A dream, a vision that became a reality that was birthed to a beautiful event that brought back life to our beloved little hometown of Laupahoehoe, Hawaii.
Braddah Smitty, a well known local slack key, and musician who resided in Laupahoehoe was the man with the vision. His home rested off a cliff that overlooked the Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park. His vision was to bring some kind of event to Laupahoehoe that would benefit the community. Inspire our children through music, give back to the kapuna but also share time with friends, community, and ohana.
Laupahoehoe Music Festival dates back to 2005, with Braddah Smitty, Lucille Chung and Don Canario all whom at the time lived in Laupahoehoe. The three of them got together, formed a nonprofit committee called Malama Hawaii Nei made of a small number of volunteers, that helped bring to life this annual event. Braddah Smitty used his connection in music to get the entertainments, Lucille was the chair of the committee she handled the paperwork, Don handled the logistics of things. While other members helped out where they needed the extra hands.
Over the years this event grew crowds that came from all over the islands, from craft and food vendors, entertainers and of course the crowd that came to listen to local music and eat ono food and shop.
The success of the event has also benefited students along the Hamakua Coast, which generated funds for High Seniors to earn a scholarship from Hawaii Malama Nei which has raised over $35,000.00. Although in recent years the funds raised have benefited Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School for there music and ag programs. The event still brings much success to the students.
In 2012 the event's founder, Braddah Smitty lost his battle to diabetes and complications from cancer. 2013 music festival was dedicated to Braddah Smitty it was the last year that Malama Hawaii Nei would be in charge of the festival and has overturned the event to Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School. Since 2014 Laupahoehoe CPCS has been in charge of this annual event that has raised funds for the Ag, Music and Arts programs at the school.
This year the Laupahoehoe Music Festival will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park. The event will begin at 10am and go until Pau. There will be lots of craft vendors, food booths, food trucks, lei making, poi pounding, bounce house, games, face painting, silent auction, and a fun-filled entertainment line up. Tickets will be going on sale sometime in February so be on the lookout.
