O'Brian Eselu


O'Brian Eselu
Kumu Hula and Na Hoku Hanohano Award Recipient

As part of the Hawaiian entertainment and hula renaissance during the 1970's, O'Brian began his entertainment career at the highly successful Chuck Machado Luau as one third of a comedy hula trio, which included the late Thaddius Wilson and Darrell Lupenui.

In 1979, with the blessings of Thaddius' maternal grandmother Keoho Oda and mother Aunty Verna Wilson, O'Brian and the late Thaddius Wilson began their Hula Halau, Na Wai Eha O Puna. During the course of the next two decades, Na Wai Eha O Puna would influence and shape the world of Hula with their dynamic style; winning numerous Merrie Monarch Hula Festivals, Ms. Aloha Hula and King Kamehameha Day Hula competitions.

30 years of entertaining numerous visitors and residence of our islands, O'Brian released his first compact disc, "Ke Kumu", earning him a "Na Hoku Hanohano" award for "Most Promising Artist". O'Brian then followed with the release of "Na Maka", which was nominated for another "Na Hoku Hanohano" award. His new CD "Aloha E, Aloha E, Aloha E" which was released in December of 2009 was produced by Kenneth Makuakane through "Hiki No Records".

O'Brians' Hula and Music expertise is shared throughout the United States, Tahiti, Mexico, Samoa and Japan. He is also credited with choreographing the "Magic of Polynesia" show in Waikiki and the "U'lalena" show in Lahaina, Maui.



O'Brian continues to demonstrate his unique Hula style through his new award-winning Hula Halau "Ke Kai O Kahiki".

In celebration of 30 years in hula, his halau participated in the 46th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in April of 2009 and were awarded 1st Place in Men's Kahiko, 2nd Place in Men's Auwana, 1st Place Men's Overall and Overall Champion for the Festival. He returned to the Merrie Monarch Festival this past April 2010 with a repeat performance winning 1st Place in both Men's Kahiko and Auana, 1st Place Men's Overall and Overall Champion for the festival.

He is also the Entertainment Director/Head Choreographer and Lead Entertainer for Hawaii's number 1 visitor's Luau experience, Paradise Cove Luau.

In May 2009, O'Brian received a commendation award and proclamation from the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Mufi Hannemann. The award was bestowed upon him in recognition of his lifelong achievements in hula and music.