This "Best of" album showcases the multi-talented Big island falsetto singer performing many of the songs she is best known for. The three-time Nahokuhanohano Award-winner sings traditional favorites and new songs by Hawai‘i's young composers. Lyrics and translations are included.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Ku'u Sweetie
2. I Ali'i No 'Oe
3. Makee 'Ailana
4. Pa'ani Kamali'i
5. Papalina Lahilahi
6. Pohai Kealoha
7. 'Akaka Falls
8. Lei Hinahina
9. Moku Ola
10. 'Alekoki
11. Lei Liko Ka Lehua
12. Kuahiwi Nani
13. Nani Wai'ale'ale
14. Ka Pili Oha
    

Hawaiians place a very high value on falsetto singing (leo ki‘e ki‘e). Predominantly sung by men, magnificent musical notes are reached in the highest registers of their voices. Each singer has his own distinctive style. Slack key (ki ho‘alu) and steel guitar are notable musical extensions of falsetto singing, instrumentally imitating the falsetto voice. All three are uniquely Hawaiian, celebrated and enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

Winners of 1999's annual Aloha Festivals Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest and the Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest all received a prized recording contract from Hula Records. As our makana aloha (gift of love) to you in honor of this year's Aloha Festivals, we present this compilation by some of the contests’ finest participants. This CD brings you classic renditions of beloved songs, which are part of the fabric of Hawai‘i's celebrations.

Featuring Chauncy Bermodez, Kamakele "Bulla" Kailiwai, Stan Priddy, Saichi Kawahara, William "Billy" Gilman, and from Japan, Kichizo Matsutani.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. I Ali'i No 'Oe (Chauncy Bermodez)
2. Honaunau Paka (Kamakele "Bulla" Kailiwai)
3. Nani Kaua'i (Stan Priddy)
4. Nani Hanalei (Saichi Kawahara)
5. He Punahele (Billy Gillman)
6. Hula O Makee (Kamakele "Bulla" Kailiwai)
7. Kamalani O Keaukaha (Kichizo Matsutani)
8. My Lovely Flower (Stan Priddy)
9. Kui Tree (Kichizo Matsutani)
10. Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua (Chauncy Bermodez)
11. Hoe Hoe Na Wa'a (Saichi Kawahara, Vern & Vince Fernandez)
12. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Billy Gillman & William "Baba" Alimoot)
    
    

We're proud to introduce you to the year 2000's winner of the Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest: Rayburn "Chan" Abenes. "Chan" performs Lena Machado's "Ipo Hula" (known as "The Sweetheart Hula") and five of his own compositions. Six past grand prize winners from the Big Island's Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest (Kalei Bridges, Akoni, "Bulla" Kailiwai), and O‘ahu's Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest (Sam K eli‘iho‘omalu, Chauncy Bermodez, Stan Priddy) add their sweet leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voices to the album, making it a perfect introduction to the uniquely Hawaiian art form.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. He Mele No Ka Popoki ("Chan" Abenes)
2. Ha'upu (Sam Keali‘iho‘omalu)
3. Ka Lehua I Milia (Chaundy Bermodez)
4. The Cowboy Hula ("Bulla" Kailiwai)
5. Aloha Kapanai'a ("Chan" Abenes)
6. Ka 'Ano'i (Kalei Bridges)
7. I Kohala ("Chan" Abenes)
8. Kaulana Uapo O Hilo (Akoni)
9. Ko'u Kaikaina ("Chan" Abenes)
10. The Sweetheart Hula ("Chan" Abenes)
11. Aloha Ka Manini (Stan Priddy)
12. Ka Wahine O Waiehu ("Chan" Abenes)
    

We're proud to introduce 2001's big winner, Kaua‘i's "Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco who won the Grand Prize at the Frank B. Shaner Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest. The next day, "Le‘a" traveled to the Big Island and tied with Hilo's Lopaka Kanahele to win the Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest. Falsetto contest winners of recent years join "Le‘a" and Lopaka in bringing their sweet leo ki‘e ki‘e (falsetto) songs to you.

