Hosts: Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina (Host, PhD student, Scholar & Artist) & Ākea Kahikina (Producer, Writer, Director)

Guest: Izik (Singer-songwriter, Musician)

Works Featured: Reflections on No ka Pono o ka Māhūi and Izik’s album KōwāTheme: Liberation, celebration, and the collective voice of the māhūi

Description:

To close the inaugural season of Kūkā Kīkī, co-hosts Ākea and Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina reflect on the journey from Honolulu Pride to Lā Kūʻokoʻa, weaving insights from each episode into a single mele of reflection. Joined by musician Izik, they celebrate the collective voices that make up the māhūi—those who embrace, embody, and embolden beyond colonial constraints. Together, they explore how music becomes ceremony, joy becomes resistance, and how the māhūi’s song continues to reverberate across generations. The episode culminates in a live musical performance of Izik’s new album Kōwā, honoring māhū brilliance and the enduring rhythm of ea.

Listen & Learn: How do we celebrate the māhūi not only through story, but through sound—and how does music help us remember that joy itself is a revolutionary act?

*This episode engages Hawaiian worldviews and social contexts, and explores themes of sexuality, gender, and erotics. Some language and content may be considered strong or triggering. Viewer/listener discretion is advised. 

Art concept: Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina @mahucha_art

Art design: Sara Saffery @sarasaffery

Music: “Pua Līlīlehua,” Mokihana Flood, Tree of Life

Follow the podcast on IG: @kukakikipodcast