Na Mele Maoli, literally meaning songs of native Hawaiians, in this context means songs that reflect the true spirit of being Hawaiian. These songs (mele) describe love for the land, for each other, and gives voice to their view of life. They are a collection of songs chosen by Kawai because of memories they elicit of beloved people, places and times.

Wayne Harada of The Honolulu Advertiser says "Who better than a veteran to tackle some vintage tunes, reinterpreted for contemporary audiences? Cockett is a seasoned pro, trained in the old-fashioned way. His voice is like supple leather – comfortably fitting the tunes – and the roster brings back beloved memories of another time. Outstanding stuff, through and through."

Lyrics, translations, biographical and song information is included.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Ne'ene'e Mai A Pili
2. Ku'uipo Onaona
3. Maika'i Kaua'i Awaiaulu Ke Alona
4. Anahola
5. Hanohano Waiehu
6. Hanauma
7. Ka Wai Lehua 'A'ala Ka Honua
8. Wahine Holo Lio
9. He Aloha No Waimea
10. Pauoa Ka Liko Lehua
11. Ku'u Baby Hot Cha Cha
12. Home Ho'okipa O Kaimu
    
    

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)
    

Album Tracks:

1. Mona Lisa
2. Kaleohano
3. 'Ulili E
4. Medley:  Hanohano Wale No Na Cowboy/Ka Huila Wai
5. Hi'ilawe
6. Henehene Kou 'Aka
7. Medley:  Ahi Wela/Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
8. 'Opae E
9. Starting All Over Again
10. Over the Rainbow
11. Panini Puakea
12. La 'Elima
13. In This Life
14. "Oxygen"

Kahauanu Lake "elevated the basic technique of strumming to an art form while also demonstrating the importance of going beyond simple chords. He bucked tradition with arrangements in which the ‘ukulele defined the melody rather than the rhythm of a song, helping the humble (‘ukulele) make the leap to lead instrument rather than a sidekick to the guitar or piano. – John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 9/28/03

 "This reissue, part of Hula Records' Legendary Classics Series, captures ('Mr. K's') timeless presence – a 1965 recording retrofitted for a 2007 audience, complete with enhanced liner notes jammed with lyrics and translations, a roster of achievements and awards from the mid-1980s till now, and a bonus track, 'Na Mamo Ali‘i.'...The tunes are like handpicked fruit from a tree laden with ripe mangoes, composed by some of the stellar old-time pros..." – Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser, 8/10/07.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Pua Lililehua
2. Ka'u Nui
3. Pili Palua
4. 'A'ole La
5. He Mana'o Ko'u Ia 'Oe
6. Home Kapaka
7. Hu'i E
8. Ke 'Ala Ka'u I Honi
9. Hualalai
10. He Aloha Ku'u Ipo
11. Pili Me 'Oe
12. Medley:  Ku'u Lei Ho'i Mai Malihini
13. Bonus Track:  Na Mamo Ali'i
    
    

"The Kahauanu Lake Trio is made up of ‘ukulele virtuoso Kahauanu Lake, master bass player Tommy Lake, and guitar specialist Al Machida . While their career spanned more that fifty years, they have left behind only six recorded albums; each one a cherished possession and a collector's item for their artistic and musical excellence, and for their detailed liner notes by Jean Sullivan. No other group in the history of Hawaiian music has endured the test of time...The music of The Kahauanu Lake Trio is ageless and still very much in demand." – Michael Pili Pang, Kumu Hula (Hula Master), Halau Hula Ka No‘eau, and Director of the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts, City and County of Honolulu.

The trio's 1968 album, recorded live at the Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki, and reissued in 2006, includes Hawaiian lyrics, translations and annotation by Jean Sullivan.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Na Wai E Pipi'i
2. Lei Lokelani
3. Waikiki Hula
4. Nani Venuse
5. Moloka'i Waltz
6. Wahiika'ahu'ula
7. Na Hala O Naue
8. Pilina Mau
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. Kawena
11. Medley:  Kaula 'Ili/Pu'u O Hulu
12. Ko'ula
13. Bonus:  Misty Rains and Lehua
    
    

In a cheery green house up the street from me is Aunty May’s house. Her full name is May Kalehua Kamai. and I first met her about 25 years ago when she was playing ‘ukulele and singing with the Pua Melia Trio. She had a beautiful voice then and still has it! I never knew that one day she would end up playing music with me and for several years she played rhythm guitar with Joe Keaulana on bass. We did some interisland traveling together as a trio but Aunty May has seen so much more of the world as a musical ambassador for Hawaiian Airlines and the famed Kodak Hula Show. She’s charmed literally millions of people with her lilting soprano in England, Holland, Canada, Korea, Japan, the isles of Polynesia, and most recently, in France. She can also sing as low as a tenor and, if she must, she’s not too bad on the upright bass, either. Like most of us Hawaiians, she’s a self-taught singer and musician. Aunty May’s specialty is hula music and that’s why she has performed for so many award-winning hula groups and well-known celebrities too... The last time I was in Aunty May’s house, she was completing a kapa kuiki (Hawaiian quilt) for someone dear to her. She loves people and Hawaiian music and I know that you’ll love listening to Aunty May’s hula favorites, as countless others have.” – Kimo Alama Keaulana, educator, award-winning singer-musician and the kumu hula’s kumu hula.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. KAULANA MOLOKA‘I
2. KANE‘OHE
3. LEI NANI
4. KU‘U HOA
5. E HULI MAKOU
6. KE ALOHA
7. IPO HULA
8. MAUNA LOA
9. HANOHANO OLINDA
10. MI NEI
11. PAPALINA LAHILAHI
12. HE ALOHA NO ‘O WAI‘ANAE
    

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
    
    

1969 Breakthrough Album By Acclaimed Singer & Master Chanter Now Available on CD!

Here's what they're saying about Kawai Cockett today...

