The Newest Release from Darlene Ahuna

That's The Hawaiian In Me

Darlene Ahuna began singing professionally in 1979 as the lead singer of a group led by the noted hula master and chanter, George Naope.  She performed throughout the Big Island for the next 15 years, earning a loyal following.  Then, in 1994, her first big break came when she won a talent contest sponsored by the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel to become their headline performer.

Her first solo recording contract followed and "Ulana Ke Aloha" (To Weave Our Affection) was released in 1995 by Hula Records. Classics like "Akaka Falls" and "Kauoha Mai," sung sweetly and simply in a uniquely Hawaiian style, brought her immediate attention.  "Ku`u Lei Poina `Ole" (My Unforgettable Lei) was released in November, 1996.  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.  In 1998, she again won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award, this time for the Single of the Year.

Darlene's latest release, "That's The Hawaiian In Me" hit retail stores in late December 1999.  She demonstrates her versatility in the title track, a swing version of the 1930's hapa-haole favorite, and in her delivery of traditional standards like Henry Waiau's "Kaua`i Beauty."  Lena Machado's "Mai Lohilohi Mai `Oe" and Mary Kawena Pukui and Irmgard Aluli's "Ka Lei O Punahou."  Equally at ease with the music of contemporary Hawaiian Composers, she gives us a fresh interpretation of Tony Conjugation's "Ka Pili Oha" and debuts "Lei Hiwahiwa I Ke Anu" by Big Island hula authority Johnny Lum Ho.  In his "Island Mele" column, John Berger of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin said "... the beauty of Ahuna's voice makes this one of the great Hawaiian albums of the past year."

A veteran musician, Darlene has been a part of Hilo's Aloha Festivals block parties since their inception.  "The Pride of Keaukaha" is constantly in demand in the Islands and abroad.  Since 1997, concert tours have taken her to more than ten major U.S. cities.  In 1998, she made three trips to Japan and was honored to perform at New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall.  Along the way, she's touched the hearts of many, making new fans and forging friendships that will last a lifetime.

RealAudio Sample: "Mai Lohilohi Mai `Oe"

Compact Disc - CDHS-609
$15.95 each

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New Product Announcement
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