Hawaiian Musicians

I

I'LAND BOIZ

Promo page - I'LAND BOIZ (Billy Rodrigues, Gilbert Osaki, Edwin Valenzuela, Derek Higa, Patrick Lucas, Ira Shigaki, Jason Feliciano) "Kohala Style"

Song: Katchi katchi reggae

LIANN IAEA-COLLAZO

Promo - Fifth born into a singing Ohana of seven, Liann Iaea-Collazo began singing Hawaiian music and playing the ukulele at the tender age of six. Growing up, she would listen to and be influenced by the likes of Manoa Company, Brothers Cazimero, Karen Keawehawaii and Melveen Leed. They helped to instill her heritage as she matured. Now, undeniably Hawaii's most promising vocal sensation, Liann delivers an astounding and stunning performance on her debut CD Na Mele O Pu'uwai (Songs from the Heart).

I KONA (Broken Link)

Original: - Alika Odom - Bernard Kalua Former: - Darren Benitez - Barry Luke - Ryan Tang

Song: Come On Over

IMUA

Website

Promo page - These guys from Palolo, Waimanalo and Papakolea really deliver on this first-release. Two original compositions have rapidly become favorites throughout the islands: "Menehune Beach Bum Boogie" and "I'm A Rainbow Fan". IMUA "Endangered Species" (1998) Promo - IMUA, a new island contemporary group with singers David Dunaway, Albert "Baba" Akiona and 'ukulele player Samson Ah Mook Sang, presents two albums entitled, "Endangered Species", and "Live Aloha." Overwhelmingly, IMUA got their foot in the door and were up and running like A to Z in a week. Their success is attributed to the type of music, which is fun; it sizzles, and unlike the majority of styles, theirs is simple "backyard" island contemporary music that people relate to. IMUA's professional appearance and visual performances are appealing to fans of all ages; especially children who frequently mail fan letters and song-related drawings to them. IMUA earned a HOKU nomination for 'Most Promising New Artist/Group." Today, IMUA can be seen and heard at performances throughout Hawaii; check your local listing or Island Groove's Performance Schedule.

Song: I'm a Rainbow Fan

Song: Menehune Beach Bum Boogie

WENDELL ING

BOBBY INGANO

Bobby Ingano, though definitely not a newcomer in the music industry, is releasing his long awaited debut CD, Steel Reflections. After having played on a "who's who" list of recording artist's CD's from Bill Kaiwa, Martin Pahinui, Teresa Bright to Ka'au Crater Boys, Palolo, Amy Gilliom, Caz Brothers to BB Shawn, the time had finally come. The sweet sounds of steel guitar are pure Bobby as only he can play it. With the help of Steven Hall, Bill Kaiwa and BB Shawn, Steel Reflections has a soothing feel to it.

Song: Lei No Kaiulani

ILIONA IRVINE

Record label promo Promo

Promo - "Princess Ilona" This lovely Kaua'i princess is not only talented. She's smart as well. The proof is hiring George Veikoso, a.k.a. "Fiji," perhaps Hawaii's greatest male pop vocalist as a backup and duet partner. They share their voices on the ballad "(Home is a) Special Place" and the local reggae styling "Irie."

Song: Maui Waltz

Song: Ilona Irvine & Fiji - Irie

SHAWN ISHIMOTO (SEE BB SHAWN)

THE INCREDIBLE SHAWN - Shawn is certainly no stranger to adversity and his first album, Finding My way, reflects just that. Born in Honolulu 21 years ago, Shawn has been blind almost since birth, a victim of cancer of the retina in both eyes. With the incredible support of his family, he has never let his disability stand in the way of his success. His musical talent was exhibited from the time he could hold two spoons or sand shovels in his hands. He set up sand buckets on the beach and created his own drum set when he was barely a year old, attracting Waikiki nightclub drummers who stopped by to marvel at this youngster. At the age of 4, he began playing the piano, listening and succeeding in picking out and playing tunes he liked. At 5, he learned to play the drums, and at 7, Shawn was laying down tracks with countless different instruments. Shawn has been exposed to a wide variety of music throughout his 21 years, from the symphony to the sounds of Waikiki. He's had formal training in the piano and trumpet and is mastering the skills of guitar, 'ukulele, drums, bass and percussion - all self taught. Since Shawn's first CD release, he's been fortunate enough to have received not only the attention but respect of many of today's hottest performers. From Henry Kapono, the Pahinui Brothers, the Brothers Cazimero, Dennis Kamakahi, Hapa, Keali'i Reichel to Kapena, Fiji, Ernie Cruz, Jr., John Cruz, Harold Kama, Jr., and Robi Kahakalau to name a few; many of whom have called upon Shawn to share his talents with them for shows/concerts as well as recordings. Shwan has also been featured on every news channel as well as favorite local programs; Hawaiian Moving Company, Emme's Island Moments and Hot Hawaiian Nights. Hawaiian Airlines spotlighted Shawn for 6 months with his own listening channel where you heard his newest CD No Boundaries in its entirety along with an interview in between songs Challenging the face of the local music, this young man is continually striving to reach new levels in his music always keeping it "real". His music is brave, bold, and exciting. His unique lap style of playing includes music ranging from traditional & contemporary Hawaiian, slack key, jazz, country, blues, pop, oldies, contemporary, and R & B. In the early part of 1999, Shawn was discovering that BB Shawn was inhibiting people from knowing the person. His desire to become more approachable convinced him to drop the BB and use his birth name in hopes of allowing people to view him as a person rather than a 'celebrity' or 'artist'. 1999 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Contemporary Album of the Year

Song: E ku'ulei

ISLAND BLEND

Website

Aloha in San Jose

Island Blend is composed of five musicians: Sam Kapuhelani Ka'anapu - Guitar and Vocals; Ray DeCoito - Bass and Vocals: Lono Frederic Mahi - 'Ukulele and Vocals; Vini Ka'imi Joy - 6 & 12 String Guitars, Percussion, and Vocals; Dwight Tokumoto - Nylon & Steel String Guitars, Steel, 'Ukulele, Ki; ho'alu, Cuatro, Percussion, and Vocals. The Island Blend musicians are all from Hawaii and now live in the southern San Francisco Bay Area. Ray DeCoito attended St. Louis High School (Oahu), graduated from Kaimuki High School (Oahu), and lives in San Jose; Sam Ka'anapu is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools (Oahu) and resides in Gilroy; Lono Mahi graduated from Baldwin High School (Maui) and lives in Salinas; Vini Joy is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools (Oahu) and resides in Sunnyvale; and Dwight Tokumoto graduated from Farrington High School (Oahu) and lives in San Jose. "In Harmony" can be purchased at Sun Jose Hawaii in San Jose. For more information, contact Pua Tokumoto at (408) 486-9177.

THE ISLANDERS

House band for the Halekulani Hotel. Alan Akaka - Kaipo Asing - Harold Haku`ole - Sonny Kamahele - Walter Mo'okini // Past members: - Benny Kalama - Dennis Graue - Kainoa Daines - Nina Keali`iwahamana - Ed Kenney

ISLAND RHYTHMS

O'ahu's Island Rhythms perform contemporary island music with a reggae beat.

Song: Pua Olena

ISLAND RIDDIM BAND

The Island Riddim Band's website. Based in San Jose, California, our group specializes in contemporary Hawaiian music, and we are available for many various functions. E Komo Mai, or come on in, take a look around - Island Riddim - San Jose, CA 95123

ISLAND SOUNDS ORCHESTRA (Broken Link)

Vintage easy listening.

Song: Sophisticated Hula

ISLAND WARRIORS

Song: So Amazing

ISLAND WAVE

San Jose group. (Arnold Abalay, Nathan Albios, Helene Aquino, Gloria Fernandez, Sandy Fernandez)

ALVIN KALEOLANI ISSACS, SR.

1978 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. Father Ata and Barney Issacs. Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame:

1996 Hall of Fame Honoree Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs (1904-1984)

Composer, singer, musician, band leader and recording artist, Alvin K. Isaacs left us a legacy of more than 300 songs including the comic "No Huhu" and "Ho`omalimali" and the lilting "Analani E", and "Mama E". Reportedly, His "Nalani" was first recorded by Alfred Apaka singing with Randy Oness' Select Hawaiian Serenaders. Many of Alvin Isaacs songs are popular standards today.

