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Kapena, one of Hawaii’s most beloved and enduring bands, kicked off their 40th reunion tour this past weekend at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Founded in 1984 by Kelly Boy De Lima and brothers Tivaini “Tiva” Tatofi and Teimoni “Timo” Tatofi, Kapena has become a legendary band in Hawaiian music, known for its unique blend of contemporary Hawaiian music with Polynesian, reggae, country and pop.
Reflecting on the band’s remarkable journey, Kelly Boy De Lima said: “This is a celebration of the 40th anniversary. For 20 years, the original Kapena Band worked hard, and when they (the Tatofi brothers) came back to Tonga, my children took over the band and pushed Kapena Band forward for the next 20 years. So this is a celebration of all of that. We want to celebrate the people, the years and all the music.”
Kapena’s origins can be traced back to the Brownbags to Stardom competition, where brothers De Lima and Tatofi (who were friends at Kaimuki High School) first made their mark. In 1986, they released their first live album, Satisfaction Guaranteed, which included their critically acclaimed arrangement of “Red, Red Wine.” The album won them the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Most Promising Newcomer. Their second album, Kapena, subsequently won Band of the Year and Hawaii Album of the Year, further cementing their place in Hawaiian music history.
Over the years, Kapena has released more than 20 albums and has won multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Their signature music creatively blends genres to create hits like “Masese,” “Tropical Lady,” “E Piko,” and “Reggae Train.” They are also known for their 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 Paavo, a member of the famous Hawaiian band Hui Ohana, who advised Capena to find his own music. “Dennis was living in Maui in his last few years, and he sat me down and said, ‘There’s already a Hui Ohana. You have the gift of playing all kinds of different types of music, go out there and find your own music.’ That advice really opened my heart. It set us on a different path.”
Kapena’s roots on Maui run deep, and they have many fond memories of their early performances there. Their first Out-Island show was at the Lahaina Broiler, and they have also played at Willie K’s Blues Festival and Mick Fleetwood’s venue. Their connection to the island continues, as they played their first show at the MACC’s Castle Theater for construction workers who were building the facility.
In the early 2000s, Capena underwent a transformation as De Lima’s children Capena, Kalena and Lilo joined the band, continuing the band’s legacy. The Tatofi brothers returned to Tonga to focus on family responsibilities, especially as their father was a priest, but their influence on the band remained strong. Tiwa’s son Josh Tatofi has since become a rising star in the island’s music scene and is currently touring the South Pacific with the band. Tonga His place of stay.
Reflecting on the band’s journey, De Lima said: “I’m grateful that I’ve been able to do what I love for so many years, and that this passion has been passed down from generation to generation. I haven’t slowed down because I feel it’s my responsibility to keep going because wherever I go, people sing along to you and they enjoy it. I don’t want to give up on that.”
Kapena’s latest project sees them revisit their classic hits with guest artists including Jake Shimabukuro and Iam Tongi, putting a new spin on their timeless music. As they embark on this milestone tour, De Lima sums it up: “I’m enjoying this season of my life. It’s like I’m getting another chance and everything is moving along. We’re doing what we love to do, and now I’m doing it with my kids and grandkids, watching them grow up. I feel complete.”
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