Na Mele Maoli, literally meaning songs of native Hawaiians, in this context means songs that reflect the true spirit of being Hawaiian. These songs (mele) describe love for the land, for each other, and gives voice to their view of life. They are a collection of songs chosen by Kawai because of memories they elicit of beloved people, places and times.

Wayne Harada of The Honolulu Advertiser says "Who better than a veteran to tackle some vintage tunes, reinterpreted for contemporary audiences? Cockett is a seasoned pro, trained in the old-fashioned way. His voice is like supple leather – comfortably fitting the tunes – and the roster brings back beloved memories of another time. Outstanding stuff, through and through."

Lyrics, translations, biographical and song information is included.

Album Titles:

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1. Ne'ene'e Mai A Pili
2. Ku'uipo Onaona
3. Maika'i Kaua'i Awaiaulu Ke Alona
4. Anahola
5. Hanohano Waiehu
6. Hanauma
7. Ka Wai Lehua 'A'ala Ka Honua
8. Wahine Holo Lio
9. He Aloha No Waimea
10. Pauoa Ka Liko Lehua
11. Ku'u Baby Hot Cha Cha
12. Home Ho'okipa O Kaimu
    
    

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)
    

ALOHA FESTIVALS FALSETTO CONTEST WINNERS,
BEST OF (Various Artists):

Album Tracks:

1. Mona Lisa
2. Kaleohano
3. 'Ulili E
4. Medley:  Hanohano Wale No Na Cowboy/Ka Huila Wai
5. Hi'ilawe
6. Henehene Kou 'Aka
7. Medley:  Ahi Wela/Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
8. 'Opae E
9. Starting All Over Again
10. Over the Rainbow
11. Panini Puakea
12. La 'Elima
13. In This Life
14. "Oxygen"

"Two classic greatest hits compilations re-released in compact disc document the history of one of the seminal groups of the Hawaiian Renaissance. The discs are available separately, and each contains a cross-section of material from the groups' landmark Hula Records albums of the late-60s; Hawaiian music fans will want to collect both." – John Berger, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 12/18/88

Album Tracks:

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1. Kawika
2. Uwe Ka Wao
3. 'Ohi'a Hua Palaku
4. Only You
5. Sunday Manoa
6. Maika'i Ka Makani O Kohala
7. Pua Tuberose
8. Kalakaua
9. Kaulana Kawaihae
10. Heha Waipi'o

"No collection of Hawaiian music is complete without this gem. Simple. Exquisite. Perfect." – The Honolulu Star- Bulletin.

"Kahauanu Lake's trio reigned as one of Waikiki's foremost Hawaiian groups for three decades... Their albums have become standards and are selling as well now on CD as they did back in the days of vinyl." – John Berger, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin

The Trio's harmonies are seamless, and "Mr. K's" arrangements strikingly diverse despite using only three instruments. Here are choice cuts from the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame inductees, whose style is often imitated, never duplicated. Translations for all songs are included.

Album Titles:

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1. Hu'i E
2. E Huli Makou
3. Malolo
4. Kaulana Na Pua
5. Hu'ehu'e
6. Moanalua
7. Aloha Ia O Wai'anae
8. Medley:  Akahi Ho'i/Adios Kealoha. He Lei No Kalakaua
9. Ke 'Ala Ka'u I Honi
10. Ka Paniolo Nui O Moloka'i
11. Waikiki Hula
12. Keolaokalani (Penei No)

Hear the songs that lured visitors to our shores... These same songs that got Tutu (Grandma) out of her seat for an impromptu hula at family parties will have you swaying to the music! Ho‘omaakaukau...get ready to hula...with Darlene Ahuna, the Big Island's premiere female vocalist. Information concerning the selections, song lyrics and their translations are included.

Album Titles:

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1. Kuahiwi Nani
2. Papalina Lahilahi
3. Makee 'Ailana
4. Kamalani O Keaukaha
5. Kaimana Hila
6. Pua 'Ahihi
7. E Ku'u Baby Hot Cha Cha
8. Haole Hula
9. Ku'u Milimili
10. Nani Wai'ale'ale
11. Miloli'i
12. Pohai Kealoha
13. The Queen's Prayer (Ke Aloha O Ka Haku)
    
    

Album Tracks:

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1. Hawai'i '78 (Introduction)
2. Ka Huila Wai
3. 'Ama 'ama
4. Panini Pua Kea
5. Take Me Home Country Road
6. Kuhio Bay
7. Ka Pua U'i
8. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. La 'Elima
11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu
12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
13. Kaulana Kawaihae
14. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
15. Hawaii '78

Wayne Harada of The Honolulu Advertiser calls the music "Traditional Hawaiian performed with a contemporary twist." He goes on to say that "Lopaka (as Kaumakaiwa is widely known) has ancestral ties to island music; his great-grandmother was the eminent hula and chant chiefess, Edith Kanaka‘ole; his grandmother is Pualani Kanahele, revered kumu hula (hula master) and Hawaiiana expert; his mother is Kekuhi Kanahele, a distinguished singer-composer in her own right. So he has a lot of tradition to uphold, yet he is framing his own destiny with a style that bridges the past with the future." Harada goes on to declare this debut CD a "wondrous, satisfying excursion into (Lopaka's) ‘ohana (family)" and "a stunning debut," calling the artist "one to watch, now and in the future."

 Information concerning all the songs, and lyrics and translations for most, are included.

