Kapena, one of Hawaii’s most beloved and enduring bands, kicked off their 40th reunion tour last weekend at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Founded in 1984 by Kelly Boy De Lima and brothers Tivaini “Tiva” Tatofi and Teimoni “Timo” Tatofi, Kapena has become a legendary name in Hawaiian music, known for their unique blend of contemporary Hawaiian sounds with Polynesian, reggae, country, and pop influences.
Reflecting on the band’s remarkable journey, Kelly Boy De Lima shared, “This is a celebration of 40 years. For 20 years, the original Kapena went hard, and then for these last 20 years when they [the Tatofi brothers] went back to Tonga, my kids took over and propelled Kapena for the next 20 years. So this is a celebration of all of that. We want to celebrate the people, the years, and all of the music.”
Kapena’s origins trace back to the Brownbags to Stardom contest, where De Lima and the Tatofi brothers, who were friends at Kaimuki High School, first gained recognition. They released their live debut album, “Satisfaction Guaranteed,” in 1986, which featured their crowd-pleasing adaptation of “Red, Red Wine.” This album earned them the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Most Promising New Artist. Their sophomore release, “Kapena,” went on to win Group of the Year and Hawaiian Album of the Year, further cementing their place in Hawaiian music history.
Over the years, Kapena has released more than 20 albums, earning numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards. Their signature sound, creatively blending various musical genres, produced hits like “Masese,” “Tropical Lady,” “E Piko,” and “Reggae Train.” They also became known for their unique covers of classics like Hank Snow’s “Nobody’s Child” and Doris Troy’s “Just One Look.”
De Lima fondly recalls the influence of Dennis Pavao, a member of the iconic Hawaiian group Hui Ohana, who advised Kapena to find their own sound. “Dennis, who was living on Maui the last years of his life, sat me down and said, ‘There’s already a Hui Ohana. You’ve got a gift to do all kinds of different genres of music, go out there and find your sound.’ That advice really unlocked something in me. It put us on another path.”
Kapena’s connection to Maui is deeply rooted, with many fond memories of their early performances there. Their first outer island show was at the Lahaina Broiler, and they also played at Willie K’s blues festivals and Mick Fleetwood’s place. Their ties to the island continue, as they performed the first show at the MACC’s Castle Theater for the construction workers who built the facility.
In the early 2000s, Kapena underwent a transformation as De Lima’s children, Kapena, Kalena, and Lilo, joined the band, continuing the legacy. The Tatofi brothers returned to Tonga to focus on family responsibilities particularly with their father being a church minister, but their influence on the band remained strong. Tiva’s son, Josh Tatofi, has since become a rising star in island music and is currently on his own South Pacific Tour with Tonga of his stops.
Reflecting on the band’s journey, De Lima said, “I just feel grateful that I got to do what I love to do for so many years and it lasted from generation to generation. I haven’t slowed down because I feel I have a responsibility to continue on, because where I go, people are singing along to your songs and they’re enjoying themselves. I don’t want to walk away from that.”
Kapena’s latest project involves reimagining their classic hits with guest artists, including Jake Shimabukuro and Iam Tongi, bringing a fresh twist to their timeless sound. As they embark on this milestone tour, De Lima concludes, “I’m enjoying this season of my life. It’s like I get another chance at it, what’s evolving. We’re doing what we love to do, and now I’m doing it with my kids and with my grandson, watching them grow up. I just feel so complete.”