Alvin Isaacs taught himself to play most string and wind instruments before the age of 10. He formed his own orchestra at age 13 and began his successful song writing career a year later, composing the still-popular "Kau`ionalani". When his mother used war stamps to buy him a cheap "cracker-box guitar", he successfully converted it into a workable steel guitar.

Alvin Isaacs began his full-time music career by accident. His daytime job as a motorcycle patrolman for the Honolulu Police force came to abrupt end when a traffic accident hospitalized him for a year and left him with permanent leg injuries. Soon after, in his mid-twenties, he organized his first group, the K.M.M. Syncopators, made up of friends. He formed the original Royal Hawaiians, and then several groups of his own. Alvin Kaleolani & the Royal Polynesians supplied music for the nation-wide program "The Voice of Hawai`i" on NBC. It was his quartet, the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders, however, which made musical history at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Recordings and four mainland tours which broke attendance records at leading West Coast hotels brought him to the attention of Bing Crosby and Hollywood.

The third of ten children, Alvin Isaacs was a dedicated family man with ten children of his own. He was an active member of the Musicians Union, ASCAP and the Hawaiian Professional Songwriters' Society. His legacy of Hawaiian songs and musical entertainment has lived on through his sons slack key virtuoso Leland "Atta" Isaacs, musician and singer Norman K. Isaacs, and the late steel guitarist Alvin K. "Barney" Isaacs, Jr.

ATTA ISSACS (Leland "Atta" Isaacs)

A musical legend of Hawaiian music. SEE SONS OF HAWAII

Song: Manuela Boy

BARNEY ISSACS (Alvin Kalanikau "Barney" Isaacs, Jr.)

Alvin Kalanikau "Barney" Isaacs, Jr. (1924-1996) was one of Hawai'i's premier steel guitarists. Barney grew up in a remarkable musical family that included his father, composer and band leader Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs, Sr., and two brothers, slack key master Leland "Atta" Isaacs and multi-instrumentalist Norman Isaacs. Barney's recording credits number in the hundreds, including groundbreaking electric steel and slack key duets in the 1950s with Gabby Pahinui and Atta Isaacs, accompanied by a rhythm section on HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR, VOLUMES 1 AND 2 (Waikiki Records 319 & 320), which were the spiritual predecessors for Barney's Dancing Cat release HAWAIIAN TOUCH. Instrumental Album of the year 1995. Inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

Song: Barney Isaacs & George Kuo - Maui medley

J

JALEN

JAMIN

SEE JAMIN WONG

JAMOAN JAM

Samoan

Song: Samoan Wedding Song

DICK JENSEN

promo

1985 Na Hoku Hanohano Religious Album Award

WARREN JOHNSON

JON & JUSTIN

SEE JON YAMASATO AND JUSTIN YOUNG

JON & RANDY

1981 NA HOKU HANOHANO AWARD: Song of the Year - "Hawaiian Eyes" by Jon Osorio & Randy Borden -- Excerpted from Star Bulletin: "Jon Osorio and Randy Borden were one of the major local duos of the 1970s. By the end of the decade they were up there with the Brothers Cazimero, Keola & Kapono Beamer, and Olomana. They'd debuted as recording artists as J&R Inc. under the guidance of Jack de Mello in 1975. By 1977 they'd affiliated themselves with John F. Leonard as Jon & Randy. It was an inspired alliance." SEE JON OSORIO, RANDY BORDEN

Song: Hawaiian eyes

JON, RANDY & STEVE

Article: E Ho'i Ma'i

(Jon Osorio, Randy Borden, Steve Brown) SEE JON OSORIO, RANDY BORDEN

JOY

Website

All girl group with sweet harmony and kanikapila backyard music style. (Candyce Narimatsu, Lili Sato, Jaena Shimabuku, Nelly Toyama)

JUNGLE JUICE

The band is made up of six members from different cultural backgrounds all brought together by their love for creating and playing music. Two members, Tony and Michael Jackson (guitar and keyboards respectively) are Micronesian; Derek White (drums) is African-American; Chris Akamu (bass) is Hawaiian and Mark Paguyo (percussion) is Filipino. “T”, the lead singer was born in America Samoa and was raised in Hawaii.

JUSTIN

SEE JUSTIN KAWIKA YOUNG

K

JEFF K

SEE JEFF KLOETZEL

WILLIE K - Kahaiali'i

Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom-Willie K.

Amy Gilliom & Willy K

Willy K

1999 Na Hoku Awards

Article

1992 Na Hoku Hanohano Male Vocalist Award, Most Promising Artist, Contemporary Album Award; Promo - Kahaiali'i, Willie K.'s "Hanaiali`i" (1998) (quoting Jack de Mello): "Willie's multiple-intricate, then simplistic, then bombastic musical brush strokes create ever elegant, watercolor-like musical washes that are a platinum-plus setting for Amy's sensitive, all-emotion-producing moments of musical realization." Liner notes include lyrics and translations.

The duo of Amy and Willie came to an end in 2001 with a breakup. Amy continued on with Mele Hula in collaboration with Barry Flanagan, formerly of Hapa which broke up in 2001 also. Willie K has released a new solo album.

Song: Hawaiian pride

HENRY KA'AHEA

1985 Na Hoku Hanohano Instrumental Award; Hawaiian Classical Guitar

ERNEST KA'AI

(1881-1961) Ukelele Hall of Fame Inductee

LORRAINE KA'AI

1985 Na Hoku Hanohano Song Award with Danny Couch NINO KA'AI

KA'ALA

Ka'ala performs at the Turtle Bay Hilton on O'ahu, and were encouraged by hotel guests to release their own CD. On this, their debut, they perform a variety of musical styles, from traditional Hawaiian music to instrumentals & contemporary island songs.

KA'ALA BOYS

Promo pages -- Jawaiian Reggae KA`ALA BOYS (Rodney Bejer, Eric Lee, Elton Mckeague, Keoki V.) "Now" 2000

Song: Backyard kanikapila

Song: Kamuela yodel

LEDWARD KA'APANA

Led Live - Solo -- mail order

Hoku's Ki Ho'alu Award (Slack Key Guitar)- known as Bank of America Slack Key Award in 1996

Hui `Ohana (Ledward Ka`apana, Nedward Ka`apana,......) -- mail order

Led Ka'apana & Bob Brozman in Concert (video) -- mail order

Contemporary Hawaiian Album of the Year

Jus' Press, Ledward Ka`apana Ikona Contemporary Hawaiian Album of the Year

Led Kaapana "Led is a joy to listen to, to play with, and to know. He helps me remember the enjoyment in playing music. I'm not much inclined as a duet player, but with Led, sometimes we play for three hours or more. He is the music." --- George Winston Led Kaapana a slack key guitar master. (See Bob Brozman under Guitar )

Song: Led Kaapana & Ikona - Hawai'i i ka pu'uwai - pipeline

Song: Whee Ha Swing

NEDWARD KA'APANA

Article

Music goes on after Hui O'Hana. His Own Man (1995); Second Time Aroung (1997) SEE HUI O'HANA.

TINA KA'APANA Article

1992 Na Hoku Hanohano Anthology Album Award; Mother of Led and Ned; Grandmother of Jennifer Barber

Song: Punalu'u

KA'AU CRATER BOYS

Hoku's - Song of the Year

Na Hoku Hanohano 1997 - Archives

Making Waves - mail order

KA`AU CRATER BOYS (Ernie Cruz, Jr., Troy Fernandez) -- Gone but not forgotten. Their sounds go on as separate souls. What a great act...the Ka'au Crater Boys. SEE ERNIE CRUZ, JR AND TROY FERNANDEZ

Song: Palolo - he hawaii au

Song: Surf

NINO KAAI

KA'ALA

(Anela Kahiamoe, Franny `Ilima Villareal)

KA'ALA BOYS

(Rodney Bejer, Eric Lee, Elton McKeague, Keoki V.)

KA'AWA (Norman Kaawa Solomon)

Promo -- This second release from Norman Ka'awa Solomon features many of Hawaii's biggest stars as guest vocalists - Sean Na'auao, Ilona Irvine, Kelii Kanealii (Hapa), most of Kalapana: Malani Bilyeu, Mackey Fearey, DJ Pratt, and Gaylord Holomalia. The songs are mainly in the island contemporary genre, and many of them are original compositions. His version of the Lennon & McCartney classic I Will is beautiful!

