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 Seattle, Alaska, Los Angeles, Colorado, Oregon, San Francisco & played in front of crowds up to 10,000 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’s voice, Ekolu’s sound, they’re the total package.  It’s their passion with the island rhythm that puts smiles on faces, gets listeners stomping their feet to the beat, and makes you sing-a-long while driving in your car.  Ekolu’s one of the few E.F. Huttons in the industry.  The skip of the bass, the strum of a guitar, the kick of the drum, when they perform, when they sing, WE ALL LISTEN.”

--Robert K. Kekaula

To see more information about Ekolu, visit them at www.ekolulive.com