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:

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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
    

In response to numerous requests for traditional and contemporary Polynesian drum music, we present "Drumbeats of the Pacific, Vol. 2: Songs & Dances of the Islands." Our goal in putting together this project was twofold: to provide visitors to the Islands with musical memories of their stay, and to offer students of music and dance these dance beats representative of the cultures of Rarotonga, Aitutaki Atoll, Pukapuka, Atiu, Manihiki, Mangaia - the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, Tokelau, and the islands of Wallis and Futuna. ((P)) The package includes an introduction by master drummer Dr. Jon Jonassen as well as brief notes regarding each drum piece.

Album Tracks:

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1. Rutu Taki:  Samba
2. Drummer's Symphony
3. Rutu Taki:  Ei Roto
4. Takoto
5. Puara-Ta
6. Ani
7. Atiu Enua
8. Paea
9. Borabora
10. Pahe
11. Borabora (Take 2)
12. Mati
    
    

In response to numerous requests for another album of traditional and contemporary Polynesian drum music, Hula Records International is pleased to present volume 3 of "Drum Beats Of The Pacific: Songs and Dances of the Islands."

Our goal in compiling these rhythms was twofold: to provide visitors with musical memories of their stay in the Islands, and to offer students of music and dance these dance beats representative of the cultures of Rorotonga, Aitutaki, Pukapuka, Mangaia - the Cook Islands, and Tahiti. This time, in addition to introductory notes by master drummer Dr. Jon Jonassen, we have included carefully annotated instructions to replicate the drum sequences, making it an invaluable tool for dance groups or for those who just want to try their hand and Pacific Island drumming.

Album Tracks:

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1. Tavanui E
2. Pa'ea/Rutu Taki/Kakaia
3. Ta'ae O Tangaroa/Takoto
4. Te Ulu Ote Watu
5. Aitutaki/Pukapuka
6. Atavaivalo/Orama
7. Kia Orana
8. Rutu Taki Ei Roto
9. Amuri/Mokora
10. Akauka Ra
11. Mutiny
12. Rutu Taki Ei Roto
13. Pa'ea A'aki Anani
14. Ura Pi'a
    
    

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:

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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
    

Founded in 1975 by Howard and Olana Ai, HALAU HULA OLANA, the School of Living Hula, has grown to become one of the largest hula schools in the islands. Hundreds of Hawai‘i's keiki (children) have passed through the halau doors and gone on to charm local audiences and visitors at a multitude of venues on land and aboard cruise ships. Many of them have taken part in annual hula competitions, performed for four American presidents and for dignitaries and audiences overseas. Repeatedly, the halau has been recognized for its excellence.

 The voices of kuma hula Olana Ai and her students are heard at the beginning and end of the CD.  In between, you'll hear Olana's talented family: husband Howard, who arranges the songs, sings and plays ukulele; eldest daughter, Natalie Ai, a Hoku Award-winning singer, delivers powerful vocals, sons Tai and Rhett take turns on the bass; and Natalie's husband ‘Iolani Kamau‘u sings and plays guitar. Together they create the unique Ai family sound as they perform halau favorites. Lyrics and translations to Hawaiian language songs are included.

Album Titles:

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1. 'Ai Pohaku/Kaulana Na Pua
2. Na Mo'olelo Kahiko
3. That's the Hawaiian in Me
4. Ha'a Hula
5. Colors of the Wind
6. Green Rose Hula
7. Puna Ku'u Aloha (Puna, My Love)
8. The Magic Islands
9. Kawika
10. Dolly's Lullaby
11. Surround Me with Love
12. Aloha Chant/Aoha 'Oe
    
    

From "The Nathan Aweau Hawaiian Islands Collection Series".

Featuring Na Hoku Hanohano Multi Award Winner Nathan Aweau playing all instruments, and providing all vocals.

"Hawaii's Favorite Songs" takes you on a musical journey around this island paradise, featuring song favorites you'll hear while enjoying Hawai'i's people and places.

Hawai‘i, renowned "Pearl of the Pacific," is captivating... a magnificent island paradise rich with superlatives. From the wettest spot in the world at Kaua‘i's Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale, to our planet's youngest site at the volcanic wonderland of the Big Island, Hawai`i abounds with unsurpassed scenery. The lush beauty combined with the warmth of the people, their loving spirit of aloha and "hang loose" attitude, make Hawai‘i an outstanding locale for fun, relaxation and romance.
 
Photos, and Hawaiian Lyric Translations are included!