MIKE KAAWA

Website

Touted everywhere he performs on the islands and one of the best known and highly regarded musicians in Hawai'i, contemporary musician Mike Ka'awa is finally coming into how own with the debut of his CD, entitled Hawn Boy. Hwn Boy is a fine collection of lyrics that reflect the importance of the ocean's influence and other influences that he has held near and dear in his heart all these years.

KA EHU KAI

Ka Ehu Kai Hawaiian Band

Ka Ehu Kai Hawaiian Band is composed of seven musicians: Tennyson Lum - Lead vocals, Ukulele, Percussion; Aldon Sanders - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Flute, Ocarina, Piano; Ray Bambao - Back-up Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard; Rick Delgado - Back-up Vocals, Drums;Bobby Sotelo - Congas, Percussion; Pat Apiag - Ukulele; Pat Teczon - Back-up Vocals, Bass. Hometown: San Jose, CA, US Quartet interprets sinuous Hawaiian Island tunes with Polynesian precision. Nice mix of the traditional Hawaiian vocals, country blues, reggae and jazz. And they don't sound like a resort band. Ka 'Ehu Kai has been together since 1991. Several of the Ka Ehu Kai Hawaiian Band members have roots in Hawaii. Tennyson Lum's mother and father, Ehulani and Gordon, are from Hawaii and although Tennyson grew up in Northern California, he spent many summers in Waimanalo (Oahu) with relatives. Aldon Sanders and Pat Apiag are from Ewa Beach (Oahu) and graduates of Campbell High School. The musicians live in several cities around the San Francisco Bay: South San Francisco, San Jose, Hayward, Union City, and Stockton. KEK has been opening concert shows for known artists from Hawaii performing in the San Francisco Bay Area. KEK has traveled from Southern California to Las Vegas to Hawaii and back promoting their own music style, versatility, and unique sound: hawaiian contemporary, reggae, and polynesian jazz fusion, which is becoming a sound of its own. The second album for KEK has been so much to do because of the people who came to show their musical talents.

Song: Na ka pueo

WILLIE KAHAIALI'I

SEE "WILLIE K."

ROBI KAHAKALAU (SISTAH ROBI)

Website

Keiki O Ka `Aina

1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

Sister of Kû, daughter of jazz bassist, Pops Kahakalau (a.k.a Bob Carter), granddaughter of Tûtû Kahakalau, Hawaiian musician. 1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist and Contemporary Album Awards. Promo page - Hanahana hoku award

Song: He lei aloha no ke keiki

KAHALA MOON

(Kahala Mossman, Mahina Souza)

HAUNANI KAHALEWAI

Record (collector's items)

2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award

Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame:

1996 Hall of Fame Honoree Haunani Kahalewai (1929-1982)

"Hawaii's First Lady of Song" was the billing given to Haunani for her pure contralto voice along with her rich mezzo soprano range. Hers was the most widely-recognized and revered female singing voice in Hawai`i, during her memorable professional career.

Haunani was born in Hilo on a February day when an unusual tropic snowfall blanketed Mauna Kea. The sunset glowed pink and gold on the snow. In the Hawaiian tradition, a child born during a rare event was blessed with a meaningful and significant name, and her mother Punohu named her "Kahaunaniomaunakeakauiokalewa" (the beautiful snow on the slopes of Mauna Kea). Her father, Sam, called her simply "Haunani."

She won her first singing prize, a silver dollar, in a radio contest at age 3, sang in her high school chorus, and began her professional career in a small club outside Honolulu. A producer filming in Hawai`i recorded on a movie soundtrack her incomparable voice rising from a deep contralto to an obligato high above the chorus in a Polynesian lament. Webley Edwards, producer of the "Hawai`i Calls" radio show, heard the soundtrack and exclaimed "find that voice!" Impresario Al Kealoha Perry brought Haunani back from a small resort on Kaua`i, and the rest is history. She became a regular featured star on the "Hawai`i Calls" show.

Don the Beachcomber engaged Haunani for his Sunday luau shows. At Alfred Apaka's request, she was the featured female vocalist with him in Waikiki. Haunani appeared in major television shows both in Hawai`i and New York, and recorded albums for Capitol Records, Decca and several other companies. She took Hawaiian music around the world with a full show of dancers, musicians and singers. In Canada, she broke all existing box office records at the Royal York in Toronto.

A respected composer, musician, arranger, producer/director, Haunani as a vocalist could be vibrant and romantic, bold and spirited or dreamy and tender. The word that best describes this remarkable entertainer to friends who knew her is the Hawaiian word mana -- miraculous power, deep in the soul and spirit.

Song: Akaka Falls

IWALANI KAHALEWAI

KAINANI KAHAUNAELE

Kainani's debut release, "Na'u 'Oe" has won the Hawai'i Music Award for Best Traditional Hawaiian Album

KAWIKA KAHIAPO (David Kauipileokalani Kahiapo)

Website

Kawika Kahiapo has been known for years as one of the great "side-men" in contemporary Hawaiian music. His gutar artistry and vocals have adorned the recordings and live performances of such artists as Na Leo Pilimehana, Jesse Rivera, Palani Vaughan, Chucky Boy Chock, 'Eha, Kekolu, and more. His father Samuel provided a firm musical foundation for young Kawika, and early family gatherings provided the opportunity to play with the legendary Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, something few musicians his age can boast. Kawika has recently released his debut solo CD, entitled "'Alana", which features guest appearances by friends Lehua Kalima (of Na Leo Pilimehana), Jesse Rivera, Chinky Mahoe and Kelly Boy Delima. Of the CDs 12 cuts, 10 are original compositions, and Kawika has recorded innovative, contemporary arrangements of two Hawaiian standards - 'Opihi Moemoe and Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua.

Song: Puaoa liko ka lehua

KAHIAU

Song: Lahaina Block Party

KAHIKINA

(Kihei Nahale-a, Kainani Kahaunaele, Ron Nahale'a, and Kala'i Ontai)

HAKU KAHO'ANO

Older brother of Ikaika and Kamuela.

IKAIKA KAHO'ANO

LMNT Bio

2000 Rosie Wowed

"`Ano" and "E Ko Mâkou Makua"

KAMUELA KAHO'ANO

Younger brother with the talent.

KIMO KAHO'ANO

Song: Kimo Kahoano & Paul Natto - Aloha Friday no work till Monday

KAHAUANU LAKE TRIO

SEE "LAKE"

KAHUA

Promo -- Kevin Morikone is an accomplished guitarist and ki ho`alu stylist. His mentors include virtuosos Cyril Pahinui, Ledward Ka`apana and Ozzie Kotani. Bassist Nakana Wong is the Hawaiian language specialist of the group. He ensures that the `olelo (language) is correct. Falsetto singer Gavan Miyashita has loved Hawaiian music from childhood. His influences include the late Dennis Pavao and Aunty Genoa Keawe.

GEORGE KAHUMOKU

Promo

George Kahumoku & Daniel Ho: Hymns of Hawai`i (Nov 99)

George Kahumoku, Jr. is an artist, musician, songwriter/composer, farmer, storyteller, and teacher. He is a 1969 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, a 1973 graduate of Oakland's California College of Arts and Crafts, where he earned a BFA in sculpture, and a 1993 graduate of the Hawai'i State Ag-Leadership Program. George has achieved several state-wide and national awards for his farming abilities, and he has also been a 4-H leader for the past 15 years.

Song: George Kahumoku & Kehuhi Kanahele - Ulu niu ke`eke`e

KEOKI ALIKO KAHUMOKU

Review

Young guitarist with style. Son of George Kahumoku. SEE HERB OHTA, JR.

MOSES KAHUMOKU

A powerful improviser, gifted composer and interpreter, Moses "Moke" Kahumoku was born in 1953 in Honolulu, and was raised in Kalihi on the Big Island. Moses began playing music around the age of five, and like most ki ho`alu (slack key) masters, he looked first to his family for his source. "My first inspiration," he says, "was the most beautiful lady in the world, Aileen N. Waiolama Perez, my mom. Others include my dad, George Kahumoku, Sr., Sonny Chillingworth, Gabby Pahinui, Ledward Kaapana, Leonard Kwan, Ray Kane, Atta Isaacs, Cyril Pahinui and my stepdad, Roman P. Perez. I love them all." A pillar of Big Island slack key, Moses is well known as a musician, farmer, fisherman and activist struggling to help protect the `aina (land) and working for Hawaiian sovereignty through his association with the Aloha `Aina organization and other groups. He is also well known outside of his home island for his performances and recordings with his brother George as The Kahumoku Brothers. "My brother George is the best 12 string slack key guitarist I've ever had the honor of playing with," Moses says proudly.

