KAMALEHUA:
The sheltering Tree

MAY 1, 2026 @ 7:30PM
MAY 3, 2026 @ 4PM
MAY 5, 2026 @ 7:30PM

KAMALEHUA: THE SHELTERING TREE tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III.  Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the opera reveals the little-known history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its early struggles to maintain independence. The focus is Haʻalilio's 1842-45 mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and France to secure treaties recognizing Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation with the goal of protecting the kingdom from annexation by foreigners. Haʻalilio was accompanied by the Reverend William Richards, a trusted advisor and friend to both Haʻalilio and King Kamehameha III.  
 
During the expedition Haʻalilio and Richards met with officials, including US Secretary of State Daniel Webster and Lord Aberdeen, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Haʻalilio became quite the celebrity, particularly in Washington and Paris, due to his dashing presence and status as royalty from an exotic kingdom.

Although they received verbal, and in some cases written, recognition, no formal treaties were ratified. But the mission was successful in bringing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi to the attention of those nations. During their return from Boston to Hawaiʻi in 1844, Haʻalilio's health declined rapidly, and he passed away less than a month into the voyage. 

The opera illustrates the sophistication and establishment of the Hawaiian government at the time, as well as the vigilance of Hawaiian leaders in dealing with the pressures and politics of the western world. While the story focuses on the unique culture, politics, and history of Hawaiʻi, its themes are universal.

Heading up the cast, in the lead role of Haʻalilio, will be internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey who started his career in opera as a member of the HOT chorus in 1991. Kelsey is now in-demand across the U.S. and Europe, notable for his dynamic interpretations of Verdi roles.

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KAMALEHUA:
THE SHELTERING TREE

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SYNOPSIS
cast & Team
Synopsis

hawaiian history takes center stage

Since 1961, Hawai'i Opera Theatre (HOT) has enhanced the quality of life in Hawai'i by presenting opera performances and education programs of the highest standards.  As the only professional opera company in Hawai'i, HOT is one of the largest performing arts organizations in the state with performances and education presentations on all the major islands, and thus, an incredible platform to uplift and amplify underserved voices.

Since his arrival five years ago, General Director & CEO Andrew Morgan has worked to reimagine the company's Vision, Mission, and Values. HOT's new Vision articulates the company's belief that different perspectives, cultural histories, life experiences, and personal stories enrich the operatic repertoire and can have worldwide impacts.   In 2023, HOT launched the Asia-Pacific Voices Project (APV Project) to recognize its unique location in Oceania and its strong ties to Asia. The project seeks to build bridges between the opera world and the unsung voices of peoples from Oceania and Asia.

As a centerpiece in the APV Project, HOT has commissioned The Sheltering Tree, a new opera that will premier in May 2026.  The Sheltering Tree is being created by people from Asia and the Pacific: Hawaiian composer, conductor and educator Herb Mahelona, librettist Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl, an award-winning native Hawaiian and Samoan playwright and author, and hula master Patrick Makuakāne, a 2023 MacArthur Fellow, as director and choreographer.  Japanese-American conductor Lance Inouye, will lead all musical aspects of the opera. 

Opera in Hawai'i dates to the 1850s and includes stories of Queen Emma singing in the chorus while her husband, King Kamehameha IV served as the stage manager. Today, HOT expands on its history with The Sheltering Tree, the story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, a remarkable native Hawaiian diplomat who secured recognition of Hawaiian sovereignty from Britain and France. This will be a world premiere of the first full-length opera created by native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and sung in Hawaiian.

HOT believes that different perspectives, cultural histories, life experiences and personal stories enrich the operatic repertoire and can have worldwide impacts. As a regional company, HOT is committed to supporting creators who reflect the diversity of the populations that HOT serves. The Sheltering Tree tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III.  Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the opera reveals the little-known history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its early struggles to maintain independence. The focus is Haʻalilio's 1842-45 mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and France to secure treaties recognizing Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation with the goal of protecting the kingdom from annexation by foreigners. Haʻalilio was accompanied by the Reverend William Richards, a trusted advisor and friend to both Haʻalilio and King Kamehameha III.

During the expedition Haʻalilio and Richards met with officials, including US Secretary of State Daniel Webster and Lord Aberdeen, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Haʻalilio became quite the celebrity, particularly in Washington and Paris, due to his dashing presence and status as royalty from an exotic kingdom. Although they received verbal, and in some cases written, recognition, no formal treaties were ratified. But the mission was successful in bringing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi to the attention of those nations. During their return from Boston to Hawaiʻi in 1844, Haʻalilio's health declined rapidly, and he passed away less than a month into the voyage. 

Haʻalilio was a Hawaiian patriot who gave his life for his homeland, yet his contributions are largely unknown, even in Hawai'i.  Despite his immense contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom, Haʻalilio's final resting place remains obscure and largely forgotten. His gravestone at the historic Kawaiahaʻo Church cemetery on the island of Oʻahu, resting place of royalty and dignitaries, is incorrectly marked “Richard” Haʻalilio.