Album Titles:

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1. Kokolo Au I Hilo Hanakahi
2. Na Kulukulu Ka Nalu
3. Ali'i'aimokuoka'u
4. 'I'iwi Leo Kolonahe
5. Nani Ahiahi
6. Ke One Kaulana O Hawai'i
7. O Mai Hawai'i
8. Na Hilo
9. Ke 'Ala 'Ehu Kai O Hana
10. Mele Ha'i Kupuna
11. Hula Kolani/'O Lono 'Oe
    

When she recorded this album in 1979, at the age of 66, she was already a great-grandmother...not the usual profile of a recording artist. But then, "Aunty" Edith Kanaka‘ole was an extraordinary kupuna (elder) and a truly Renaissance woman. Her expertise in the field of ancient Hawaiian chant and dance, highly regarded. As she herself once said, "Most people think of me as a chanter, but I've been singing all my life." She had also been composing songs all her life – and indeed there are some five dozen to her credit. "Aunty" Edith's song "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai" (The Plants of the Sea) is now a mandatory dance number for contemporary hula dancers and this recording demostrates why the song – and its composer – are so loved. The album won the coveted Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Best Traditional Album in 1980.

Original and updated liner notes are included, as are Hawaiian lyrics and their translations.

Album Tracks:

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1. Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai (The Plants of the Sea)
2. Ke One Kaulana O Hawai'i (The Famous Lands of Hawai'i)
3. Pua Melie (Plumeria Flower)
4. Na 'Ono O Ka 'Aina (The Delectable Taros of the Land)
5. 'A'ali'i Kumakani O Ka'u (Steadfast 'A'ali'i of Ka'u)
6. Nani Ke Kiele/Makapala (Beautiful is the Garden/Makapala)
7. Na Pana Kaulana O Keaukaha (The Famous Places of Keaukaha)
8. He Punahele Na Ke Kupuna (A Favorite of Grandpa)

"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
    

You love REAL Hawaiian music? Then you know the happy voice of Kawai Cockett - or you should. You can recognize it from the first note, and he'll make you smile and keep you smiling. It is an irresistible invitation to get up and hula, hula, hula! ((P)) Kawai grew up believing Hawaiian music is for fun. And even after decades of performing professionally, he still thinks so. So will you.  Most of the songs on this recording are hula favorites, or forgotten favorites - with a few that will be new favorites in the old tradition. You'll want to get up and hula with Kawai Cockett!

Album Titles:

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1. Ku'u Lei Onaona
2. Kaulana Kaua'i
3. Na Moku Kaulana
4. Na Limahana
5. The Cowboy Hula
6. Hili Ha
7. Nani Wale Ku'u 'Ike
8. No Tutu
9. Maka 'Aloholohi
10. The Firemen's Hula
11. Lae Lae
12. Koa'e
    
    

Hawaiian music and jazz were made for each other, but it takes an artist with deep roots in both styles to make the marriage work. Keahi Conjugacion brings the soul of a daughter of Hawai‘i and the fire of a jazz diva to this celebration of all that is lyrical and swinging in the music of the Islands.  With inspired accompaniment from keyboard wizard Dan Del Negro, and local jazz greats Gabe Baltazar, Sam Ahia, Buddy Fo, and David Choy, Keahi finds the jazz heart of her own originals and Hawaiian music classics alike.  Keahi's brothers, Tony C and Brother Noland, are already stars of the Hawaiian music scene; with this CD, Keahi takes her rightful place at their side. - Chris Vandercook, local jazzman.

Album Tracks:

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1. Sweetheart Medley:  Kiss Me Love/Ku'u Ipo
2. Leahi
3. Ei Nei
4. Ha'a Hula
5. Maile Swing
6. Blue Hawai'i
7. My 'Ohana
8. A Million Moons Over Hawai'i
9. Waikiki
10. Hula Gals
11. On a Coconut Island
    
    

"Thoughtful, Expressive, and Timeless perfectly describe the music of Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Aaron J. Sala.

Album Tracks:

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1. HaleaLaka
2. Melekakepakepaaloha
3. Leiana'oMnoaikananionapua
4. Eho'ikealohaiRa'iatea
5. NaniKaluako'i
6. Ehuehumainei'oManoa
7. MyRomance
8. He'ono
9. 'A'oia
10. HanohanoManoa
11. Novaiteiereo
12. Ka'upualoha
    
    
    

Fresh from his success with three recordings in which he teamed with shakuhachi master Riley Lee, and multiple solo performances at Milton Lau's Slack Key Festival, highly regarded guitarist Jeff Peterson released his first solo CD, "Kahealani."

The Maui-born artist cut his chops with the paniolo (cowboys) of Haleakala Ranch before moving on to study with slack key luminary Ozzie Kotani and well-known classical and jazz guitarists. A prolific writer, Jeff's compositions for guitar and guitar ensembles have been performed both here and abroad.

Equally comfortable playing for a noted opera singer or a lawn-full of ki ho‘alu  (slack-key) enthusiasts, Jeff's unique interpretations and intricate guitar stylings breathe new life into familiar Hawaiian songs and bring depth and beauty to his original compositions.

Featuring "Kahealani," heard on the Grammy Award-winning slack key compilation, voted the first ever Best Hawaiian Music Album.

Album Tracks:

1. Haleakala
2. Kahealani
3. 'Ulupalakua
4. E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina'ole
5. Mahalo
6. Green Rose
7. Sunburst
8. The Kukui Nut Run
9. I'll Remember You
10. Hulihuli Slack Key
11. Tango En Skai
12. Ki Ho'alu Processional
13. Hawai'i Aloha
    

Album Tracks:

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1. Kawaipunahele
2. In My Life
3. Hanohano Ka Lei Pikake
4. If We Hold on Together
5. E Ho'i Ka Pili
6. Wanting Memories
7. Kauanoeanuhea
8. Ku'u Wehi O Ke Aumoe
9. 'Akaka Falls
10. Pua Mikinolia
11. Come Sail Away
12. He Mele Inoa No Kawaipunahele