Meet Mike Lundy. He’s Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels most veteran staff member; he’s been with us for more than 21 years. What many on his routes may not know is he also created some of our island’s grooviest music!
Born and raised in Nu‘uanu, Mike was composing original music from a young age. In 1979 in Honolulu, he recorded and released a now internationally-acclaimed LP called The Rhythm Of Life.
After completing his deliveries, we enjoyed an afternoon chatting with Mike about his music and the past two decades as a meal delivery driver.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Caring for our kūpuna, it just feels good inside. I love my job. I’ve said this for years, it isn’t like a job. My most memorable times are deliveries during the holidays when our clients are feeling loneliest. They’ll say, “You’re bringing us meals and on top of that gifts!?” It really moves me.
What has changed in the past 20 years?
When I started, I was one of only two drivers covering about four routes. Today, we have 6 drivers covering more than 70 routes with the help with 100 volunteers! The need for home-delivered meals has grown exponentially. It’s all flown by so fast. I’m now serving some kūpuna who are younger than me!
Where does music and serving kupuna intersect?
Delivering meals and performing aren’t that much different at all. When you’re performing you want to make people happy and take them into a better place. The same with meals. You go to their homes, give them joy and nourishment, and help them get away from their situation for a while.
Mike’s inventive rhythms have experienced a resurgence in popularity worldwide. Blending jazzy pop and funk, his music can be heard on our local stations, in Brazilian cafes, and have even been remixed and played in London clubs! But the heightened popularity of his music hasn’t gone to his head. He continues to serve kūpuna with humility and compassion – bringing his lively funk and soul on the road to share with kūpuna.
Join the hui!
Would you like to join Mike and our meal delivery team as a volunteer? We’re looking for individuals, ohanas, friends, co-workers, or church members, who are available Monday, Thursday, or Friday between 9 AM and Noon. Share your availability with us online:
