HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame (HMHF) stands at a crossroads, celebrating the rich tapestry of Hawaiian music while seeking a permanent home to preserve its legacy. This October, the Hall of Fame is launching a series of community concerts on the 21st of each month that aims to foster a love for Hawaiian music and hula within the community. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Toni Lee, president of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, emphasized the deep connection between Hawaiʻi’s culture and its music. “Hawaiʻi is all about music and hula,” Lee said. “Yet we have no home, no place to showcase our music and our hula.” The goal is clear: to one day build a museum that captures the essence of Hawaiian musical heritage under one roof. The need for a permanent venue is pressing. Lee highlighted the absence of a central location for visitors to experience the vibrancy of Hawaiian music. “When someone gets off an airplane and asks, ‘Where can we go to hear Hawaiian music?’ there is no place. That’s why we want to build a home for our culture,” she explains. This is in stark contrast to the Country Music Hall of Fame with a permanent home in Nashville, TN and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. Each year, the Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly contributed to Hawaiian music. This year, a special brunch will be held on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Olympic Venue Hotel. “We’re excited to honor George Holokai, Edwina Noelani Kanoho Mahoe and Ledward Kaapana this year, along with the legendary group Na Leo Pilimehana, who are celebrating 40 years together,” Lee said with pride. “They are the only all-female group that has been together that long. Isn’t that terrific? We are so proud of them!” Lee invited the community to get involved, not only by attending the brunch but also by joining the monthly concerts. “We have Hawaiian music jams on the 21st of every month,” she said. “Today is the 21st, and thanks to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, we’re here in our new home, which makes it even more special. Everyone is welcome to join us for these events.” George Kua, a member of the board of directors for the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and a talented musician himself, echoed Lee’s sentiments about the importance of these concerts. “Music has been a part of my life since high school. I was inspired by my friends, and we would try to make music together,” Kua recalled. “As we explored Hawaiian music, I realized this was something I wanted to pursue seriously.” His journey led him to collaborate with influential figures in Hawaiian music, helping to shape his passion for preserving traditional sounds. “Meeting musicians like Raymond Kāne and Sonny Chillingworth had a huge impact on me,” Kua remembered. “They taught me the real essence of Hawaiian music, and I’ve been dedicated to sharing that ever since.” Kua became involved with the Hall of Fame in 2012, shortly before retiring from a long career with the Honolulu City and County. “When I joined the board, I realized how crucial it was to create a venue that celebrates Hawaiian music,” he explained. “There has never been a permanent home for us. We have only had billboards and temporary displays in the past.” The quest for a suitable location has been challenging. Kua recounted the various efforts to secure a venue. “We’ve looked at several sites, including Fisherman’s Wharf and the Honolulu Stadium redevelopment. Unfortunately, many plans fell through due to changing political landscapes,” he said. Despite these obstacles, Kua remains hopeful. His experiences visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame opened his eyes to the potential of a dedicated space for Hawaiian music. “Seeing how they preserve their legacy made me realize how essential it is for us to do the same,” he said passionately. “We need a place for displays, workshops, and performances to keep our music alive.” Lee and Kua both stress the importance of educating future generations about Hawaiian music. “Traditional Hawaiian music is becoming harder to find,” Kua lamented. “The styles are changing; and if we don’t preserve our roots, they will be lost. It’s vital for young musicians to learn about the past to carry the music forward.” Lee added that the Hall of Fame aims to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary music. “What’s old is new again,” she noteed. “We want to celebrate the richness of our heritage while encouraging new interpretations and innovations in Hawaiian music.” The community concerts on the 21st of every month are just one step toward that goal. They provide a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents and connect with the community. “We invite everyone to come, share their music, and join in this celebration of our culture,” Lee said. As the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame moves forward, the vision remains clear: to honor the past while nurturing the future of Hawaiian music. Lee’s commitment to building a home for this rich tradition is unwavering as the board strives to ensure that Hawaiian music continues to thrive for generations to come. For more information about the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and to get tickets for the upcoming brunch, interested individuals can contact Lee directly at [email protected]. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook. And if you're wondering why their photos are so gorgeous, Kimo Lauer is their photographer. You can follow him here. Fortunately, for the time being, The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame is being sponsored with a temporary home by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at Nā Lama Kukui. You can go see the exhibits every day and experience Hawaiian music on the 21st of each month. It's located on the second floor. Their next concert will be on Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. on Nā Lama Kukui's second floor. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 As the Hall of Fame embarks on this exciting journey, it invites everyone to be part of the music that shapes Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural identity.