Hawaiian dance, song and history will come alive on stage at the upcoming Nā Leo Pilimehana show on Dec. 6 in Hayward. A part of the Hayward Hawaiian Music Series—in partnership with the Hayward Unified School District—this show is the passion project of innovative musical artist Patrick Landeza.
A native of the Bay Area, Landeza made history when he became the first mainland-born Hawaiian to win the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award, the highest yearly music achievement in the Hawaiian islands.
“This is the Hawaiian Grammy, and mainlanders simply don’t win it,” says Landeza. “I did, and I did so by listening to my mentors. When they’ve accepted you, it’s a tremendous honor and a huge responsibility.”
As a renowned traveling music artist, Landeza has brought his array of Hawaiian music shows as far as Washington, D.C. But for him, bringing the show back to the Bay Area was always a task of paramount importance.
“The Bay [Area] has always had this appreciation for native cultures and that goes for the Hayward community that’s been so receptive to Hawaiian culture,” adds Landeza. “As a diverse Bay Area, it’s who we are and what we bring to the table.”
Landenza credits the Bay Area’s sizable Hawaiian population for their help in preserving Hawaiian song and dance and ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy the music of their ancestors.
“The Hayward Music Series brings world-class Hawaiian talent to the East Bay—celebrating culture, community and the spirit of aloha,” states the show’s official announcement. “This unforgettable evening of music, laughter and holiday aloha is the perfect way to kick off the season with friends and family.”
The Nā Leo Pilimehana group, composed of all women, have been active for decades and have produced hits such as “Flying with Angels,” “I Miss You My Hawaii,” “Local Boys” and “Saving Forever for You.”
First founded in 1984 as a group featuring members Nalani Jenkins, Lehua Kalima and Angela Morales, Nā Leo Pilimehana have produced 20 number one hits and two songs that have reached the national Top 25 list. They have received 24 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. The group’s name comes from the Hawaiian translation for “the voices blending in warmth.”
Accompanying Nā Leo Pilimehana will be several hula dancers, an addition that Landeza calls “an added treat.”
“The great thing about working with professionals is that they work day in, day out,” says Landeza, “and they can effortlessly work with people they’ve never worked with before and instantly find that synergy.”
Following the show on Dec. 6, the Hawaiian Music Series will resume with “Masters of the Ukulele” on Feb. 21, 2026.
The Hayward Hawaiian Music Series Presents: Nā Leo Pilimehana
Saturday, Dec. 6
7pm
HUSD Performing Arts Center
2390 Panama St., Hayward
Tickets: $35-$55; $75 for VIP admission
