"Songs in the Hawaiian language for children to sing and dance were practically non-existent before Auntie Alice Namakelua and Auntie Mary Kawena Pukui got busy. Before, children would be taught adult songs, more or less suitable...or English language songs...Pre-discovery, only adults were trained in serious matters of chant and hula. Times have changed. These 14  songs, all child-tested and approved, all easily learned and enthusiastically performed, all recorded here for the first time...will no doubt be appropriated by grown-ups too. (Some have, already.) The composers...two of the most charming and remarkable ladies in these Hawaiian islands...recall their own childhood days, and invite you to join in sharing that time of wonder...whether you are a child yourself, or remember being one." – Jean Sullivan, from the 1965 liner notes. ((P)) The attractive 20-page color CD booklet includes illustrations as well as the composers' original lyrics and translations.

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Kama'a Hou (New Shoes)
2. No Tutu (For Grandma)
3. Moa (Chicken)
4. Ku'u Papale U'i (My Pretty Hat)
5. Lele Kowali (Swing on a Swing)
6. Na Hoe Wa'a (The Canoe Paddlers)
7. Pi-A-Pa (Alphabet)
8. Ku'u Pupu Kau Pohaku (My Shell on the Rock)
9. Ukulele Kani (Sounding Ukulele)
10. Ku'u Manu (My Bird)
11. Ku'u Lupe (My Kite)
12. He Mapala U'i Ka'u (I Have Pretty Marbles)
13. Ku'u Wa'a (My Canoe)
14. Kilauea (Volcano)

Listen to Hawai`i's Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winning Children's Chorus in their debut album. Currently under the direction of Nola Nahulu, "The Honolulu Children's Opera Chorus" is the longest running children's chorus in Hawai‘i. It was founded in response to the request for a trained children's chorus to perform in the operas of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, which has since been reorganized as the Hawai‘i Opera Theatre.

The Chorus has provided singers for all operas calling for children's parts; in Leonard Bernstein's "Mass;" as well as the world premiere of Dave Brubeck's "La Fiesta De La Posada" and "Celebration of Hope."

Hear the sweet voices (na leo hone) of the Honolulu Children's Opera Chorus on this, their Religious Category Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winning recording. "Long after the toys are put away, the gift of music will remain."

Includes lyrics and translations.

Album Titles:

1. See the World Through Children's Eyes
2. Nohea I Mu'olaulani
3. Hawaiian Lullabye
4. Lili'u E
5. Lei No Ka'iulani
6. E Maliu Mai
7. Ka Wailele O Nu'uanu
8. Tres Magi De Gentibus
9. Pie Jesu
10. Laudamus Te
11. Ex Ore Innocentium
12. In Our Hands
13. Let There Be Peace on Earth
    

In 1961, Hula Records' Don McDiarmid Jr. recorded funny man Kent Bowman telling Pidgin English Stories for Children. While it may not have been a hit with Hawai‘i's educators, the album was instantly accepted by the masses. Through the years, it has remained in the hearts and minds of those early fans. By popular demand, we happily make it available for them... and for those of you who nevah heard of da guy!

In the words of Pidgin English author and playwright Lisa Matsumoto, "Ho, braddah Kent is one unreal storytellah! He get da kine sound effecks, an evryting!...  Wen it comes to local style fairly tales, dis is one classic! I give um two thumbs up and one beeg shaka too!"

Album Tracks:

(press play to hear samples)

1. Goldie the Blonde Malihini and the Three Wild Pua'as (Goldilocks and the Three Bears)
2. Rumple Dakineskin (Rumplestiltskin)
3. 'Ekolu Keiki Pua'a (Three Little Pigs)
4. Little Lei Puahi (Little Red Riding Rood)
5. Cinderella (Cinderella)
6. Keaka and the Beanstalk (Jack and the Beanstalk)