HONOLULU (HI Now) - For the first time in history, a professional opera will be performed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi — and it tells a story that has waited far too long to be heard.
Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre’s world premiere of “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree” opens May 1, 2026, bringing to life the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III. Set in the mid-19th century, the opera follows Haʻalilio’s 1842–45 diplomatic mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium and France — a daring effort to secure international recognition of Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation.
The opera is written by Hawaiian composer Herb Mahelona and librettist Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl, performed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English, directed and choreographed by Kumu Hula Patrick Keʻaniʻulaokalani Makuakāne, and stars internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey.
Performances run May 1, 3 and 5, 2026, at Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are available now with an exclusive 50% discount using code LOCAL50.
For tickets, visit hawaiiopera.org/kamalehua or follow @hawaiioperatheatre on Instagram.
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