Aura Bora

Aura Bora is an indie-punk band based in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, formed in 2016 by frontperson Jhune Liwanag and drummer Joey Green. Before stepping into the spotlight with Aura Bora, Liwanag was deeply involved in the local music scene as a show organizer, photographer, and leader of the collective Failed Orbit Records, which supports Hawai‘i's diverse DIY community. The band quickly gained attention with two early albums, *Yeah, She Seems Cool* and *Was*, before a brief hiatus in 2017. They made a strong comeback in 2021 with high-profile opening slots for Otoboke Beaver and Alvvays. Their music is known for blending raw emotion with catchy punk energy, anchored by Liwanag’s expressive vocals that range from bratty to vulnerable.

Aura Bora's latest work, including the EP *Welcome to Heck* (2025), showcases their growth and candidness, addressing themes of interpersonal conflict and personal growth with a DIY, honest approach. Recorded in a makeshift studio in Honolulu’s Blaisdell Hotel, the EP highlights the band’s evolving sound, fusing chaotic indie punk with personal storytelling. Songs like the lead single "I Wanna" mix Riot Grrrl spirit with a fiery pop-punk attitude, standing out as anthems of self-assertion and emotional catharsis. The band’s strong community ties, combined with their fearless and heartfelt music, make them vital figures in Hawai‘i’s indie-punk scene.