Nona Beamer was a highly respected kupuna (Hawaiian elder), known for her efforts in preserving Hawaiian culture. Beamer was a master of Hawaiian storytelling, chant and traditional hula.  She was also a gifted songwriter, performer and teacher.  As a child, she learned how to chant to the ocean from her own grandmother, Helen Desha Beamer, a prolific composer.

Nona Beamer is remembered as the matriarch of one of Hawaii's most respected musical families, and the mother of Keola and Kapono Beamer, who are both slack key masters and talented musicians in their own right.

Nona Beamer recorded a CD with her son, Keola, called "The Golden Lehua Tree: Stories and Music from the Heart of Hawaii's Beamer Family." This piece includes interviews with Nona Beamer, Keola Beamer and hula master Maile Loo. Nona Beamer passed away on April 10, 2008, leaving behind a rich legacy of Hawaiian storytelling, music and hula, including her unique knowledge of 242 different types of ancient hulas. Originally broadcast on NPR's "Morning Edition" in 2000. Hide full description

Nona Beamer was a highly respected kupuna (Hawaiian elder), known for her efforts in preserving Hawaiian culture. Beamer was a master of Hawaiian storytelling, chant and traditional hula.  She was also a gifted songwriter, performer and teacher.  As a child, she learned how to chant to the ocean from her own grandmother, Helen Desha Beamer, a prolific composer.

Nona Beamer is remembered as the matriarch of one of Hawaii's most respected musical families, and the mother of Keola and Kapono Beamer, who are both slack key masters and talented musicians in their own right.

Nona Beamer recorded a CD with her son, Keola, called "The...
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