• "The music and the performances are exquisite." - John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin

• "Hawaiian artistry in the old-style tradition." - Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser

• He grew up in a (family) in which Hawaiian was the language of everyday communication, and many traditional practices and beliefs were still intact...Kawai is a living link to old Hawai‘i."  – Hawaii Magazine, July/August 1999

• "His voice is robust, and his Hawaiian, flawless." - Manu Boyd, Ka Wai Ola o OHA

• "To the hula-minded, Kawai's music is as danceable as it gets." - Manu Boyd, Ka Wai Ola o OHA

This is the album that launched Kawai Cockett's three decade recording career - a must have for all hula dancers and Hawaiian music enthusiasts! Lyrics and translations are included.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Beautiful Kaua'i
2. Hale'iwa Paka
3. Ka Ua A'o Hilo
4. 'Iiwi A'o Hilo
5. Ku'u Hoaloha
6. Kupa Landing
7. Noenoenani
8. Nene'u
9. Kona
10. Ala Moana Paka
11. Pohai Ke Aloha
12. Honolulu Harbor
    
    

"A superstar with raw talent and true grit." "A diamond in the rough." "A true folk hero." "King of the slack-key." "Master of the steel guitar." "Gabby Pahinui leaves a massive legacy to Hawai‘i."

"The accolades poured in as thousands commemorated the passing of Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, who departed this earth on October 13, 1980. He was only 59.

...Together with his technical dexterity, Gabby's trademark was the unique combination of traditional Hawaiian manner and personal qualities – that special, delectable aura of mana (spiritual energy) conveyed in his music and singing. When Gabby sang, he projected a warm intimacy, as though the listener was a personal and welcomed friend...

To his many friends and admirers, and to those generations yet to be born, Gabby's legacy lives on in his unique and very personal gift – that which he shares with you on this album."  – Kalani Meinecke, researcher and educator 

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Hi'ilawe
2. Na 'Ono Ia Na Kupuna
3. Kona Kai 'Opua
4. He'eia
5. Slack Key Medley:  Nani Wale Lihu'e/Silver Threads Among the Gold/Wai'alae
6. I Ka Po Me Ke Ao
7. Nani Ko'olau
8. 'Ulili E
9. Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua
10. Lei No Ka'iulani
11. Interview with Dave Guard
    
    

A collection of songs previously released by Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, featuring the legendary master of slack-key guitar; a Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner and recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award.

"It may be difficult for many present-day fans to believe that Gabby did not enjoy life-long fame and fortune as a master musician and vocalist. Most contemporary slack-key guitarists acknowledge Gabby as a major source of inspiration and influence; most scholars of Hawaiian music site him as a major innovator. Yet, rather than play for dollars-and-cents commercial success, Gabby always played for his love of music. And rather than compromise his music, he supported his family by working on a City & County Road Crew for much of his life. Fortunately, Gabby lived long enough to enjoy the acclaim he had never sought but so richly deserved." – John Berger, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Information about each song and lyrics for selected songs are included.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Wai Hu'ihu'i O Ke Aniani
2. Maile Lau Li'ili'i
3. 'Ia 'Oe E Ka La
4. Haleakala
5. Panini Pua Kea
6. He'eia
7. 'Ama 'Ama
8. Nanea Ko Maka I Ka Le'a Le'a
9. Pua Kukui
10. Kananaka
11. Mauna Loa
12. Farewell Medley
    

"Two classic greatest hits compilations re-released in compact disc document the history of one of the seminal groups of the Hawaiian Renaissance. The discs are available separately, and each contains a cross-section of material from the groups' landmark Hula Records albums of the late-60s; Hawaiian music fans will want to collect both." – John Berger, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 12/18/88

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Kawika
2. Uwe Ka Wao
3. 'Ohi'a Hua Palaku
4. Only You
5. Sunday Manoa
6. Maika'i Ka Makani O Kohala
7. Pua Tuberose
8. Kalakaua
9. Kaulana Kawaihae
10. Heha Waipi'o

In response to popular demand and our deep desire to preserve the very best in Hawaiian music, we at Hula Records are proud to present an anthology of vintage Hawaiian music – "Myra English, Best of the Champagne Lady."

It's hard to resist the music of Myra English. It's evocative and gently persuasive, like a sunrise or a full moon. It's a riot of wonderful music sung in the "old time" style. It's classy, unique – like a glass of French champagne. Myra was a product of a Hawai‘i long gone, obliterated in the name of "progress" – a time when Hawaiian and hapa-haole music was heard EVERYWHERE in night clubs from Iwilei to Waikiki. Myra worked with the best in the business, and in her own right, has produced some of the Hawaiian music industry's biggest hits. Myra English (who died in 2001 at the age of 68) was far and away one of Hawai‘i's quintessential entertainers – not just a musician, not just a performer, but a word-class, well-rounded entertainer. She was a cultural treasure and one heck of a lady – a Champagne Lady...

Biographical notes, photos, English and Hawaiiaiian lyrics and comments about each song are encluded in the CD booklet.

Album Titles:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Drinking Champagne
2. Ku'u Sweetie
3. Waiomina
4. Firemen's Hula
5. Maui Moon
6. Kahukia'ialo
7. KHBC
8. Many Happy Hangovers to You
9. Pu'u Anahulu
10. Huli Ho'i
11. Aloha Ka Manini
12. Kauhale O Kamapua'a
13. Oh How I Miss You Tonight