Hānau Ka Mele: A Song is Born
An Original Nā Leo TV Series
Hānau Ka Mele is an original Nā Leo TV series that explores the connection between mele, ‘āina, and the people who bring Hawai‘i’s stories to life.
Each 30-minute episode pairs intimate interviews with cinematic performances filmed in the places that inspired the songs, revealing the moʻolelo, relationships, and cultural traditions that give each mele its meaning. More than a music series, Hānau Ka Mele is an invitation to experience Hawai‘i Island through the voices of its artists and the places they call home.
The inaugural season features two celebrated musical families and artists whose work has helped shape contemporary Hawaiian music: The Lim Family of North Kohala and Mark Yamanaka of Hilo.
Produced by Nā Leo TV with support from the Kosasa Foundation, Hānau Ka Mele celebrates the enduring relationship between music, place, family, and culture – preserving these stories for future generations while sharing them with audiences today.
2026 Duology Featuring
The inaugural episode features The Lim Family of North Kohala. Through intimate performances and conversations with siblings Sonny Lim, Kumu Lorna Lim, and Kumu Nani Lim-Yap, the film explores a family whose lives have been shaped by music, hula, aloha, and a deep love for ‘ohana and Hawai‘i.
The Lim Family
This episode features Mark Yamanaka, whose music has become part of the soundtrack of contemporary Hawaiʻi. In this film, he shares the inspiration behind original compositions that honor the people, places, and the experiences that have shaped his life.