Special guests are the O‘ahu competition's namesake, Frank B. Shaner, Maui's own, Cody Pueo Pata, O‘ahu's "Chan" Abenes, Kailua-Kona's 'Bulla" Kailiwai, and from North Kohala, Clyde "Kindy" Sproat, who originated these friendly falsetto competitions.

Falsetto singing is an important part of Hawai‘i's musical heritage that we share with the world. This CD compilation presents Aloha Festivals falsetto contest winners who, in the spirit of falsetto masters of the past, strive to preserve this unique part of our Hawaiian cultural heritage.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Medley:  I Ali'i No 'Oe/Yodel Song ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
2. La'ieikawai (Lopaka Kanahele)
3. Nawiliwili ("Chan" Abenes)
4. Kane'ohe ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
5. A He Nani Moloka'i (Clyde "Kindy" Sproat)
6. Ka Pili Oha (Lopaka Kanahele)
7. Ka Nani O Ka Pali ("Bulla" Kailiwai)
8. Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
9. I Ka Wao (Lopaka Kanahele)
10. Hula O Makee ("Le‘a" Kukona-Pacheco)
11. Blue Darlin' (Frank B. Shaner)
12. Mele Hinalea (Cody Pueo Pata)
    

Hawaiian falsetto singing (leo ki`eki`e) is one of Hawai‘i's greatest contributions to musical culture. As part of the Aloha Festivals celebration, two friendly and tremendously enjoyable falsetto competitions occur annually: Hawai`i Island's "Kindy" Sproat Falsetto and Storytelling Contest and O‘ahu's Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest. The winners of each event earn a Hula Records recording contract. The contests and recordings are integral in keeping the art of falsetto alive.

2002 winners, Hilo-born and raised "Kaniala" Masoe and Hawai‘i transplant Gary Medeiros, who now calls California home, sing four falsetto favorites each. Popular past falsetto contest winners "Chan" Abenes and Stan Priddy – also heard on other volumes of this Hoku Award-winning series – round out the album with two songs a piece.

" Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners, Vol. IV" is a perfect CD for falsetto enthusiasts and hula dancers alike.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. He' Ui (Gary Medeiros)
2. Lahela Ku'u Poki'i ("Kaniala" Masoe)
3. Pohai Kealoha (Stan Priddy)
4. Ku'u Lei Hoku ("Chan" Abenes)
5. Alekoki ("Kaniala" Masoe)
6. Ho'onanea (Gary Medeiros)
7. He Aloha No 'O Wai'anae ("Chan" Abenes)
8. 'Alika (Gary Medeiros)
9. Waikaloa (Stan Priddy)
10. 'Akaka Falls ("Kaniala" Masoe)
11. KHBC (Gary Medeiros)
12. Kalama'ula ("Kaniala" Masoe)
    

The theme of this year’s Aloha Festivals, Na Paniolo Nui O Hawai‘i (The Great Cowboys Of Hawai‘i), is particularly fitting since it was the paniolo who inspired the distinctly Hawaiian musical style. This CD, the seventh in the series, pays tribute to the enormous contribution paniolos have made to Hawai‘i’s musical and cultural landscape. Hula Records is pleased to play a part in the perpetuation of this unique musical expression and salutes the Aloha Festivals’ 60th anniversary.

"Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners, Volume 7"  features the 2005 contest winners – the Big Island’s Benson Kam (Hawai‘i Island), Ni‘ihau’s Ronnie Kaohelaulii (Kaua‘i), Japan’s Hiroshi Okada (Maui), and from New Jersey, Bill Wynne (O‘ahu). The CD includes a bonus track by Kalei Bridges, the first winner of the original Aloha Festivals Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest, begun by the Big Island’s Clyde “Kindy” Sproat.  The CD is dedicated “Uncle Kindy.”