Song: Paniola

Song: Pohakula

CAROLE KAI

One of the Local Divas. A headliner at Waikiki from the late 1960-1980s. Now Star Telecom Network Pacific, Hawaii Stars Presents, Inc. President of the Board. Entertainer, Charity fundraiser, TV hostess. SEE LOCAL DIVAS

SARAH KA'ILIKEA

Promo page - Sarah Kealamapuana Malina Ka`ilikea, composer and Kauai's "Living Treasure", was born on October 7, 1911. Her reminsces and sprightly voice are interwoven among the songs. This is the first time her work has been collected. She studied ancient religious practices, chant, hula, legends and language. She also learned many cultural practices and philosophy from her kupuna and their associates. SARAH KA`ILIKEA "Banyan Tree" 2000

BULLA KAILIWAI

Promo - The big island of Hawai`i has long been a hotbed for falsetto vocalists, a tradition entrenched by the paniolo (cowboys) on the various cattle ranches, who used their upper registers to yodel, much like cowboys elsewhere. But Hawaiians took it a step further, creating a genre known as leo ki`eki`e. Kona's "Bulla" Kailiwai, the winner of the annual Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest in 1997, is a torch-carrier for that tradition -- representing a new generation.

JOHN KA'IMIKAUA

Promo page - "From Deep Within" (1997) The image of the hula in pop culture, perpetuated by Hollywood and the tourist industry (pretty girl, cellophane "grass" skirt, flower leis), could not be farther from the essence of the dance. This album from kumu hula John Ka`imikaua is about love, dedication and the preservation of undocumented Hawaiian culture. The liner notes contain lyrics and translation, along with the kumu's interpretation of the meaning of the song and its verses. As an added twist, his own English-language compositions lend a soft, jazz feel to the album.

GEORGE KAINAPAU

(1905 - 1992) "Hawai`i's Falsetto King" "The first successful falsetto star; recorded Broadway hits as well as Hawaiian music."

CHARLES KAIPO AND HIS HAPPY HAWAIIANS

Popular hula music.

KAISER'S SURF CREW

(Darrell Aquino, Brian "Benny Benitez, Troy Fernandez, Rick Gilbert, John "Blackie" Kealoha, Gabriel "Chucky" Kealoha, Salaam Tillman)

BILL KAIWA

Promo page - "Na Mele Pulama Ia" (1998) A long-awaited new release from Bill Kaiwa, this album is distinctly "old style" Hawaiian music. Guest musicians include Bobby Hall on `ukulele, Mahi Pekelo on bass, Steve Hall on guitar, and the sweet steel sounds of Bobby Ingano. SEE NINA KEALI`IWAHAMANA; MAILE SERENADERS

BENNY KALAMA

1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. Promo -- One of the greatest Hawaiian falsetto singers of all time, Benny Kalama entertained tourists and locals alike at many of Waikiki's well known clubs and lounges. This CD is a re-release of his 1984 album, filled with some of his favorite and most requested songs. Benny Kalama passed away on Sept. 21, 1999 at the age of 83.

NATHAN KALAMA (Nathan Liberato Kahikolu Kahapea Kalama)

Nathan Liberato Kahikolu Kahapea Kalama and the Patch Quilt Band are from Kaua'i. This album has a "Green Side" (traditional) and a "Red Side" (contemporary). The songs and chants all have a introduction preceding them, taking the place of traditional liner notes. Some of the songs are really creative - especially "Ka Hale Nahoapilialoh E", a song & chant about a friends house, and the popular "Japan Airlines Hula".

KALAMA QUARTET

Vintage Hawaiian Music (Mike Hanapi, Bill Kalama, Bob Nawahine, Dan Pokipala) "Early Hawaiian Classics 1927-1932"

Song: Medley of Hulas

KALAPANA

Kalapana website

Kalapana catalog

25th Anniversary Video

- Celebrating over 25 years as one of Hawaii's top musical groups, Kalapana began in 1973 as a quartet -- Malani Bilyeu, Mackey Feary, D.J. Pratt and Kirk Thompson. They created an original and fresh brand of contemporary pop/rock island music never before heard in Hawai`i. Since 1982, Kalapana has achieved even greater international success as a quintet -- Bilyeu, Feary, Pratt, Gaylord Holomalia, and Kenji Sano. With the passing of Mackey Feary in 1999, this is Kalapana's only full-length video album. (SEE MARKEY FEARY, MALANI BILEYU.)

Song: Naturally

Song: You make it hard

HARRY KALAPANA & HIS HAWAIIAN

Promo page - Guitarres Hawaiennes

DANNY KALEKINI

Promo page - DANNY KALEIKINI "Hawaii`s Ambassador of Aloha" 1993

Song: Waipi'o

KALEO O KALANI

Promo page - Kaleo O Kalani has been a popular trio in Hawaii for over 25 years. Their songs are influenced by Hawaiian, pop, country, r&b, & reggae music. (Rachel Asebido, Bobbee English, Gwen Gusman) "The Best of Kaleo O Kalani - Vol. 1" 1990

Song: Honaunau paka

THE KALIMA BROTHERS & THE RICHARD KAUHI QUARTETTE

Vintage. 1940s legends. Promo - This album will take you back to the 1940's where -- on the edge of Waikiki -- the `ukulele and the piano were combined to ignite a Hawaiian music revolution. Two innovative Hawaiian musicians, Jesse Kalima and Richard Kauhi, became Hawaiian music legends. Their rambunctious sound featured solid multi-part harmonies, embellished with intricate `ukulele, piano and steel guitar solos. Liner notes contain extensive information about the musicians.

JESSE KALIMA AND SONS

Legends of `Ukulele": Signature tune: "Stars & Stripes Forever" Grandson: Sam Kapu The Third Grandson: Reno Cuaresma

LEHUA KALIMA (Lehua-Nani Kalima Heine)

SEE NA LEO

BERNARD KALUA

Promo - For years Bernard Kalua has been and still is considered to be one of Hawaiian music’s finest utility musician/vocalist. After 26 years of performing with Headliners such as Ledward Kaíapana and The Original Ikona, Karen Keawehawaii, Pekelo and his first featured group, Da Blalahs of Keaukaha, both live and on recordings, he is now the Headliner of this “Hawaiian Soul-filled” CD. Born and raised in Hilo on the Island of Hawaii, Bernard is the youngest of Samuel and Kimela Kalua’s 10 children. ...

STERLING KALUA

article

Feel the Mana (1999)

HAROLD KAMA Jr.

- Introducing Harold Kama Jr. with two FULL tracks from his debut CD, "Keali'i" and "Stars and Moon Slack Key."

Song: Harold Kama Jr with Fiji - Romeo and Juliet

EDDIE KAMAE

Sons of Hawaii fame...a legend of Hawaiian music...1992 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. SEE SONS OF HAWAII

Song: Wahine 'ilikea

KAMAHA'O

Song: Dream Girl

KEOLA KAMAHELE

SONNY KAMAHELE

1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. Promo page - Sonny Kamahele is truly a "musician's musician" -- as evidenced by his recognition in 1996 by the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts with its prestigious "Lifetime Achievement Award".

DAVID "KAWIKA" KAMAKAHI (David 'Iolani-o-Na'o'o Shunichi Kamakahi)

DENNIS KAMAKAHI (Dennis David Kahekili-mamaoikalani-keha Kamakahi)

Article

- Hanalei Sunset Our New Release Puaena means to "glow brightly". With over 400 songs credited to him, Dennis finally released this solo slack key album for Dancing Cat Records in May 1996. (SEE NA OIWI; HUI ALOHA)

Song: Ipo lei manu

Song: Ohana Slack Key

ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE

Website promo

Website

Article

We will all miss the beautifully clear voice and extraordinary talent of this big man. The Sons of Niihau continues on, but Bruddah Iz will be sorely missed. "Alone in Iz World." -- Winner of the 2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Hawaiian Album of the Year. 2001 release features previously unreleased songs, new arrangements of old favorites, and unplugged performances. SEE MAKAHA SONS OF NIIHAU

Song: Somewhere over the rainbow-what a wonderful world

Song: White sandy beach of Hawaii

KAMALAMALAMA

- Promo page - They sing traditional Hawaiian songs, songs with a country rhythm. (George, Joe & Terry Kamalamalama) "The Days Of Our Youth" 1996

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL'S CONCERT GLEE CLUB

The Kamehamehan's

Website

- Promo page - 1998 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Special Award recipient "Na Mele Ho`oheno" SEE NA KEIKI O KAMEHAMEHA

Song: Hawai'i Pono'i

MOKE BOY KAMEALOHA (Moses Kamealoha III)

Promo - We've been hearing about "Moke Boy "- aka Moses Kamealoha III for about a year - finally there is a CD on the market! This 22 year old from the Big Island turned heads with the song "Pahea 'Oe, E' Kalapana", winning the Frank B. Shaner Hawaiiana Falsetto contest. The strongest tunes on the album are the Hawaiian ones, especially "Ka'u'i O Nalani". A promising debut! -- On Moke Boys second album, the ukulele playing and Moke Boy's falsetto voice dominate the collection of contemporary songs about love and life in Hawai'i.

