Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu |
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Ho'omalu performs "This is Me" for the 2020 United States Census
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| Background information | |
| Born | August 10, 1959 |
| Origin | ʻAiea, Oʻahu, Hawaiian Islands |
| Genres | Hawaiian |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments | Vocals, Ipu |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Labels | MKH Productions |
Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu, born on August 10, 1959, is a famous Hawaiian chanter. He grew up in ʻAiea, Oʻahu, Hawaii. He is most known for his music in the 2002 Disney movie, Lilo & Stitch. He sang two special songs for the film. His unique style of chanting is new and exciting.
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Mark's Journey in Hula
Mark started dancing hula when he was 15 years old. He performed in many lūʻau and Polynesian shows around Oʻahu. In 1979, he joined a hālau, which is a hula school. This is where he learned a lot about hula and chanting.
Later in 1979, Mark moved to California. He began teaching hula in San Francisco. He became the director of a hālau called Nā Mele Hula ʻOhana in 1988.
Hula Competitions
Nā Mele Hula ʻOhana became very good at hula competitions. They competed on the West Coast and in Hawaiʻi. In 1997, they were invited to the Merrie Monarch Festival. This is a very important hula festival. Their men's group placed fourth in the ancient hula competition. They returned to the Merrie Monarch Festival every year until 2000.
Mark stopped leading the hālau in 2002. However, he still teaches hula workshops across the country. He also performed at halftime during the 2013 Hawaii Bowl game.
Music for Lilo & Stitch
In June 2002, Walt Disney Pictures released their animated movie, Lilo & Stitch. Mark Hoʻomalu's music was a big part of the film. He performed two songs with The Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus. One was a traditional song called "He Mele No Lilo." The other was an original song he wrote, "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride."
Academy of Hawaiian Arts
In February 2003, Mark opened his own new hula school. It is called the Academy of Hawaiian Arts. His hālau has performed at many events in California. They have also danced at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.
Mark's Music Albums
Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu has released several music albums:
- Poʻokela Chants (1999)
- Lilo & Stitch: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack (2002) – he was featured on two songs.
- Call It What You Like… (2003)
- Traditional Limits (2018)