The 12-panel folder includes information about each singer and features the story of Kohala paniolo, David Fuertes, who is perpetuating the art of Hawaiian saddle making (noho lio) and mentoring the youth of his community.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Ku'u Ipo Ku'u Aloha Poina 'Ole (Bill Wynne)
2. 'Ulupalakua (Ronnie Kaohelaulii)
3. He Nani Helena (Hiroshi Okada)
4. Kumu 'Ohi'a (Benson Kam)
5. Hu'ehu'e (Bill Wynne)
6. Aloha Ka'eo (Ronnie Kaohelaulii)
7. Noho Paipai (Hiroshi Okada)
8. He Aloha No 'O Honolulu (Benson Kam)
9. Kimo Hula (Hiroshi Okada)
10. Kawaihae Hula (Bill Wynne)
11. None Hula (Benson Kam)
12. Kaulana Ni'ihau (Ronnie Kaohelaulii)
13. Hawaiian Cowboy (Kalei Bridges)
    
    
    

This CD, the 8th in the series of Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners, presents debut recordings by 2006 winners, Kalani Benanua (Maui's contest) and Elijah Isaac (Kaua‘i's contest). They are backed by some of Hawai‘i's best musicians: Dwight Kanae on guitar, William "Baba" Alimoot on upright bass, Casey Olsen playing Hawaiian steel guitar, and Jan Luna on keyboards.

Vintage recordings by 2006 inductees into the Falsetto Hall of Fame – Benny Kalama, Kahauanu Lake, Dennis Pavao and John Piilani Watkins – give buyers examples of classic male falsetto sung by the masters. Informative liner notes complete this excellent introduction to the Hawaiian art form.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Moloka'i (John Piilani Watkins)
2. Kaulana 'O Hilo Hanakahi (Elijah Isaacs)
3. Pakalana (Kalani Benanua)
4. Mi Nei (Kahauanu Lake)
5. Aloha Ka Manini (Kalani Benanua)
6. U'ilani (Elijah Isaac)
7. Alekoki (Kalani Benanua)
8. 'Ainahau (Elijah Isaac)
9. Lahela Ku'u Poki'i (Dennis Pavao)
10. Ke Ali'i Hulu Mamo (Elijah Isaac)
11. Queen's Jubilee (Kalani Benanua)
12. Kealoha (Benny Kalama)
    

Mahi Beamer is a singer you have to hear to believe... A tenor, he specializes in the difficult high-register falsetto. His clean, sure, soaring tones are unique and impressive and the selections on this album allow him ample opportunity to demonstrate his virtuosity. Many of the numbers were composed by members of Mahi's own family, the Desha-Beamer ‘ohana, famous for generations as outstanding Hawaiian musicians. Mahi himself is a recipient of many awards, including the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Art's Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been recognized by the State of Hawai‘i as a steward of his Grandmother's music and "the leader in the dissemination and perpetuation of the cultural legacy of Helen Desha Beamer.

Lyrics, translations and information about each song are included in the 12-page CD folder.

(press play to hear samples)

1. Halau Wai'anae
2. Pupu Hinuhinu
3. Na Hala O Naue
4. Ke Kali Nei Au (The Hawaiian Wedding Song)
5. Ke Ali'i Hulu Mamo
6. Lei 'Ilima
7. Kahuli Aku Kahuli Mai
8. Kawohikukapulani
9. He'eia
10. Pua Mae'ole
11. Kimo Hula
12. Nohili
13. Paniau
    
    

Hear the songs that lured visitors to our shores... These same songs that got Tutu (Grandma) out of her seat for an impromptu hula at family parties will have you swaying to the music! Ho‘omaakaukau...get ready to hula...with Darlene Ahuna, the Big Island's premiere female vocalist. Information concerning the selections, song lyrics and their translations are included.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Kuahiwi Nani
2. Papalina Lahilahi
3. Makee 'Ailana
4. Kamalani O Keaukaha
5. Kaimana Hila
6. Pua 'Ahihi
7. E Ku'u Baby Hot Cha Cha
8. Haole Hula
9. Ku'u Milimili
10. Nani Wai'ale'ale
11. Miloli'i
12. Pohai Kealoha
13. The Queen's Prayer (Ke Aloha O Ka Haku)
    
    

Favorite party and lu`au hulas on one great album! Performed by the "First Lady of Hawaiian Music," falsetto great, Genoa Keawe. "Auntie," as she is fondly called, is the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Award which recognizes her for her contributions in performing and preserving Hawaiian music, and is a winner of multiple Hawaiian music awards