Song: Grandma's voice

DUKE KAMOKU AND HIS ISLANDERS

Vintage.

MALAKI & NAHALE KANAHELE Promo

Promo - Ni`ihau -- a very private island in the Hawaiian archipelago -- has managed to nurture an older Hawaiian lifestyle that has disappeared almost everywhere else. it has remained sheltered from many of the changes that have occurred in Hawai`i for the past century. The music on this CD captures the enchantment of this unique island. Brothers Malaki and (the late) Nahale Kanahele developed their musical foundations listening to their parents play ki ho`alu (slack key) guitar while singing hymns and popular mele (music) in the quiet evenings at their family home.

KEKUHI KANAHELE

Website promo

1999 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner

Kekuhi and husband Kaipo Frias at Bishop Museum

Star Bulletin story of Hoku Hanohano winner

Kekuhi

KAIPO FRIAS (Husband: Kekuhi Kanahele)

Hahani Mai

- Kekuhi Kanahele's roots delve deeply into the ground of Hawaiian history and culture. Raised in Keaukaha where she spent most of her early years with her maternal grandparents, Edith Kekuhi Kanaele Kenao of Kohala/Puna and Luka Kanaka'ole of Kapapala, 1999 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Female Vocalist of the Year Hawaiian Language Performance of the Year Kekuhi is fearless in the musical expression of herself. Her passion and her complete command and understanding of her people. Kekuhi Kanahele descends from one of the most proud and storied lineages in Hawai'i. Daughter of famed kumu hulu Pua Kanahele, and granddaughter of the legendary kumu hula and Hawaiian scholar "Aunty" Edith Kanaka'ole.

Song: Lovely hinahina - hahani mai

Song: Uso'ole

MALAKI KANAHELE

Slack Key virtuoso from Ni'ihau.

NATE KANAE

VIRIAN KANAI

From the Micronesian island of Palau, comes this debut CD from talented local recording artist, Virian Kanai. "Sweet Luv" (2000)

Song: Island rhythm

EDITH KANAKA`OLE

promo

(Oct 30,1913 - 1979) Dancer, chanter, singer, composer, translator, and poet. Noted scholar, teacher, Hawaiian linguist, ethnobotanist, genealogist, Polynesian historian. Founded Hâlau O Kekuhi. Her daughters, Pualani and Nâlani, continue her work. Daughter of Mary Kanaele (c.1900-c.1955, a.k.a. "Mama Fujii"), mother of Nâlani & Pualani Kanaka`ole, grandmother of Kekuhi Kanahele. - Promo page - 1979 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Best Traditional Album "Ha`aku`i Pele i Hawai`i" (chants) //1979 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Best Traditional Album; 1980 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner: Traditional Hawaiian Album of the Year "Hi`ipoi I Ka `Aina Aloha - Cherish the Beloved Land"

WILSON KANAKA'OLE

KANAKA PRIDE

- Promo page - KANAKA PRIDE (Jerry Jona, Jr., Benjamin Taaca, Jack Viohl, Jr.) "Kanaka Pride" 1995

KANALO

Kanalo has been one of the favorite featured artists on the Pride of the Islands compilations. "Kanalo" (2000): (Justin Kalawaia, Keoni Nicodemus, Heno Makaike, Jenn Wright)

Song: Reggae-hawaiian - I go crazy

ELODIA KANE (Elodia Kaohiwelukalai Kane)

Wife of Ray Kane. - Promo page - Elodia Kaohiweiukalai Kane is from Honolulu, of Hawaiian, German, Spanish, Filipino and English descent. She sang originally in a church choir, but didn't sing in public until she was coaxed onto a stage to sing during a performance by Momi Jones. A man had volunteered himself as well, and unbeknown to Elodia, he was was a musician. Impressed with Elodia's singing, he asked her to join his group -- his name was Raymond Kane. On this, her long overdue solo debut album, she seems to fulfill the promise of Uncle Raymond's middle name "Kalealohapolaoeihelemanu": the voice of love that comes and goes like a bird, and will never be forgotten. Uncle Raymond Kane also appears on this album.

JOHN KANE

Maui performer John Kane had a top 10 hit here on the island with "True Delight".

KIKA KANE

RAY KANE (Raymond Kane)

Stropes Editions, Ltd. - Ray Kane links

Husband Elodia Kane. "This is the music I love. It's the music I've been playing for over sixty years. That's a long time, but I want it to live forever. You know, the music I play is not really my music. It was given to me.

Song: Popoki slack key

R.J. KANEAO

KELI'I KANEALI'I

Website promo

Formerly of Hapa. Breakup in 2001 after a 17-year collaboration. SEE HAPA.

WANDA KANEKOA

KANE O AKUA

Hayward, CA group. (Kaipo Hanakeawe, Kawika Brickwood, Delbert Kaleikini, Keoni Fernandez)

KANI`LAU

Article

Record promo With this, their fourth release, Kanilau's beautiful voices continue to blend together traditional Hawaiian with the contemporary sounds of Hawai`i and the Pacific. KE AO WENA (The Sunset Glow) includes two originals ("Lu`ulu`u I Na Ua Nui O Hanalei" and "Halano I Ka Ehukai") along with many old time favorites. Guest artists include Jerry Santos, Eric Lee, Bobby Ingano, Noel Okimoto, Hanale Ka`anapu and Halau Na Mamo O Ka`ala. Liner notes include lyrics, and most translations. KANILAU (Roland, Noelani, Alapa`i, Kimo) "Ke Ao Wena" 1999

Chant: E la'anuiaikahiki

THE KANILE'A COLLECTION:

(Eric Lee, Jay Kauka, Brian Mersberg) Nahenahe 1994

KAPALAKIKO HAWAIIAN BAND: San Francisco group. (Nate Defiesta, Saichi Kawahara, Vern Fernandez, Lola Tortolero, Vince Fermandez, Bobby Black, Richard Sanico)

KAPENA:

Website

1988 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Promo - From Kaimuki High School on O`ahu, the musical career of these three young men began with the "Brown Bags to Stardom" contest -- which led to the release of their first album, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED, in 1986. Now, with more than a dozen albums to their credit, Kapena can look back on a career which took them and their music touring islands of the Pacific, the US mainland, Japan, and beyond. (Kelly Boy De Lima, Tivaini & Teimoni Tatofi) SEE KELLY BOY DE LIMA

Song: Bula (drums of the islands)

Song: Sweet lei mokihana

KAPILI

- Promo page -- "Kapili" 1999 (John Anui, Jr., Meldon Leong, John Mossman)

Song: Won't you stay

HENRY KAPONO

Website

Home in the Islands

- Writeup in Aloha-Hawaii on Henry Kapono. Download a 384k wav clip of Travel My Love.

Song: Kona winds

Song: Home in the Islands

Song: Stand in the Light

SAM KAPU JR.

Article

1960s Waikiki. Radio personality.