Album Tracks:

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1. Hawaiian War Chant
2. My Little Grass Shack
3. Hawaiian Lullaby
4. Hukilau (Instrumental)
5. Blue Hawai'i
6. I am Hawai'i
7. Tiny Bubbles (Instrumental)
8. Hi'ilawe
9. Beyond the Reef
10. On the Beach at Waikiki
11. Aloha 'Oe
    

From "The Nathan Aweau Hawaiian Islands Collection Series".

This album features the wonderful instrumental styling of Multi Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner Nathan Aweau.

We present, for your listening pleasure, this collection of sweet Hawaiian music, performed instrumentally. The songs – some of Hawai‘i's most-requested – are easy on the ears, and great for use as a backdrop for parties or videos...or just for "hanging loose," Hawaiian-style, relaxing with a cool beverage!

Color Scenic Photos, Lyrics, and Hawaiian Translations about each song are included.

Album Tracks:

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1. Hawai'i Five-O
2. Pearly Shells
3. He'eia
4. One Paddle, Two Paddle
5. Hawai'i Calls
6. Hawaiian War Chant
7. Blue Hawai'i
8. I am Hawai'i
9. I'll Remember You
10. Kona Kai 'Opuna
11. Hawaiian Wedding Song
    

From "The Nathan Aweau Hawaiian Islands Collection Series".

As with his previous CD's in this series, Multi Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner Nathan Aweau brings new life to these old standards with his contemporary interpretations.

From the pristine sands of Lumaha‘i Beach and the panoramic views from Kilauea Lighthouse, to the lush vegetation of Waialua River's Fern Grotto and the Hanalei river Valley - the beauty of Kaua‘i is unsurpassed! "Kauai's Favorite Songs" provides you with a sound track for your journey around the "Garden Isle." 

As with the rest of this CD Series, Lyrics, Translations, and Color Scenic Photos are included in this package.

Album Tracks:

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1. Beautiful Kaua'i
2. Hanohano Hanalei (Instrumental)
3. Sweet Leilani
4. Hanalei Moon
5. Nani Wale Na Hala (Instrumental)
6. Koke'e
7. Ula No Weo (Instrumental)
8. I'm Giving You a Rainbow
9. Quiet Village (Instrumental)
10. Hawaiian Wedding Song
11. Aloha 'Oe (Instrumental)
    

"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:

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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

Hapa Haole (literally, part foreign) music came about in response to the arrival of tourists who journeyed on luxury cruise ships to Hawai`i beginning in the 1920s. Written by them and for them, these songs about the Islands, were mostly composed in English, with a sprinkling of Hawaiian words. From Broadway to Tin Pan Alley, the Hapa Haole craze continued through the 30s, 40s, and 50s; the beauty of Hawai`i and her people extolled in film and song.

"Paul Shimomoto was the first winner of the Hapa Haole Festival's Vocal Competition...he validates his position as an interpreter of vintage Hawaiian music...A splendid revisit to another time in Hawaiian history, clearly appropriate for a new generation of listeners" – The Honolulu Advertiser, 8/22/04

Lyrics and track notes are included. Learn the history of the songs and sing along with Paul!

Album Tracks:

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1. Maui Medley:  I'm Going to Maui Tomorrow/Maui Girl
2. Hawaiian Hospitality
3. Honolulu City Lights
4. Beyond the Reef
5. My Honolulu Hula Girl
6. I'll Remember You
7. Sweet Leilani
8. Ka Wailele 'O Nu'uanu
9. Going Home Medley:  My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawai'i/One Paddle, Two Paddle
10. My Wahine and Me
11. Waikiki
    

From "The Nathan Aweau Hawaiian Islands Collection Series".

Every note you'll hear is sung and played by Multi Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner Nathan Aweau.

Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best) is a phrase frequently heard in the islands.  From the white sand beaches and sunny shores of Ka`anapali, to breathtaking sunrises at Haleakala and the lush, green splendor of Hana, the Valley Isle's beauty is unsurpassed!

"Maui's Favorite Songs" takes you on a musical journey around this island paradise, featuring the songs you'll hear while enjoying Maui's beautiful people and places. We hope this selection of Maui's most-requested songs will bring back wonderful memories of time spent on the Valley Isle - to enjoy wherever you are - until you return again.

Lyrics, translations and color scenic photos included!

