the house, so as Makapu got older he learned more about the ukulele. Encouraged by his father a few years later, he soon moved on to playing bass. It was then that Makapu realized his love for music. At the age of 12, Makapu and his family moved to the island of Maui and he attended Iao Intermediate. Other then music, Makapu is a very hard worker and works full time as a fabricator for Truss Systems Hawaii. He has been with this company for over 7 years and works Monday thru Friday. On the weekends he enjoys playing music with Ekolu and diving. When the band goes out camping, everyone looks forward to what Makapu’s gonna catch for lunch. Makapu is known to be the clown in the group, but when he’s on stage he’s nothing but serious and you can always expect him to be hyped.

Finally the long awaited album “Back to the Valley”, The 3rilogy is here. It’ll take you on a journey through the fun times Ekolu encounters living on the Valley Isle. The Title cut, “Back to the Valley” gives everyone the chance to experience the Valley Isle like you never seen it before. If you missed there first album “Down In the Valley” or there second album “Shores of Waiehu” , you’re in for a treat. The 3rd album is what you been waiting for.

It’s Like adding sugar to your tea, It’s even sweeter. While listening to their smooth voices and unique style‘s, it makes you realize that Ekolu is the next big thing. Not knowing what to expect, this album stirs up a twist. With the sweetest voice along with a little bit of reggae and a little bit of Spanish, Lukela sings a song called “Antonia”. Its rare to find him singing Hawaiian songs, yet alone here he is singing a Spanish song for all to enjoy. Needing no introduction, everyone knows the bands lead guitarist, Akoni Dellomes.

On this Album he sings a song called Critical Liquid. Written, sung and arranged by him, this song speaks of how he wakes up every morning waiting for the swell to come and when it hit’s, you know where to find him. Makapu Hoopii, the bass player of the band adds his own flavor to the table by singing a song called Mercy. He sings this song with emotion and originality. If you’ve seen him on stage, you know that he is a ball of fire. Working on this album, the boys got the chance to be their own producers and work along side an awesome engineer, Brett Fovargue. It takes time, energy and effort to complete a project like this. If this album puts a smile on your face and Joy in your heart, this show’s that Ekolu has reached their greatest achievement.

While ‘Down in the Valley’ was their introduction, ‘Shores of Waiehu’ is the break out album of Ekolu. This album gives a view of something very special. Every area of this project overflows with Ekolu’s talents. It starts with the album being co-produced by Lukela and Akoni. The album was also blessed with the engineering and keyboard talents of Na Hoku award winner David Tucciarone. The growth in the boys composing is shown by nine of the twelve songs being originals. The vocal talents of Ekolu are enhanced by the addition of Makapu Hoopi’i. The album also had contributions from artists and musicians like Fiji, Max Rabaka, Ben Vai, Jenson Richards, and Creed Fernandez.

The popularity of this album is shown by a spot of Billboards World Music charts, the #1 position of various songs on numerous radio stations, and by the sight of fans singing along to every song. “Shores of Waiehu” sets the standard for today’s Hawaiian music.