After seeing dramatic news coverage of the 1990 lava flow that destroyed most of the town of Kala­pana in Hawaii island’s Puna district, Wai­lana Simcock felt compelled to go there. Then 16 years old and living on Oahu, he was mesmerized by that undeniable display of nature’s power.

"Yes, it was tragic that many people lost their homes and their businesses when Pele, the volcano goddess, claimed Kala-pana," recalled Simcock, the Hawaiian culture director of Kalani, a 501(c)(3) retreat center in Puna focused on recreation, wellness education and Hawaiian culture preservation. "But that lava flow also had raw beauty and energy. It created new land. To me the area was alive, and I was drawn to it."

Ancient chants tell of storied Kumu­kahi in Puna, the first place in Hawaii to welcome the light and warmth of the rising sun each morning. Simcock, who moved to Puna in 2000, learned many of those stirring oli when he was a Hawaiian-studies student at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. (He earned his degree in 2006.)

"Traditional Hawaiian music is for all people, but for Native Hawaiians it provides a connection with nature, our heritage and our ancestry," he said. "It is an expression of love and gratitude for the land, for the sea, for life. Puna, with its aura of mystery and wonder, is the perfect setting for a festival that celebrates Hawaiian music past and pres­ent, and inspires creative expression."

Simcock is the programming director for the second annual Puna Music Festival, spearheaded by Kalani. Proceeds will support Hawaiian culture classes, events and activities at schools and nonprofit organizations in Puna.

"Crowdsource" is the theme of this year’s 10-day festival. "In planning the events, we looked for ways to bridge the performer-audience divide, to build stronger links between them," Simcock said. "Participating artists and instructors will be using innovative methods to help engage attendees in the active creation of music at all levels, from songwriting to instrumentation to performance. There will be learning opportunities for beginners and professionals alike."

The opening and closing concerts, featuring Na Hoku Hano­hano award winners Kuana Torres Kahele and Kai­nani Kahaunaele, will have seating for just 150 people, allowing for an intimate, interactive experience. Participants in Medicine for the People’s workshop will help compose a song that the group will perform at its May 25 concert.

During her workshop, Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Jane Lui will show how ordinary objects can add depth, texture and rhythm to music. She and her students will come up with a fresh interpretation of the popular song "The Rainbow Connection."

Simcock is especially looking forward to the concert at Isaac Hale Beach Park (it’s known as Poho­iki, meaning "small depression," because Pele supposedly dug a crater there).

"The park’s oceanside location is spectacular; it’s popular with families, surfers and fishermen," Simcock said. "The concert will feature a diverse mix of music by local performers, from choral to bluegrass to traditional Hawaiian. It will culminate with appearances by Na Hoku Hano­hano award winners Mark Yama­naka and headliner Paula Fuga."

ANOTHER highlight will be Uncle Robert’s Concert and Night Market. "Uncle" Robert Kelii­hoo­malu is regarded as the patriarch of Kala­pana. He and his family own Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar, which has become known for its lively Wednesday evening jam sessions.

"You can always expect great Hawaiian music at Uncle Robert’s," Simcock said. "The weekly Wednesday Night Market is one of the hottest events on the east side of the island. For the festival, vendors will be selling local produce, arts and crafts, and a variety of food."

After dinner on May 27, festival-goers are invited to view the recently released documentary "Nona Beamer: A Legacy of Aloha," a tribute to a beloved champion of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance. Auntie Nona’s life unfolds through stories, songs, hula, photos and fond memories of some of the many people whose lives were greatly influenced by her.

In short, Simcock believes the Puna Music Festival is a wonderful opportunity for people to "become part of the evolving Hawaiian culture in our community, and to discover the amazing talent and natural beauty that are found here. They will see firsthand the strong cultural values that we honor through our music. Our motto for the festival is ‘Lea ka puu­wai i ke kani ka pila,’ which means ‘Joyous is the heart upon the sound of music.’ We hope everyone attending the festival will feel that joy."

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.