SAM KAPU III

"The Third" (1994) – Born into a musical family, young Kapu started singing and playing the ukulele at age seven. He started writing songs and playing the guitar when he was 15. He has since performed in numerous locations throughout Oahu and released several recordings. His first release was nominated for two Na Hoku Hanohano music awards in 1994 - for Contemporary Album of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year

KA`U

- Promo page -- FEW local artists show much imagination redoing national hits. Ka'u is a rare exception. Greg "Kele" Foxx, Leslie "Leka" Gravela and Demetrius "Big D" Oliveira overhaul All-4-One's great 1995 sex song, "(She's Got) Skillz," with an arrangement that sets the salacious themes of the original hit in a memorable blend of island harmonies and local rhythms. Studio guest Rick Asher Keefer does some of his best work in recent years judiciously adding synthetic rhythm effects to the mix. Several Foxx originals prove Ka'u is more than a cover band. Foxx's reggae-beat anthem, "Tearing Down The System," merits play on Hawaii's island music radio stations. Synth drum sounds don't help a routine local remake of Brooks & Dunn's 1992 hit, "Neon Moon," but Ka'u does well with traditional Hawaiian songs. "Footprints in the Sand" 2000

Song: Neon moon

RICHARD KAUHI

2000 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. - Promo page -- A re-release of the original album, now in CD format. Born in 1929 in Honolulu, Richard Kauhi began his professional career with the Kalima Brothers in 1942. He later went on to form his own group, "The Richard Kauhi Quartet" and became well known to Honolulu audiences, as well as on the mainland. The distinctive piano and dusky, intimate voice of Richard Kauhi grace traditional favorites with modern, sophisticated touch. Liner notes are sparse, and contain no lyrics. "Reflections of Richard Kauhi and his Piano" 1996

BILLY KAUI

"Billy Kaui" (1977) -- This album was recorded and originally released in 1977, after Billy and the band Country Comfort had gone down the path of self-destruction -- and he had cleaned up his act, embarking on a solo career as a singer and songwriter. This album and his performances that followed, were popular and successful endeavors. But in early 1978, William Allen Enos -- a.k.a., Billy Kaui -- suffered a cerebral hemorrage, and passed away at the age of 28.

Song: Up and at it again

DONALD "FREEHAND" KAULIA

Review

I Ku Mau Mau

LOUIS "MOON" KAUKAHI (Louis Robert Kauakahi)

It was five years ago that three members of the Makaha Sons of Niihau — Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Jerome Koko and John Koko — became a trio and changed their name to the Makaha Sons. The Sons have existed in one form or another for 22 years, and today, they are as popular as ever. SEE MAKAHA SONS

KAWAIAHAO CHURCH CHOIR

The choir and musicians of venerable Kawaihao Church on O`ahu, erected in 1842.

SOL KAWAIHOA

Kî Hô`alu (Slack key) guitar master; kumu (teacher) Promo - Solomon Kawaihoa, known on Maui as "Uncle Sol", works at Wailuku's Bailey House Museum sharing his knowledge of Hawaiiana and his music with visitors from around the world. Uncle Sol has been playing slack key guitar since he was a small child. His guitar playing & vocal style is a bit rough & very much like that of Gabby Pahinui - so if you are a fan of Gabby's, you'll really enjoy this cd. It is very soulful, heartfelt Hawaiian music. This is highly recommended!!!

KAWAIOLA

- Promo page -- (Trevor Maunakea, Iolani Kamau`u, Alded Levi, Kanamu Akana) "Ho`oheno I Ka Pu`uwai" 1993

Song: Life giving waters

KA WAIOLA O NA PUKANILEO (ENSEMBLE)

KAWIKA

SEE KAWIKA KAHIAPO

I am NOT an expert on Hawaiian music. I am just a simple person who loves Hawaiian music. The music lifts my spirits when I'm down. It makes me feel good about the world. It washes all my tensions away. It brings back sweet memories of home and the good times of the past. It is part of my soul...as I'm sure it is of so many others.

There are so many artists and groups that come and go on the contemporary Hawaiian music scene that it is hard to keep up. To keep up-to-date with the Hawaiian music scene, tune into the Newsgroup: alt.music.hawaiian . Lurk in the background, post your thoughts, ask questions, share your love of Hawaiian music, or join in the discussions. If you love Hawaiian music, this is the newsgroup for you. There's also the Hawaiian Music Message Board moderated by Stevo which is an excellent forum for general questions on Hawaiian music. Another exceptional resource is Keola Donaghy's Nahenahe.net for the latest information on Hawaiian music.

A must-see resource if you're looking for lyrics to Hawaiian music is HUAPALA. This is the Hawaiian Music & Hula Archives of Ka`iulani Kanoa Martin. This is THE definitive compilation of lyrics for Hawaiian music.

A resource that should not be overlooked when seeking info on Hawaiian musicians is the Hawaiian Music Directory. It is the most comprehensive resource around with a phenomenal amount of info on Hawaii's musicians -- singers, composers and instrumentalists.

To clarify my purposes of using commercial site links on the page: I have NO vested interest in the companies nor gain any profit from them. I have NO affiliation with them. The only purpose is simply to let people know what albums are currently available from the artists. My intent is to support the local musicians by showcasing their talents and letting people know what they've done. The people can search out the albums/tapes/CDs for the best price on their own. An excellent list of on-line music sources to search for your favorite artist can be found on 'Stevo's Hawaiian Music Site.

As to the full-length songs (versus clips) used on this site, let me also clarify. I know that I'm stepping into a very hazy area by using full-length songs. The piracy issue (intellectual property rights) is always in the forefront for the artist. HOWEVER, on my site, clips are very unsatisfying for the expatriate "locals" and Hawaiian soldiers/airmen -- primarily those in Korea -- who are the target audience for my site. They want full-length songs. I found that if I converted mp3s to wma on the lowest settings, the audio was adequate for the computer. However, if anyone tries to reconvert the cut back to mp3s, they will be sadly disappointed as the output will be trash as the sound is degraded. This is why the songs are NOT recommended for downloading.

Though I am still in a gray area and can be chastised severely if challenged, atleast I'm trying to protect the artists songs -- in a limited way. I can only hope that the artists will understand.

K (CONTINUED)

KE KANI LEO HOU

(Dennis Alfafara, Troy Andrade, Kimo Galdeira, David Low, Jon Low)

KEAHIWAI

Website

Website promo bio

Girl duo. 2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Award : Favorite Entertainer of the Year Most Promising New Artists Keahiwai, which roughly translates to "fire and water", is this new duo -- stepping into the world of Hawaii's contemporary music community with their debut CD. (Mailani Makainai & Lei Melket) "Local Girls" Promo - Debuting their first CD entitled "Local Girls", two University of Hawaii students are stepping into the world of Hawaii's contemporary music community as Keahiwai. Keahiwai, which roughly translates to "Fire and "Water", represents the personalities and music styles of Lei Melket and Mailani Makainai respectively. As ukulele comrades while attending Maryknoll School, Lei and Mailani casually performed as a duo for special school events and family parties. Their smooth grooves and comforting voices were well received by audiences of all ages. Original compositions, which 8 are featured on "Local Girls" CD, were always included in their repertoire and favorites amongst regular fans. Their original compositions, true to the heart and captivating, were mainly generated from life experiences and inspirations. Keahiwai's "Local Girls" comprises of a variety of music styles and melodies that will appeal to the young and old. Although relatively new to Hawaii's music scene, Keahiwai has the chemistry to grow for years to come.

ABE KEALA

MEKIA KEALAKA'I

1996 Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Inductee.

Royal Hawaiian Bandleader.

BILL KEALE

MOE KEALE

Website promo

Website

Bio

- Promo page - 1987 Na Hoku Hanohano Award WINNER: //Song of the Year - "Aloha Is..." by Pilahi Park & Jay Larrin "Aloha Is A Part Of Me, A Part Of You" With a beautiful collection of island songs which reflect his Ni`ihau roots, Moe's unique vocal and `ukulele stylings. 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Award WINNER: Haku Mele Award - "Lihau" by Kihei de Silva & Moe Keale

Song: Aia i hi'ikua, i hi'alo

NINA KEALI`IWAHAMANA

1992 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. Promo - Nina was a featured soloiist with the venerable "Hawai`i Calls" radio programs, and Bill (Kaiwa) was a performer with the United Airlines Hawaiian shows. With this debut of their duet teaming, they present "lu`au style" hulas, the ones which are most popular with hula students and professionals.

Song: Hawaiian wedding song

KE`ALOHI

Website

- Promo page - 1993 Na Hoku Hanohano Award WINNER: Most Promising Artist(s) of the Year (`Iokepa "Bruddah Joe" De Santos, Chris Kamaka, Ku`uipo Kumukahi) "Ke`alohi" 1992

KEALUMOKU

Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame:

1995 Hall of Fame Honoree Keaulumoku (1716-1784)

The bards and poets of old Hawai`i, not having a written language, composed mele to be committed to memory, narrating the events and history of their time. Mele wanana (prophetic chants) by celebrated kaula (prophets) revealed events and history to come.