Album Tracks:

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1. One Paddle, Two Paddle
2. Lahainaluna
3. 'Ulili E (Instrumental)
4. Tiny Bubbles
5. Pearly Shells
6. Moku Kia Kahi (Instrumental)
7. I'll Remember You
8. Just Hang Loose
9. Lovely Hula Hands
10. Kilakila O Haleakala (Instrumental)
11. Hawaiian Wedding Song
    

Mahela is the daughter of Hawai‘I's beloved entertainer, Marlene Sai, the grandniece of renowned composer Andy Cummings, and a direct descendant of the celebrated Kaua‘i composer Alfred Alohikea. This is  Mahela's debut solo CD and it is her contribution to the continuance of her family's musical heritage.  Five time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner, Hoku Zuttermeister (guitar, acoustic bass) joins other award-winning musicians Bryan Tolentino (‘ukulele), Aaron J. Sala (piano), and steel guitarist Casey Olsen to "back her with exquisite synthesizer-free music...Thorough annotation completes this perfect Hawaiian album." (John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

Album Tracks:

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1. Papalina Lahilahi
2. Aloha Wau Ia 'Oe
3. Kamalani O Keaukaha
4. Waikaloa
5. That's the Hawaiian in Me
6. Ku'u Pua Lehua
7. Ke Ahi Wela
8. Radio Hula
9. He U'i
10. He Aloha No 'O Honolulu
11. Mauna Loa
12. Waikiki

Damien Farden and Tau Greig celebrate, in song, the gifts of Hawaiian living: early morning paddles, bountiful Hawaiian feasts, cherished people and places, and intimate moments of fond memory...The elegant simplicity of ‘Elua Kane awaits all who carry Hawai‘i in their hearts.

Tau and Damien, who have serenaded audiences from here to Europe, Asia, and the mainland for well over a decade, are known for their large repertoire of hapa-haole songs (about Hawai‘i, with mostly English lyrics) dating back to the 30's and 40's.  They also enjoy performing contemporary Hawaiian compositions and are fast becoming known as songwriters in their own right.

Lyrics and translations for all Hawaiian language songs are included.

Album Titles:

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1. Paddle to the Rising Sun
2. On a Coconut Island
3. Ho'i Mai Huli Ho'i Mai
4. Medley:  Panini Puakea/Green Rose
5. Halekulani
6. Maybe
7. E Hihiwai
8. Down by the Shack by the Sea
9. Pipi Kaula
10. The Morning Sunrise
11. The Snows of Mauna Kea
12. Aloha 'Oe a Hui Hou
    

No party in Hawai`i really begins until the music begins... and it really gets going only when someone starts dancing hula. Here are 12 hula classics performed for you by 5 of Hawai`i’s best-loved musicians. Violet Pahu Liiko‘i, Vickie I‘i Rodrigues, Pauline Kekahuna and Benny Rogers provide the hula tunes and the one and only Genoa Keawe, "Hawai‘i's First Lady of Song" sings lead vocals. You provide the hula moves and the ono kau kau (delicious food) for an instant party - Hawaiian style!

Original (1965) liner notes by Jean Sullivan include song lyrics, translations, "Notes for the Dancer" and biographical information. The top selling album that should be part of every Hawaiian music collection, was re-released on compact disc in 2002.

Album Tracks:

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1. Noho Paipai
2. 'Ahulili
3. Papalina Lahilahi
4. Ka Ano'i
5. Mauna Loa
6. Ku'u Lei Hoku
7. Hula O Makee
8. 'Alika
9. Na Ka Pueo
10. Green Rose
11. Kane'ohe
12. Ua Nani Moloka'i
    
    

The duo of Damien Farden and Tau Greig, known as ‘ELUA KANE (literally, two men), "though well-versed in traditional Hawaiian as well as contemporary performance, does an impressive job of preserving hapa-haole music, where the mode is English, but the mood is Hawaiian. (In those songs, they) reflect the romance of a bygone era that few groups today can adequately capture. The Hawaiian selections, old and new, are well presented and upbeat." Manu Boyd, Ka Wai Ola o OHA

The album's title song, composed by Damien Farden, of the noted musical Lahaina family, captured the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Song of the Year. 

Lyrics and translations are included.

Album Titles:

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1. 'Ukulele Boy
2. Na Ali'i
3. Floating Leis
4. Lei Kupukupu
5. He U'i 'O Pualani
6. You're at a Lu'au Now
7. How How Na Wa'a
8. Papa Sia
9. Naupaka
10. Ballad of a Cowboy
11. Let's Go Around the Island
12. He Aloha Hawai'i