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Two Hilo brothers in music are keeping Hawaiian culture alive, one song at a time

Sponsored by Mauna Loa

Two Hilo brothers in music are keeping Hawaiian culture alive, one song at a time Just Us Band Hawaiʻi blends traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music, rooted in culture and language, with new music releasing April 15, 2026.
By HI Now Staff

HONOLULU (HI Now) - Lopaka Kenoi and Kaniala Masoe have been making music together most of their lives. But for the duo behind Just Us Band Hawaiʻi, it has never just been about the songs.

The two have been friends since kindergarten, when they attended the first Hawaiian language immersion school in Hilo. Fluent in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and deeply rooted in their culture. The pair founded Just Us Band Hawaiʻi four years ago alongside drummer Kalani Tolentino, who was born and raised in Hāna, Maui.

Two Hilo brothers in music are keeping Hawaiian culture alive, one song at a time (Part 2) Just Us Band Hawaiʻi blends traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music, rooted in culture and language, with new music releasing April 15, 2026.

The band blends traditional, contemporary and Hawaiian music, drawing on a lifetime of shared experience and cultural pride. That spirit has resonated beyond the stage, earning Just Us Band Hawaiʻi a spot on the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut float. The band is also looking ahead, with a new single set to release April 15, 2026, and more music on the way in the coming months.

Follow Just Us Band Hawaiʻi on Facebook at @JustUsBandHawaii and on Instagram at @Just_Us_Band_Hawaii.

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