Ahumanu
ABOUT AHUMANU'S MUSIC
In November of 2024, the band Ahumanu will be 20 years old. We know this because the band was officially formed when founding member Liz Morales' number 3 child turned 1 year old. Their first official gig in fact, was at his one year baby luau, 19 years ago this November.
From its creation, all of the members of the band were women who played their instruments vigorously and sang their hearts out proudly!!! They could go on for hours!
Ahumanu has been through several versions of itself, and will probably continue to evolve even after this performance because Ahumanu has become a place for Manu mele to stop in, get a little bit of love, and flight experience under their wings and fly on as all Manu do.
The Boss Manu, Liz Morales continues to lead Ahumanu as lead guitarist. She is a singer/songwriter/ musical producer and plays lead guitar for several other solo artists who sing a variety of genres on Maui. Reinventing herself once again since the Maui fires, Liz plans to offer free Hawaiian music lessons to Maui youth. With the support of
non-profit organizations such as Aloha In Action she aims to give youth a chance to learn expression and Hawaiian culture through music for as long as she is able, free of charge
MARJA LEHUA APISALOMA
Ukulele player Marja Apisaloma joined Ahumanu in 2015. A promising soloist who has also been part of many other bands including her own group called Realities back in the early 2000's here on Oahu. Be on the lookout for her as she branches out again on her own future projects
SHANIA LEE
The youngest member to take the stage as Ahumanu is bass player Shania Lee. A 2020 graduate of Maui High School and member of their award winning Maui high School marching band, the group relies on Shania to keep the integrity of the music as they often find themselves trying different styles of music. She is the most versatile member of the group playing bass, ukulele, guitar, keyboards and trumpet when called to do so.
Today's version has grown to 4, adding Pohai Dias on percussions. A new versatile instrument which allows the ladies to explore even more sounds. Pohai plays everything from Polynesian drums, Latin percussions to a full drum set. She lends her vocals to the show as well, giving the audience members more variety to enjoy.