The CD package includes text and translations.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Alika
2. I Ali'i No 'Oe
3. Na Ka Pueo
4. Kane'ohe
5. Ipo Hula
6. Hula O Makee
7. Hu'i E
8. Makee Ailana
9. Lei Nani
10. Papalina Lahilahi
11. Noho Paipai
12. Ku'u Lei Hoku
    

"Lovers, collectors and students of Hawai‘i's music will welcome this release by Hula Records as an opportunity to savor anew, these musical treasures from the past half-century. This retrospective, from producer Don McDiarmid, Jr., affords us a rare collection of some of Hawai‘i's most popular and influential recordings by some of its most honored singers and musicians. Don McDiarmid, Jr. represents three generations of a family dedicated to composing, recording, and promotion of the best of Hawai‘i's music. We are fortunate to have this latest album and his lifetime's reflection." – Kalani Meinecke, Hawaiian music researcher and translator

An introduction by the producer and his personal anecdotes concerning the artists make this a must-have CD.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Kawika
2. Beautiful Kaua'i
3. Morning Dew
4. Paoakalani
5. 'Alika
6. Honesakala
7. Pua Lililehua
8. Honolulu
9. Sushi
10. Drinking Champagne
11. Blue Darling
12. Kalama'ula
13. Laupahoehoe
14. Pupu A O Ewa/Pearly Shells
15. He Hawai'i Au
16. Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai
17. Panini Puakea
18. When It's Time to Go
    

Big Island resident Kalei Bridges was the winner of the Aloha Festivals' First Annual Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest. The win earned the skilled singer-musician the opportunity to record this fine collection of songs. Contest judge, Harry B. Soria, Jr., longtime host of the Territorial Airwaves radio show, says "Kalei Bridges revealed an effortless falsetto with impressive range. He displayed fine control and excellent timing."

Information about each song, in addition to lyrics and translations for most, is included.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Latitu
2. Ka'ano'i
3. Keawaiki
4. Ho'i Mai Ku'uipo
5. Ku'u Pua Lehua
6. Golden Maui Moon
7. Kipu'upu'u
8. Ka Loke
9. Kaulana Kawaihae
10. Moani Ke 'Ala
11. Hawaiian Cowboy
12. Manu 'O'o
    

Meet Akoni: Big Island chanter, kumu hula (hula instructor), song writer and winner of Aloha Festivals' Annual Kindy Sproat Falsetto Singing Contest. The story behind this album is extraordinary - a promise to his grandmother "Mama" in his youth that someday he'll record an album of their music.

Hear Hawaiian Falsetto sung Big Island style and follow along with the lyrics and translations that are provided for you.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Waipi'o
2. Kaulana Uapo O Hilo
3. Pua Loke
4. A Here to Aia Tumu
5. Aloha, My Love
6. Malihini O Waimea
7. Hawaiian Rumba
8. Wai'anapanapa
9. Mokuoeo
10. Kilakila 'O Maui
11. Kumu 'Ohi'a
12. Dreams/Hurt
    
    

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin said "Darlene Ahuna's second solo album is a second masterpiece."  Her peers agreed and voted her the Hawai`i recording industry's Female Vocalist of the Year.

Songs often capture moments in time, thus imprinting memories – making them unforgettable. The artist has chosen songs that have special meaning to her and together, they have strung an "unforgettable lei."

The CD folder sheds light on each song's significance and includes Hawaiian lyrics and English translations.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Moku Ola
2. Lei Liko Ka Lehua
3. Lei Nani
4. You Don't Know Me
5. Lei Ohu
6. My Ku'u Ipo
7. 'Alekoki
8. My Sweet Gardenia Lei
9. Pa'ani Kamali'i
10. Ka Pua O Ka Makahala
11. Lei Hinahina
12. Ke Aloha Pau'ole Oe Nau
    
    
    

"Auntie Genoa" is best known for her unrivaled falsetto singing. Her clear Hawaiian ha‘iha‘i which is often compared with yodeling, and her trademark ability to hold upper register notes for extended periods of time, have earned her the respect and admiration of audiences here and abroad.