The opera illustrates the sophistication and establishment of the Hawaiian government at the time, as well as the vigilance of Hawaiian leaders in dealing with the pressures and politics of the western world. While the story focuses on the unique culture, politics, and history of Hawaiʻi, its themes are universal.  Kauʻi Sai-Dudoi, the native Hawaiian historian who re-discovered Haʻalilio's incredible story says, “Measured by any standard, and in any era, Ha'alilio's life defines resolve, sacrifice, and most of all, patriotism. He is a national treasure, a trusted friend of Hawai'i, a diplomat and a celebrated hero, yet most of us have never heard of him.”

To create this new production HOT has engaged Kumu Hula (hula master teacher) Patrick Makuakāne, a 2023 MacArthur Fellow, as director and choreographer. Japanese-American conductor Lance Inouye, who grew up in Hawaiʻi and has multi-generational ties to the islands, will lead all musical aspects of the opera. 

Heading up the cast, in the lead role of Haʻalilio, will be internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey who started his career in opera as a member of the HOT chorus in 1991. Kelsey is now in-demand across the U.S. and Europe, notable for his dynamic interpretations of Verdi roles. Other casting assignments are currently being finalized.

A weeklong workshop of The Sheltering Tree was held in Honolulu in August 2024. The week included rehearsals with the conductor, composer, librettist, dramaturg, and language coach (for the extensive Hawaiian sections in the libretto) culminating in a complete musical run-through of the opera for key members of the HOT staff, the stage director and members of the design team as well as select sponsors/prospects and key stakeholders. The workshop was a crucial step in the creative process to ensure that the dramatic flow works on all levels, including clarity of the storytelling, and that the vocal writing fully supports the libretto. It also offers the design team the opportunity to understand the needs for the physical production so that the final product is as impactful for audiences as possible.

After centuries of marginalization and struggles for cultural dignity, it is fitting that the first Hawaiian story told on the professional opera stage is that of a nation seeking recognition from the rest of the world as an independent and sovereign nation capable of determining its own destiny, and the great price often paid to achieve such goals. Timoteo Haʻalilio's life, measured by any standard and in any era, defines resolve, sacrifice, and patriotism.
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Meet the team

Librettist Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl is a renowned Hawaiian playwright, screenwriter, and librettist. Kneubuhl's work often explores Hawaiian history, culture, and identity. In addition to the libretto for The Sheltering Tree, Kneubuhl has written numerous plays that have been produced internationally. Her plays include Murder Mysteries of Hawaiʻi, Emmalehua, and The Conversion of Ka'ahumanu. She has also written for television, contributing scripts to "Magnum P.I." Kneubuhl has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has received the Cades Award for Literature, the Hawai'i Award for Literature, and the Puʻuhonua Award from the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Arts Education. In 2019, she was named a Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi. Beyond her creative work, Kneubuhl is a passionate advocate for Hawaiian culture and history. She has served on the boards of organizations such as the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities and the Hawaiʻi Theatre Center.

‍“Having worked for many years in the field of local history, I was somewhat familiar with the figure of Timoteo Haʻalilio and the historical events of this time. I was not, however, prepared for what I discovered in his depth of character, his conduct, his relationships with his compatriots and what I can only describe as his goodness. To say I was touched, moved and profoundly affected would be an understatement. The process of writing was both a joy and a mystery. What was even more amazing to me was that the chosen composer, Herb Mahelona, seemed to be on the same journey. I can only say it has been a privilege to bring this story into this form at this time with Herb Mahelona, Patrick Makuakane and the very supportive Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre. I sincerely hope that audiences will be touched in the same way we are by the life of Timoteo Haʻalilio. I decided, when I first started writing years ago, I wanted to be part of that group of writers (which at that time was very small) who were dedicated to creating a body of literature that reflected the Pacific. Today, Pacific Island Literature has not only grown, but is taught as a college course in universities throughout the world. While writing this libretto, working in this form that is totally new to me, I could not help but think that we are strengthening another genre in the body of Pacific literature that reflects Oceania. It is my hope that this will be the one of many new operas that tell our stories, in our languages and through the beautiful voices of our people.”‍
Composer Herb Mahelona is a renowned Hawaiian composer, conductor, and educator. A graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaii, he resides on the island of Hawai'i where he is the high school choir director at the Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i Campus and director of the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Chorus. He composed and performed his first Hawaiian-themed opera in 1996 for the Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus and has subsequently composed a total of 11 operas.  All of his operas are based on Hawaiian themes; three of which were written entirely in Hawaiian and featured at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016, 2019 and 2023. Mahelona is a passionate advocate and has contributed to projects that highlight the stories and experiences of Hawaiians, such as the children's book Ka Huakaʻi a Timoteo Haʻalilio, which chronicles the journey of the Hawaiian diplomat who is the focus of The Sheltering Tree.

