In this album, the reverent carols of the holy day, and the rollicking and sentimental tunes of the holiday, are sung by a gathering of beautiful, world famous, Hawaiian voices. They are directed by Nina Keali‘iwahamana, accompanied by the Hawaii Calls Orchestra, and joined by four other bright Hawaiian stars, appearing as guest soloists.

Informative notes about the songs, and Hawaiian and English lyrics are included.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Jingle Bells (Kani Kani Pele)
2. What Child is This? (Ke Keiki Ali'i)
3. White Christmas
4. Joy to the World (Pomaika'i Wale Ko Ke Ao)
5. Winter Wonderland
6. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (Ka Hikina Mai)
7. O Come All Ye Faithful (Hele Mai 'Oukou)
8. Numbah One Day of Christmas (The Twelve Days of Christmas)
9. Hark the Herald Angels Sing (Hamau E Na 'Anela)
10. Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)
11. Angels We Have Heard on High (Mele Mai Na 'Anela)
12. Silent Night (Po La'i E)
    
    

John Berger of The Honolulu Star-Bulletin says: "This isn't the first tribute album to honor...the popularity of an iconic artist, but it sets a new standard for any and all that come after.

Gabby "Pops" Pahinui was not a prolific composer, but he was the most influential Hawaiian slack-key guitarist of the 20th century. therefore, rather than have a bunch of hot young artists redo Pahinui's music in their style, producer 'Flip' McDiarmid has collected 10 recordings by artists who were influenced by Pahinui's music and have sought to perpetuate it – George Kuo, Dwight Kanae, Albert Kaai and Anita Pahinui Nakamura, to name four.

There's also a recording of "Moana Chimes" by Raymond Kane...[and]...a beautiful 1961 vintage recording of Pahinui playing 'Nani Wale Lihu‘e,' 'Silver Threads Among The Gold' and 'Wai‘alae.' "

McDiarmid includes all the documentation to make this album a perfect introduction to pahinui's life. It includes an overview of Pahinui's life, short bios of the other artists and the slack-key tunings used on each song." (1/4/08)

Album Tracks:

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1. Slack Key Medley:  Nani Wale Lihu'e/Silver Threads Among the Gold/Wai'alae
2. Old Hi'ilawe
3. L&L Medley:  Lihu'e/Lei Nani
4. Moana Chimes
5. Kahalewai's Tune
6. Maunaloa Blues
7. He'eia
8. Panini Pua Kea
9. Lei No Ka'iulani
10. Kohala Morning
11. Pu'uwa'awa'a
12. Aloha Slack Key

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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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)
    

Hawaii Calls is proud to present "Blue Hawaii – The Most Requested Songs of the Islands," part of our series of albums – the Hawaii Calls Collection. In response to tens of thousands of requests by visitors, we've compiled a recording of the most requested songs of the Islands – original, authentic Hawaiian songs recorded live by the Hawaii Calls stars that made them famous – including music legends Pua Almeida, Alfred Apaka, Charles K. L. Davis, Haunani Kahalewai, and Nina Keali‘iwahamana – all backed by the Hawaii Calls Orchestra and Chorus.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Blue Hawai'i
2. Waikiki
3. Hukilau
4. Across the Sea
5. Lil' Brown Gal
6. Beyond the Reef
7. Old Plantation (Ku'u Home)
8. Hawai'i Calls
9. Honolulu
10. 'Akaka Falls (Wailele O 'Akaka)
11. Hapa Haole Hula Girl
12. South Sea Island Magic
13. To You, Sweetheart, Aloha
14. Aloha 'Oe (Farewell to You)
    
    

We are pleased to make available to you, this wonderful collection of Island favorites, frequently heard on Hawaiian radio stations this time of year. We know you'll enjoy the holidays just a little more as you listen to these charming selections - most previously out of print - sung by Hawai‘i's award-winning and best-loved performers.

From all of us as Hula Records, to all of you, best wishes for a Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Album Titles:

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1. Numbah One Day of Christmas

Performed by Ed Kenney and the Honodulu Boy Choir
2. Christmas Cheer

Performed by Cecilio and Kapono
3. I'm Coming Home for Christmas

Performed by Robi Kahakalau and Jeff Rasmussen
4. Christmas in the Isles

Performed by Teresa Bright and the Honolulu Childrens' Opera Chorus
5. E Aloha 'E

Performed by Brickwood Galuteria
6. Santa's Hula

Performed by Hilo Hattie
7. My Hawaiian Christmas

Performed by Honolulu Boy Choir
8. Christmas Day Promise

Performed by Danny Couch
9. Kani Kani Pele

Performed by Hawaii Calls Chorus
10. No Mo' Christmas Blues

Performed by Frank DeLima and the Honolulu Boy Choir
11. Mele Kalikimaka on Christmas Day

Performed by Pandanus Club
12. White Christmas

Performed by Nina Keali'iwahamana and the Hawaii Calls Orchestra
13. Auld Lang Syne
    Performed by Frank Leto
    
    
    
    

"Hawaii's Favorites, Vol. 1 – from yesterday and today" is a collection of traditional Hawaiian and hapa-haole tunes, chosen for their popularity with locals and tourists alike. We asked Mathew Koenig, 30-year veteran music retailer and former Retail Director of Hawai'i's Tower Records outlets, to pick some of his favorite, and best-selling Hawaiian songs. He did, and the result is this CD containing performances by some of Hawai‘i's stellar artists – Don Ho, Alfred Apaka, Nina Keali‘iwahamana, Genoa Keawe, The Kahauanu Lake Trio, Kawai Cockett, and Nathan Aweau, among them.

