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)
    
    

Mahi Beamer is a singer you have to hear to believe... A tenor, he specializes in the difficult high-register falsetto. His clean, sure, soaring tones are unique and impressive and the selections on this album allow him ample opportunity to demonstrate his virtuosity. Many of the numbers were composed by members of Mahi's own family, the Desha-Beamer ‘ohana, famous for generations as outstanding Hawaiian musicians. Mahi himself is a recipient of many awards, including the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Art's Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been recognized by the State of Hawai‘i as a steward of his Grandmother's music and "the leader in the dissemination and perpetuation of the cultural legacy of Helen Desha Beamer.

Lyrics, translations and information about each song are included in the 12-page CD folder.

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1. Halau Wai'anae
2. Pupu Hinuhinu
3. Na Hala O Naue
4. Ke Kali Nei Au (The Hawaiian Wedding Song)
5. Ke Ali'i Hulu Mamo
6. Lei 'Ilima
7. Kahuli Aku Kahuli Mai
8. Kawohikukapulani
9. He'eia
10. Pua Mae'ole
11. Kimo Hula
12. Nohili
13. Paniau
    
    

"The word 'class' has many definitions and meanings. Webster defines it as 'excellence, especially of style or appearance' and of 'high quality or outstanding ability.' In the Hawaiian language the translation of class is po‘okela, which means 'superior,' 'unsurpassed,' 'the best'... And in the world of entertainment, 'a class act' is one that fellow musicians respect. The Kahauanu Lake Trio – made up of brothers Kahauanu and Tommy Lake, and Al Machida – is all of these definitions," – Ben Wood, columnist for The Honolulu Star-Bulletin

This album, showcasing Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Kahauanu Lake, is a collection of most-requested songs by the trio's fans. The CD booklet includes text and translations.

Album Titles:

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1. Pili Palua
2. Wahine Hololio
3. Pua Lililehua
4. Pua Ahihi
5. Lei Lokelani
6. Hapa-Haole Hula Medley
7. He Aloha No 'O Honolulu
8. Mi Nei
9. A'oia
10. Maile Lau Li'i Li'i
11. Hawaiian Wedding Song
    

"Evening In The Islands" features the twin steel guitars of two of Hawai‘i's noted musicians: Barney Isaacs and Eddie "Kalani" Pang. Hawaiian music legends Gabby Pahinui (slack-key guitar) and Eddie Kamae (‘ukulele) team up with Kaipo Miller (bass) and Sol Kamahele (guitar), and together with the two wizards of steel, comprise The Maile Serenaders. The lilting voice of Nina Keali‘iwahamana is heard as she delivers an occasional line from each song.

Here are instrumental versions of some of Hawai‘i's most popular songs of all time, with an unusual twist: This is the only instrumental recording of Hawaiian music featuring two steel guitars playing in tandem. The result is both romantic and relaxing; a perfect background for a candle-lit dinner with someone special, for sitting alone an enjoying a beautiful Hawaiian sunset; or for dreaming of your return to these islands.

Album Tracks:

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1. I'll Weave a Lei of Stars for You
2. Hula Breeze
3. Soft Green Seas
4. Whispering Lullaby
5. White Ginger Blossoms
6. Evening in the Islands
7. Hana
8. Hawaiian Wedding Song
9. Pearly Shells
10. Blue Hawai'i
11. Love Song of Kalua
12. Hawai'i Calls
    
    

During the '30s and '40s, as more and more mainlanders were lured to Hawai‘i's shores, the songwriters among them strove to capture the beauty and spirit of the Islands in song. Mainly written in English, with an occasional Hawaiian word or two, these hapa-haole (part foreign) compositions gained popularity with the malihini (visitors).