Keaulumoku, the first, and perhaps the oldest known chanter to be inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, was born at Naohaku, Kohala, Hawai`i. From his youth he wandered among the hills and vast, desolate lava fields, communing there with the spirits. Human society seemed very small to him after daily contemplation of the ocean and mountain majesties and the nightly vision of the stars. As the future opened to him, he was always willing to read it for comfort or warning to his people. He was known on all the Islands and it was safe for him to travel anywhere.

The only physical description of Keaulumoku is the occasion of his last prophecy, when he was the advanced age of 62. His eyes were bright, but his form was bent and his white hair and beard swept his shoulders. He began his chant with tremulous tones, gaining strength as his voice rose like the wind sweeping through the mountain gorges singing the chant of Haui ka Lani. He foretold the union of the islands under Kamehameha, the extinction of the monarchy, the domination of the white race, the destruction of the temples, the probably extinction of the Hawaiian people.

Perhaps Keaulumoku would have a different conclusion to his mele, if he were alive today. Chanting was a common form of communication among ka po`e kahiko (the people of old). The chants expressed their thoughts, desires and emotions.

Chant may be performed in one of two different styles: as oli or as hula.

Oli is chant not danced to, with prolonged phrases uttered in a single breath often with a trill (i`i) ending each phrase. Ke oli is the chant and mea oli is the chanter.

• O: to call for a thing desired; to answer to a call
• LI: spirit; that which is spiritual, pertaining to the spirit; the inherent spirit within the soul.

Mele is poem, chant of any kind, or song.

Chant was the basic form of musical expression prior to the arrival of Europeans to the Hawaiian Islands.

For traditional Hawaiians, chant continues to represent "deep physical and spiritual union in humankind and our relationship to nature." Its sacredness and power lie in the text of the chant, called `olelo.

Especially significant in pre-contact Hawai`i were chants that recounted the genealogy of an individual, and the Kumulipo, the Creation chant. These chants, passed down and sung from memory, were the only way in which history and mythology could be recorded and taught.

Before 1819, a chanter was a central figure in Hawaiian Society, chosen by birthright and by vocal quality, assessed by an intricate vocabulary of sound patterns unique to Hawaiian chant. Today, chants are more secular in nature; a chanter may be called upon to prepare and sing a mele inoa in praise of an individual bearing a certain name, rather than chanting a genealogy which covers a person's ancestry from the beginning of time. Celebrations of special events and historic meetings are often opened with chanted prayers and greetings.

With the resurgent interest in preserving Hawai`i's culture, the art and skill of Hawaiian chants are once more being learned by Hawaiian schoolchildren; many new mele oli and mele hula are being composed and performed.

COSTA KEAO

"Whee-Ha!" (1997) - Falsetto stylings

Song: Hanalei bay-ka ua loku

GENOA KEAWE

Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards

Minoaka - music by Genoa Keawe

Kuu Makamaka

Genoa Keawe reads profile Ha Election

2000 National Arts Award; 2000 Living Treasure - Promo of Genoa Keawe, the grand dame of Hawaiian music. Clip of Akaka Falls.

Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame 2001 Hall of Fame Honoree Genoa Keawe (1918 - )

From the ancient mele chant to the lively social music known by the pidgin term chalangalang, the human voice has always been at the center of Native Hawaiian music. One of the most celebrated vocal performers and recording artists of chalangalang styling in the second half of the 20th Century was and is Auntie Genoa Keawe.

Born in the Kaka`ako neighborhood of Honolulu, Genoa began her singing career at age 12, when she joined the choir of the Mormon Church. A year after graduating from eighth grade, she met and married her husband Edward and began her family of 12 children.

Her mother-in-law taught Genoa the Hawaiian language. Soon she was singing in both Hawaiian and English for military clubs, prior to World War II. Popular singer Alice Namakelua was of particular help to Genoa with her Hawaiian language phrasing and vocal style.

It was at this time that Genoa began singing with the Honolulu Rapid Transit musicians, and credits John K. Almeida for giving her her radio start. She heard him sing when she was 11, and met him in 1946. Almeida, who was broadcasting a show on KULA radio, asked for "anyone who could sing" to come to the station and perform. Genoa responded, and was asked to return again and again. In 1971, she hosted a banquet honoring her patron.

In 1946, Genoa recorded the first of over 140 singles on the "49th State" label. Among the songs was an English language version of Irmgard Aluli's signature composition "Puamana", entitled "Sea Breeze". With her groups "Genoa Keawe and her Hula Maids" and "Genoa Keawe and her Polynesians", she backed up other singers on many recordings. She moved on to record with Don McDiarmid Jr.'s company, "Hula Records".

Many of Auntie Genoa's most popular songs recorded from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, are now available on CDs. Among the most requested in Genoa's live performances are Lena Machado's "Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi", Alice K. Namakelua's "Nani" and, of course, Genoa's signature song "Alika".

In 1966, she started her own record company, Genoa Keawe Records with her son, Gary Aiko and vocalist Joe Keawe, a relative of her husband's. It was in that year that she took her now-famous vocal styling to Japan, and has been invited to perform there many times since.

Genoa is probably best known for her Falsetto singing, which some consider more accurately described as "head voice". She is one of the very few female vocalists who come closest to sounding like the true Hawaiian falsetto, which dates from pre-contact chant practices. Falsetto use became popular with the introduction of European hymn singing and popular music, although its origins in the Islands are still shrouded in mystery and open to conjecture.

Genoa Keawe's importance to Hawaiian music is best described by Hawaiian ethnomusicologist Amy K. Stillman: "In addition to her unrivalled falsetto technique, bell-like yodeling, and her trademark ability to hold high notes for over two minutes, Genoa Keawe is particularly significant for her focus on presenting repertoire for modern hula, i.e., hula performed to westernized melodies and the accompaniment of western instruments such as guitar and `ukulele."

Operator of a hula studio in the Pauoa neighborhood of Honolulu for many years, "Auntie Genoa" has served as a resource for scores of Hawaiian musicians for over 50 years. Her warm and caring personality earned her her nickname early in her career.

Many accolades and awards have come to this celebrated singer of Hawaiian music. In the year 2000, Genoa Keawe was honored with the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts, the National Heritage Fellowship, presented in a Washington D. C. ceremony by the National Endowment for the Arts. She is the recipient of multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award s, the Hawaiian recording industry's equivalent of the "Grammy". In 1987 the King Kamehameha Hula Competition was dedicated to her, as was the 1998 Prince Lot Hula Festival.

Auntie Genoa, however, considers her greatest award her continued ability to sing, her "gift from God". She says "it's a gift I asked for... I wanted to be a singer, so I prayed every night, and thank God I still have it." She does, and shares her very special gift every week in performance with her group at the former Hawaiian Regent Hotel, now the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.

Biographical notes courtesy of Genoa Keawe-Aiko and the National Heritage Fellowships awards program of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Song: Na ka pueo

Song: I ali'i no 'oe

JOE KEAWE

Legend in falsetto. Brother of Genoa Keawe. (Band: - Jesse Kalima: `ukulele - Jake Holck: guitar - Sam Aiko: bass - David Keli`i: steel guitar - Joe Kekauoha: maracas - Joe Keawe: lead, background, 2-3-4 part harmonies) Promo - Thirty-two years after his first recording, Joe Keawe returned to the studio to create this album...a collection of his personal favorites.

JOHN KEAWE

Website

John Keawe website

John Keawe catalog

Promo page - 1994 Na Hoku Hanohano Award WINNER: Instrumental Album of the Year "Ho`onanea" 1993

Song: Kamakani o kohala, lovely is kohala

KAREN KEAWEHAWAI`I

Promo page - 1980 Na Hoku Hanohano Most Promising Artist Award; 1983/1985 Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist Award; 2000 Hoku Hanohano award winner

ROBERT KEKAULA

- Promo page - ROBERT KEKAULA "Daddy's Little Girl" 1997 Pomo -- The popular sportscaster is also a talented songwriter, singer & musician. This album is a great mix of music - from his fun tribute to the garbagemen "Ukupau", to the sadness of "Fallen Heroes". His daughter joins him on "Paper Roses" (yes, the Marie Osmond classic) & "Manu Kapalulu". A wonderful second album from Kekaula!

Song: He ono la

WELDON KEKAUOHA

- Promo page - WELDON KEKAUOHA "Hawaiian Man" 1999 This debut album from this O`ahu native (and Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant) has very a nice mix of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian songs. He's got a great voice -- displayed especially well on "Kahukiaialo". Liner notes contain full lyrics.

