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:
(press play to hear samples)