The Kahauanu Lake Trio was THE group to see in Waikiki from the mid '50s until well into the '80's. Though firmly rooted in Hawaiian tradition, the trio was often asked to perform these hapa-haole favorites by visitors in their audiences. What was a hit with visitors then, is still preferred by many. After all, the music is lovely, the instrumentation distinctly Hawaiian, and the primarily English lyrics understood by most. The acclaimed trio performs some of the most well-known hapa-haole tunes for your enjoyment.

Information concerning each song is included.

Album Tracks:

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1. Maile Lei
2. Hawaiian Swing Medley (of the 1930s):  Hapa Haole Hula Girl/I Wonder Where My Little Hula Girl Has Gone/Hula Lolo
3. Kaleilehua
4. One Paddle, Two Paddle
5. Kalua (The Love Song of)
6. Haole Hula
7. Ke Kali Nei Au (The Hawaiian Wedding Song)
8. Lahainaluna
9. Moonlight in Hilo
10. Hula Breeze
11. Blue Lei
12. Medley:  The Magic Islands/An Island Love Song
    
    

"Hawaii's Favorites, Vol. 1 – from yesterday and today" is a collection of traditional Hawaiian and hapa-haole tunes, chosen for their popularity with locals and tourists alike. We asked Mathew Koenig, 30-year veteran music retailer and former Retail Director of Hawai'i's Tower Records outlets, to pick some of his favorite, and best-selling Hawaiian songs. He did, and the result is this CD containing performances by some of Hawai‘i's stellar artists – Don Ho, Alfred Apaka, Nina Keali‘iwahamana, Genoa Keawe, The Kahauanu Lake Trio, Kawai Cockett, and Nathan Aweau, among them.

Album Tracks:

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1. One Paddle, Two Paddle
2. On a Coconut Island
3. 'Akaka Falls
4. Kaulana Kaua'i
5. Kilakila 'O Maui
6. Sweet Leilani
7. It's Aloha Friday
8. Little Brown Gal
9. Pupu A'o Ewa/Pearly Shells
10. Papalina Lahilahii
11. Lu'au Drum Beats
12. The Hawaiian Wedding Song
13. Aloha 'Oe
    

Just as you'll always remember a beautiful Hawaiian sunset, with its brilliant colors, the soft trade winds blowing your hair, and the warm sea around you, you'll never forget "Hawaii's Favorite Instrumentals." Hawaiian music is not only folk tunes played on 'ukulele and steel guitar. Hawaiian music can also be very full and lush and beautiful, as performed here by the Orchestral Strings.

Hawai‘i's favorite instrumentals are those songs known to all of us in Hawai‘i, and to others who have visited Hawai‘i from around the world: The world famous "Ke Kali Nei Au" (The Hawaiian Wedding Song), "Tiny Bubbles" and "I'll Remember You," and the enduring "Aloha ‘Oe." They're all as memorable as a Hawaiian sunset and the beauty of our Islands.

Album Tracks:

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1. Hawaiian Wedding Song
2. Pearly Shells
3. Tiny Bubbles
4. I'll Remember You/Days of My Youth
5. Diamond Head
6. The Wonderful World of Aloha
7. Lahainaluna
8. Tropical Night
9. One Paddle, Two Paddle
10. 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
    

Another in the Hawaii Calls Collection is "Hawaiian Wedding Song – Songs  For A Hawaiian-Style Wedding" – a recording specifically designed for weddings, from procession to reception – and the memories they evoke. "Hawaiian Wedding Song" is a compilation of the most requested love songs and features the extraordinary vocal stylings of the stars of Hawaii Calls, all backed by the incomparable Hawaii Calls Orchestra and Chorus. It is the only recording available with both vocal and instrumental versions of the ever-popular "Hawaiian Wedding Song" ("Ke Kali Nei Au"). This recording also includes the "original" Hawaiian wedding song "Lei Aloha Lei Makamae" (Forevermore).

To assist you in planning your event, we've included the English lyrics of all of the wedding songs.

