Mark Kealiûi Hoûomalu (born August 10, 1959) is a contemporary Hawaiian chanter, who was born and raised in ûAiea, Oûahu. He is best known for his contributions to the soundtrack of the 2002 Disney animated film, Lilo & Stitch, providing the film's two non-Elvis Presley-related songs. His style is both innovative and controversial, as purists disapprove of the liberties he takes in creating new arrangements of ancient chants.
At the age of 15, Hoûomalu started his hula career with John Piûilani Watkins doing various là «Ã»au and Polynesian shows around Oûahu.
In 1979, he joined a hÃÂlau, which became the foundation for Mark's hula education as an ûolapa and chanter.
Hoûomalu moved to California in 1979 to teach hula with Tiare Clifford of Tiare Otea in San Francisco. After refining much of his teaching technique under Clifford's direction, he was introduced to Bea and Herb Hew Len. In 1988 they turned over the directorship of their hÃÂlau, NàMele Hula ûOhana to Hoûomalu.
NàMele Hula ûOhana set high standards in hula competitions along the West Coast and in Hawaiûi. They were invited to the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival in 1997, where their men placed fourth in the hula kahiko (ancient hula) competition. They returned to the Merrie Monarch each year through 2000. Hoûomalu disbanded the hÃÂlau in early 2002. He continues to teach seminars throughout the country. He was selected to perform at halftime of the 2013 Hawaii Bowl game.
In June 2002, Walt Disney Pictures released their animated feature film, Lilo & Stitch, which prominently featured two songs performed by Hoûomalu along with The Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus: a traditional song called "He Mele No Lilo (A Song for the Lost)" and an original song written by Hoûomalu especially for the film, "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride".
Hoûomalu would return to the franchise for the 2025 live-action film, performing a rewritten version called "He Lei PÃÂpahi No Lilo a me Stitch (A Square Necklace for Lilo and Stitch)" with the Chorus.
In February 2003, he opened a new halau, the Academy of Hawaiian Arts. The hÃÂlau has participated in many events around California, including the IàûOe E Ka LàHula Competition in Pleasanton and San Francisco's Aloha Festival. They most recently danced at the prestigious Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawaiûi.