{"id":228701,"date":"2026-01-26T16:23:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T02:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=228701"},"modified":"2026-01-26T16:23:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T02:23:24","slug":"robert-cazimero-exhibit-opens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/26\/robert-cazimero-exhibit-opens\/","title":{"rendered":"Legendary musician Robert Cazimero opens exhibit with Windward CC<\/abbr> students"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Windward CC<\/abbr> students share a performance with Cazimero, who accompanies them on piano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Ke Kilo Lani, an exhibition honoring the life and legacy of renowned kumu hula and musician Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero, opened in January at Windward Community College\u2019s Gallery ʻIolani<\/span>.<\/p>\n

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Robert Cazimero<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Photographs and archival images from Cazimero\u2019s life and career<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Visitors view album covers from Cazimero\u2019s recording career<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Cazimero with close family and friends<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The public reception and opening featured a moving program that led with live performances by Cazimero, who sang songs recorded throughout his career, alongside hula performances by members of his Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua and Windward CC<\/abbr> students.<\/p>\n

Emotional experience<\/h2>\n

Cazimero had an emotional reaction to the display.<\/p>\n

“It almost feels like an out-of-body experience,” he said. “I realize this wouldn\u2019t exist without all the people on the wall and the people who come to visit. I\u2019m very grateful for the exhibit.”<\/p>\n

Developed in collaboration with the Wāhea Foundation, the exhibition is a complete narrative of Cazimero’s life, spanning his work in music, hula and mentorship. It brings together materials from his artistic and personal life, including photographs, memorabilia and special objects such as his ipu (gourd) and pahu drum collection, paintings, sculptures and his iconic white upright bass.<\/p>\n

“Many people know him from different parts of his life,” said co-curator Martin Heirakuji, Cazimero\u2019s nephew. “So to put it together as a complete story allows people to enter through music or hula and then explore Hawaiian culture and its significance.”<\/p>\n

‘Education is paramount’<\/h2>\n

The college setting was also important to Cazimero.<\/p>\n

“Education is paramount,” Cazmero said. “One of the best ways to keep stories going is through higher learning and how it can inspire people to tell their story.”<\/p>\n

He hopes the exhibition encourages people to tell their stories.<\/p>\n

Ke Kilo Lani is on view at Gallery ʻIolani<\/span> through May 15, 2026, with related programs to follow, including guided tours, community talk story sessions and performances. The gallery is located on the Windward CC<\/abbr> campus in K\u0101ne\u02bbohe and is open Monday through Saturday, 12:30–4:30 p.m. For more information, see Gallery ʻIolani<\/span><\/a> and the Wāhea Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n