A companion album to the popular "Party Hulas," it includes lyrics, translations and explanations about each song. Originally released in 1967, "Luau Hulas" showcases the many talents of "Auntie Genoa" and her band of stellar musicians – Vickie Ii, Pauline Kekahuna, Violet Lilikoi and Benny Rogers. This CD belongs in every collection of Hawaiian music and is a must for students of hula.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Hola 'E Pae
2. Aloha Ku'u Home
3. Ipo Hula
4. Meleana E
5. Ke Aloha
6. Lei Nani
7. I Ka Po Me Ke Ao
8. Nani
9. Ho'okipa Paka
10. I Ali'i No 'Oe
11. Makee 'Ailana
12. Hu'i E

"This reissue from the vaults of Capitol Records taps the pure and radiant voice of the indelible Mahi Beamer, whose selections here are largely from the pen of his grandmother, Helen Desha Beamer. The tone is classic, post-statehood Hawai'i...These oldies percolate with the authentic readings from the heart and soul of a Hawaiian who knows his stuff." – Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser, July 24, 2005

"Hulas, chants, love songs, wedding songs - all are evocative of the rich, romantic flavor of the Islands' eternal lure..." - Honolulu Advertiser, May 6, 1962

"With 12 pages of annotation, including song lyrics, translations and cultural information, this re-issue is a perfect introduction to Mahi Beamer and his music." - John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 2, 2005.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Mahai'ula
2. Pua Malihini
3. Pu'uwa'awa'a
4. Keawaiki Hula
5. Moani Ke 'Ala
6. He Makana
7. Ka'ahumanu
8. Lei O Ha'ena
9. Ke Ha'a La Puna
10. Kinue
11. Halehuki
12. Keawaiki
    
    

Consider the world's oldest and most versatile musical instrument: the human voice. On "Off Shore," his second album, falsetto singer Sam Keli‘iho‘omalu demonstrates just how amazing the human voice truly is. Since capturing first place in the 1998 Aloha Festivals Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest, Sam has refined his fluid delivery and developed an even greater range. The CD's selections include traditional favorites as well as first-time recordings of Sam's original works; choral presentations that display his arranging skills, and solos that show off his vocal dexterity.

Sam shares the stories behind his five compositions and offers historical information about the other Hawaiian and hapa-haole songs. Lyrics and translations complete the package.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Ka'i Malie Ia'u
2. Kaulana O Kohala I Ka Hale Wili
3. Pua Lei 'Ohai Ali'i
4. Beautiful Kahana
5. Wahine U'i
6. Medley:  Papalina Lahilahi/Pua Ke Kiele
7. Ku'u Ipo Maka Uliuli
8. Lei Pani Pupu (Cat's Eye Hula)
9. The Bamboo is Bending
10. 'Alewa Hula
11. Off Shore
12. I Kala I Kala'i (Kona Kai 'Opua)
    

Hula Records is proud to present Sam Keli‘iho‘omalu, winner of 1998's Aloha Festivals Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest on O‘ahu. His debut recording, entitled "Ola Ka ‘Oiwi - The Natives Endure," showcases Sam's many talents. 

Accompanying himself on ‘ukulele, he performs 12 songs, including 4 of his own compositions, singing in the high, clear falsetto voice that won the hearts of the judges. Blending new Hawaiian-language songs with traditional favorites, Sam has created an album that reflects his passion for the old standards and his desire to perpetuate the Hawaiian language, Hawaiian music and the unique singing art form known as falsetto.

Information about each song, their Hawaiian words and English translations are included.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. 'Ekolu Mea Nui
2. Ha'upu
3. Pua Onaona
4. Kawohikukapulani
5. Wahinemaika'i
6. Makalapua Lei No Kamaka'eha
7. Walapi (The Kangaroo Hula)
8. Lehua Medley:  Beautiful Lehua/Lehua
9. Kanipoaokalani
10. Mahi Nuha Mai 'Oe
11. Wailana
12. Huelo