‍“The story of Timoteo Ha'alilio was new to me when it was first introduced by director Patrick Makuakane in initial discussions as to what story should be chosen for this opera.  To embrace Hawaiian culture is to be in a constant state of learning as so much of the culture lies waiting to be rediscovered.  I was familiar with Kauikeaouli and the efforts of George Paulet to claim the kingdom of Hawai'i for Great Britain and his eventual thwarting by Admiral Thomas, but there was so much more to learn.  Patrick was a passionate and persuasive champion of Timoteo, and he succeeded in piquing our curiosity and driving us to dig deeper into the history of Hawai'i.   In preparation for any opera project, I usually travel to a location with some connection to the events and people involved for the purpose of seeking guidance and asking permission to pursue the project.  In every instance - this is my eleventh Hawaiian-themed opera – I have been blessed to receive permission and surprising insight that helps to shape the music of each opera.  This project was no different.  I traveled to Honolulu to the final resting place of Timoteo Ha'alilio and was impressed with the feelings of love - love for his country, love for his king, his wife, his people - that radiated from the place.  In every project I had worked on in the past, that has been the common thread: love, aloha - as a powerful, motivating force for good, for selflessness and personal sacrifice.  It has been a revelation to work with a librettist who was similarly attuned to those feelings. Victoria echoed all of my feelings in every draft of the libretto that she presented to me.  We had to agree that we were being guided in our choice of words and music, all of which seemed to come so easily to both of us.  We never stopped being amazed at how everything flowed between the libretto and the score.

‍I started working on musical themes before Victoria sent me the first draft, based solely on what I felt while on my journey to seek Timoteo's approval.  It was just motifs and ideas that emerged from my brain fully formed, with no words.  When the first draft of the libretto arrived, I knew instantly where each motif would fit and the words matched up perfectly.  Victoria and I frequently shared how working on our parts of the project would always bring us to tears.  I spent many days weeping alone in my office working on the opera, when it seemed that I was so close to Timoteo.  I could feel his gentle spirit and I have tried to make music that echoes those impressions.  I have felt such close connections in every project I've worked on, but this one was powerfully moving, and I can only conclude that this is a story that must be told and experienced.”  
Director/Choreographer Patrick Makuakāne is a visionary kumu hula (master hula teacher) who has been pushing the boundaries of traditional hula since founding his San Francisco-based dance company Nā Lei Hulu i ka Wēkiu in 1985. In 2023, Makuakāne was named a MacArthur Fellow, becoming the first native Hawaiian to receive the prestigious "genius grant."

Born and raised in Honolulu, Makuakāne studied hula under renowned teachers and received the title of kumu hula from Mae Kamāmalu Klein in 2003. Makuakāne's innovative approach blends ancient hula traditions with contemporary music, costumes, and themes. His performances challenge stereotypes and explore past and present-day threats to Native Hawaiian people and culture. His work depicts the history of colonialism and the devastation wrought by Christian missionaries in the 19th century. In 2022, Makuakāne collaborated with Hawaiian transgender artists to create "MĀHŪ," a full-length work celebrating gender fluidity in Hawaiian culture.

‍“For the better part of my life, I never knew the Hawaiian kingdom was once an independent sovereign nation with over 110 consulates around the world and the first non-European indigenous state admitted into the Family of Nations. I'm willing to wager that most people visiting Hawaiʻi and even those who live here have no idea of that fact. It's unimaginable that such a crucial part of our history was almost buried through the oppressive weight of occupation and a highly successful campaign of national and cultural erasure. And the Native Hawaiian who literally gave up his life in this mission to ensure Hawaiʻi's sovereignty, was almost relegated to obscurity. That manʻs name is Timoteo Haʻalilio. His story was unintentionally discovered by a Native Hawaiian historian and dear friend, Kauʻi Sai-Dudoit.  After almost a decade of dedicated research mining the Hawaiian language newspapers, she finally pieced together this man's incredible story. She says: “Measured by any standard, and in any era, Ha'alilio's life defines resolve, sacrifice, and most of all, patriotism. He is a national treasure, a trusted friend of Hawai'i, a diplomat and a celebrated hero, yet most of us have never heard of him.” Like Haʻalilio's journey to guarantee Hawaiʻi's sovereignty, I feel we are on a crucial journey to guarantee that his name, love of country, and the unfathomable pursuit of attaining the unattainable will never be forgotten. As in the days of old, great deeds by ancestral gods, chiefs and intrepid citizens were always told through song and dance. The Sheltering Tree continues this tradition with a sweeping, epic tale that is almost as grand and bold as his actual life story. One of my goals in life is to make certain that Haʻalilio is no longer an unsung hero but a celebrated one.”
Conductor Lance Inouye, a Japanese-American conductor originally from Hawai'i, is based in Portland, Oregon, where he holds several prestigious positions, including Artistic Director and Conductor of the Willamette Valley Symphony, Artistic Director of The Portland Concert Opera, and Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities at Lewis & Clark College. Inouye's conducting career has taken him to opera companies such as Portland Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and Sarasota Opera. In the fall of 2023, he made his debut with Hawai'i Opera Theatre, conducting An American Dream. Inouye has given masterclasses at institutions worldwide, including Mahidol University College of Music in Bangkok, Thailand, and the Instituto de Formación Integral Coro y Orquesta Urubichá in Bolivia. Inouye has been a prizewinner at conducting competitions throughout Europe, most notably receiving 2nd prize in the 2019 Makris International Conducting Competition in Belgrade, Serbia.  
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