Album Tracks:

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1. One Paddle, Two Paddle
2. On a Coconut Island
3. 'Akaka Falls
4. Kaulana Kaua'i
5. Kilakila 'O Maui
6. Sweet Leilani
7. It's Aloha Friday
8. Little Brown Gal
9. Pupu A'o Ewa/Pearly Shells
10. Papalina Lahilahii
11. Lu'au Drum Beats
12. The Hawaiian Wedding Song
13. Aloha 'Oe
    

No other medium introduced more Hawaiian songs to the world than our live weekly broadcasts of the Hawaii Calls radio show – not vinyl, movies, television, tape or compact discs. "Hawaii Calls Presents: Greatest Hits, Vol. II," is the second offering of a multi-volume compilation of the greatest hits introduced to the world by the show over its 40-year history, performed by the original stars that made them famous. This recording, part of the exclusive Hawaii Calls Collection, contains rare or previously impossible-to-find Hawaiian music that pays homage to the golden era of Hawaiian radio. Among the songs we've selected to conjure up romantic memories and relaxing images of the tropical paradise that is Hawai‘i, are both stellar vocal and virtuoso instrumental performances – all taken from actual live performances.

Album Tracks:

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1. I am Hawai'i
2. Hukilau
3. On the Beach at Waikiki (Instrumental)
4. Beyond the Reef
5. Hawaiian War Chant (Instrumental)
6. Song of the Islands
7. Blue Hawai'i
8. Drifting and Dreaming (Instrumental)
9. King's Serenade
10. Mai Poina 'Oe I'au (Instrumental)
11. Hi'ilawe
12. My Isle of Golden Dreams (Instrumental)
13. Aloha 'Oe (Instrumental)
    
    

"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:

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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
    

A recording of music that's featured on Maui's radio station, KPOA, during their Sunset Hour program. Some of the songs have Maui connections: "Makawao" sung by Aggie Malabey Weisbarth, "Maui Moon" by Myra English, "Ku‘u Home O Maui" by the Ho‘oipo Trio, Kui Lee's "Lahainaluna," performed by the cast of the world famous Hawaii Calls show, and that old favorite, "The Hasegawa General Store," sung by Maui's own, George Paoa Trio. The remainder of the selections on this compilation album are evergreens, beloved my locals and visitors alike.

Album Titles:

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1. Makawao
2. Mi Nei
3. Alika
4. Ainamalu
5. Maui Moon
6. Hawaiian War Chant
7. Hawaiian Wedding Song
8. Ku'u Home O Maui
9. Lahainaluna
10. Kawohikukapulani
11. Kananaka
12. Pua Ahihi
13. Hasegawa General Store
14. Blue Hawaii
    
    

Christmas in Hawai‘i is like Christmas everywhere...and then again, it isn't. Here Santa travels by canoe. Here, the tree bright with lights in the front yard, is apt to be a coco palm...

But the main thing, here as everywhere, is the true spirit of Christmas. In Hawai‘i, it is found not only at Christmas, but all year long. We call it aloha. Share the special aloha of this special season, in this gathering, in these songs and stories...of Christmas, in Hawai‘i.

The party is already in progress... Come join comedian Kent Bowman, The Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club, Nina Keali‘iwahamana, her brother Boyce Kaihi‘ikapuokalani, the one and only Hilo Hattie, the Maile Serenaders and a room full of old friends.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)

Performed by the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club
2. Po La'i E (Silent Night)

Performed by Nina Keali'iwahamana
3. Kanaka Christmas (Hawaiian Christmas)

Performed by Kent Bowman
4. Santa's Hula

Performed by Hilo Hattie
5. White Christmas

Performed by Nina Keali'iwahamana
6. Christmas in Hawai'i

Performed by Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club
7. Nani Ke 'Li'i Ki'eki'e

Performed by the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club
8. Mary's Boy Child

Performed by Nina Keali'iwahamana
9. Christmas Humbug?

Performed by Kent Bowman
10. Holiday Hula

Performed by Maile Serenaders
11. Spring Spends the Winter in Hawai'i

Performed by Nina Keali'iwahamana and Boyce Kaihi'ikapuokalani
12. Kani Kani Pele (Jingle Bells)
    Performed by Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club