Album Tracks:

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1. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
2. I'll Remember You
3. 'Mapuana
4. Paoakalani
5. Moon of Manakoora
6. Beautiful Kahana
7. Beyond the Reef
8. Lei Aloha, Lei Makamae (Forevermore)
9. Beyond the Rainbow
10. Sweet Leilani
11. 'Makalapua (Profuse Bloom)
12. Lovely Hula Hands
13. Pua Mae 'Ole
14. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
    

"Maui Morning" is a unique instrumental recording featuring world-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) master, Riley Lee (of Hawai`i and Australia) and Maui born Jeff Peterson, who, as a youth, learned to play slack key guitar from the paniolo (cowboys) at Haleakala Ranch. Lee is a seasoned recording artist who, at the time of this release, had some 40 albums under his belt, while Peterson, who has studied with some of the world's best classical and jazz guitarists, and is himself a music teacher, was a newcomer to the recording world.

Never before has there been such a recording! The shakuhachi has not been used in either traditional or contemporary Hawaiian music ensembles. No "standard" repertoire of duets exists for the shakuhachi and guitar. Together Lee and Peterson assembled a collection of favorite Island melodies and set about making beautiful music together. Here are seven Hawaiian classics that span the generations, an original title track composed by Jeff Peterson, and a version of the ever-popular "Hawaiian Wedding Song" that is appropriate for use in wedding ceremonies.

Information about the compositions, the shakuhachi and ki ho‘alu is included.

Album Tracks:

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1. Maui Morning
2. Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u
3. Pua Lililehua
4. Honolulu City Lights
5. Lei Pikake
6. Mauna Loa
7. Pupu Hinuhinu
8. Kawika
9. Lei Nani
10. Morning Dew
11. Pua Tubarose
12. The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
    

A recording of music that's featured on Maui's radio station, KPOA, during their Sunset Hour program. Some of the songs have Maui connections: "Makawao" sung by Aggie Malabey Weisbarth, "Maui Moon" by Myra English, "Ku‘u Home O Maui" by the Ho‘oipo Trio, Kui Lee's "Lahainaluna," performed by the cast of the world famous Hawaii Calls show, and that old favorite, "The Hasegawa General Store," sung by Maui's own, George Paoa Trio. The remainder of the selections on this compilation album are evergreens, beloved my locals and visitors alike.

Album Titles:

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1. Makawao
2. Mi Nei
3. Alika
4. Ainamalu
5. Maui Moon
6. Hawaiian War Chant
7. Hawaiian Wedding Song
8. Ku'u Home O Maui
9. Lahainaluna
10. Kawohikukapulani
11. Kananaka
12. Pua Ahihi
13. Hasegawa General Store
14. Blue Hawaii
    
    

In 1935, Hawaii Calls, created by Webley Edwards, a mainland transplant to the islands, went on the air. As the show's musical director, Vickie Ii Rodrigues assembled a talented roster of singers and musicians and, recalls Hawai‘i's beloved journalist, Bob Krauss, "Edwards acted as a story-teller-of-the-songs on the air. He paid the $22.50 transmission charge to San Francisco out of his own pocket. The radio audience begged for more. For the next 30 years, Hawaii Calls set a standard around the world for traditional Hawaiian music." 

From the welcoming sounds of the conch shell, to the final strains of "Aloha ‘Oe" and the waves washing up on the shores of Waikiki, our recreation of an actual Hawaii Calls broadcast will take you back to a kinder, gentler time in our Hawai‘i...

The popular tunes of the day are performed for you by the stars of the long-running show, backed by the world famous Hawaii Calls orchestra and chorus.

Album Tracks:

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1. Introduction
2. Hi'ilawe
3. Tradewind Islands
4. Hawaiian War Chant
5. Beautiful Kahana
6. Ho'omanawanui
7. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
8. Theme
9. Ohine Mutu
10. Show Me How to Do the Hula
11. Hale Ani Ani
12. Lei Aloha Lei Makamae
13. Holoholo Ka'a
14. I Wish They Didn't Mean Goodbye
15. Aloha 'Oe