Album Marks 50 Years of Kahoʻolawe Protection

Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana releases a new album and hosts a concert to mark the movement's 50th anniversary.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Native American

Graphic flat-color illustration of a low volcanic island rising from turquoise ocean under a pale horizon, rendered in a commemorative poster style. — Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana released "50 Years of Aloha ʻĀina," a 12-song album marking the movement's 50th anniversary, with proceeds supporting island restoration. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana has released "50 Years of Aloha ʻĀina," an album of 12 original mele honoring Kahoʻolawe, now available on streaming platforms. The release marks the 50th anniversary of the movement to protect the island.

Why it matters

The movement began in 1976, after nine activists landed on Kahoʻolawe and witnessed destruction caused by decades of military bombing. The anniversary album and concert draw attention to the island's restoration and to the cultural work that has continued since bombing ended in 1990.

The album features 12 original mele and is available on streaming platforms. The anniversary concert runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 13, on Bishop Museum's Great Lawn on Oahu, featuring musicians Ikaakamai, Kimié Miner and Kaʻikena Scanlan.

The players

Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana

A Hawaii-based organization working to protect and restore Kahoʻolawe after decades of military use.

Isaac ʻIkaʻaka Nāhuewai

A musician and University of Hawaii at Hilo employee who helped produce the anniversary album.

The details

Proceeds from the album and concert will support the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Isaac ʻIkaʻaka Nāhuewai helped develop the album by recruiting collaborators, writing songs, directing the Protect Kahoʻolawe Band, and producing and mixing five tracks.

1976: Nine activists landed on Kahoʻolawe, starting the protection movement.
1983: Luʻuwai's family began transporting volunteers to the island aboard the family boat, Pualele.
1990: Military bombing on Kahoʻolawe ended.
November 13: Anniversary concert held on Bishop Museum's Great Lawn on Oahu.

Roadmap

The album and concert mark 50 years since nine activists landed on Kahoʻolawe in 1976 and set the protection movement in motion. The anniversary reflects a decades-long effort that continued after military bombing ended in 1990.

Listeners can access the album on streaming platforms now. Those in Hawaii can attend the November 13 concert on Bishop Museum's Great Lawn on Oahu, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The takeaway

The anniversary shows how a movement that began with nine people in 1976 has grown into a long-running cultural and restoration effort that still draws new participation today.