Song: Hawaiian man

JOSEPH KEKUKU

(1874-1932) The legend. "Founder of the Steel Guitar" The "inventor" of the Hawaiian steel guitar in 1889. Took it to mainland U.S.A., toured Europe, played for kings and queens, and made the instrument world famous. 1993 Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. Excerpted from Hawaii Music Hall of Fame:

1995 Hall of Fame Honoree Joseph Kekuku (1874-1932)

Acknowledged as inventor of the steel guitar, he was born in Laie, Hawai`i and died in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1885, the 11 year-old schoolboy, "fooling around" with his guitar, slid different objects across the strings to see what sounds he could produce, and became intrigued with the unique musical tones he heard.

At 15, he amazed his schoolmates at The Kamehameha School for Boys in Honolulu, with the "sweet sounds" he produced running a hair comb or tumbler across the guitar strings. In the school shop, Kekuku developed the smooth, steel playing bar used today, and raised the guitar frets so that the bar would glide easily across the strings. He also switched from gut to wire strings for more sustained notes, and designed individual finger picks for the opposing hand,

Before he died, Kekuku had toured all of the United States and most of Europe teaching and popularizing the steel guitar. By the early 1900s, the popularity of Kekuku's invention, the steel guitar, was firmly established in Hawaiian music, and soon after in the country music field.

DAVID KELII

Dedicated liftetime to the pioneering of multiple tunings and inspiring scores of players by his style. He popularized the instrument through his recordings and his many years of broadcasting with "Hawaii Calls." BORN: MAY 29, 1914 LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAII DIED: APRIL 3, 1983 INDUCTED STEEL GUITAR HALL OF FAME: 1990

G-GIRL KELI`IHO`OMALU

(deceased) Promo - From Kaimu, on the big island of Hawai`i, hear the rich sounds of G-Girl and her `ohana with their pure, honest Hawaiian folk music.

ROBERT KELI'IHO'OMALU

Husband of late G-Girl Keli'iho'omalu. Slack key.

SAM KELI`IHO`OMALU

The gift of a falsetto voice is truly that -- a gift. The ability to sing in that high register and maintain that rare air for an extended time, manipulating its pure sound to create music, is a wonder to hear. This debut release from Sam Keli`iho`omalu presents his selection of new original songs, augmented by songs from some of Hawaii's most-loved composers, are presented here.

KENI

Stevo's Review

Review - Keni shows his range of talent by performing a wide variety of music types from soothing love songs to the fast paced Jawaiian title cut. This is primarily a contemporary Hawaiian album, but Keni also plays some traditional Hawaiian Music. His falsetto in the traditional Ku'uipo I Ka He'e'Pu'e One is absolutely beautiful. The title cut U Da Kine that opens the CD is probably one of the most recognizable cuts on the CD. This song is a catchy Jawaiian tune that even features Fiji doing some Hawaiian Rap. After this song, the pace of the music really slows down to the relaxing contemporary music that Keni excels at. Keni has an excellent vocal range and his falsetto's are wonderful.

ED KENNY

Promo

1990 Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. 1960-1980s standard in Waikiki hotel revues.

Song: Ed Kenny & Marlene Sai - Ke kali nei au

KEOKI V.

Song: Perfect Day

KE`OPE ONO

Website bio

Promo - In 1994, fellow musician friends from various careers and musical backgrounds decided to form a band to play on a casual basis. Today, Ke 'Ope Ono (The Six Pack) announces the release of their first album entitled "Lunch Wagon Man", produced by Ke 'Ope Ono and Pierre Grill. Ke 'Ope Ono enjoys performing the wide variety of regional musical styles which have come to be known as "Contemporary Hawaiian" music. The band members come from various musical backgrounds - going as far back as "Greenwood", a popular nightclub band in the Seventies. Ke 'Ope Ono now blends their music backgrounds, creating a fresh new sound. Ke 'Ope Ono has been very busy trying to balance many performance engagements between themselves and as backup for the group "IMUA." The high point for them this year was being one of the winners at Mt. Kalihi Productions' "Battle for the Bash" which earned them a spot to play at the Makaha Bash 2000.

Song: North Kohala Cruising

BRYAN KESSLER

Best known for his days with the popular Hawaiian Style Band, Bryan Kessler embarks on a solo musical journey with Heart Jams, a haunting and heart-warming CD. The ten original songs, penned by the multi-talented Kessler, speak of love, island life, and music, and offer a glimpse of his own heart and soul through his unique style of music.

Song: Slack key - Give a lei

BLAINE KAMALANI KIA

Song: Back in Time

KILAUEA

Jazz. (Daniell Ho: keyboards - Dean Tada: bass - Randy Drake: drums - Andy Suzuki: sax, flute - Jimmy Mahlis: guitar - Greg Vail: sax - Grant Geissman: guitar - André Mayeux - Brian Kilgore - Gerald Albright - Dean Parks - Steve Reid - Steve Bailey - and others) SEE DANIEL HO

Song: Bumble Kilauea

Song: Kona Coast

KILIMA HAWAIIANS

Vintage: 1940s

Song: On the beach at Waikiki (1941)

KILINAHE

Keola Chan, Kama Hopkins, Kekoa Kaluhiwa, and Kanai'a Nakamura came together in February 2001, united by their deep love for traditional Hawaiian music. Calling themselves Kilinahe, they believe their music reflects that idea of the fine misty rain which nourishes our islands and our people. In respect for Hawai`i's rich musical heritage and in honor of our complex cultural diversity, the gentlemen of Kilinahe have commited themselves to careful perpetuation of the kanaka maoli and Hawaiian culture, dedicating themselves to the playing of both traditional Hawaiian and Hapa-Haole music. Kilinahe takes great pride in being one of only a few young groups today willing to hold faithful to the music of old Hawai`i.

Keola, Kama, Kekoa, and Kanai`a, young though they may be, are all accomplished musicians, singers, and songwriters, and Kilinahe has swiftly become well-established in the local entertainment industry, having performed with such respected artists as the Kahauanu Lake Trio, Robert Cazimero, Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Aunty Genoa Keawe, and others. They won their contract to play at The Willows in a battle of the bands, recently placed second in Mahi Beamer's annual Ka Himeni 'Ana competition, and brought down the house in the 2001 Aloha Festival's Frank B. Shaner Falsetto Contest with Kanai'a taking the lead on Nani Wale.

In addition to performing traditional Hawaiian music, Kilinahe is also available to provide Hawaiian language instruction, music and hula workshops, and sound system rental and setup. Whatever the occasion, Kilinahe would be extremely honored to be a part of your celebration. Keep an eye on these fine young talents. They are definitely on the rise. - Dr. Lanning Lee

KILOHANA

San Francisco group. (Kawika Ching, Joe Lapuz)

AGNES KIMURA

AUDY KIMURA

Japan born slack key student of Ozzie Kotani.

1984 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Song of the Year -- "Lover and Friends", Audy Kimura - composer "Looking for 'the Good Life'" 1983; 1984, 1986, 1990 Na Hoku Hanohano Single Awards - 90: "Only My Heart Can Say"; 86: "Melody & Harmony"; 84: "Lovers & Friends"//1984, 1986 Na Hoku Hanohano Contemporary Album Awards//1984 Na Hoku Hanohano Male Vocalist Award; 1984 Na Hoku Hanohano Most Promising Artist Award

Song: Lovers & Friends

CHARLES E. KING

(1874 - 1950) "The Dean of Hawaiian Music" "Prolific Hawaiian composer" - Following excerpted from the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame:

1995 Hall of Fame Honoree Charles E. King (1874-1950)

By concensus, "Dean of Hawaiian Music", Charles E. King was one of the Islands' foremost composers. He exerted tremendous influence on the development of Hawai`i's music. Hawai`i born, King was noted as a composer, publisher and band leader. His three song books, "King's Book of Hawaiian Melodies", "King's Songs of Hawai`i", and "King's Songs of Honolulu" (now out of print) were - and are - treasured around the world by those wishing to learn to sing and play Hawaiian tunes.

King, who was one-quarter Hawaiian, was raised among the ali`i; Queen Emma was his godmother, and Queen Lili`iuokalani was his music teacher. He was a member of the first graduating class of The Kamehameha School for Boys. Fluent in the Hawaiian language, Charles King's knowledge and appreciation of Hawaiian culture and history was reflected in his compositions. Although he was an innovator who added sophistication and more complex harmonic structure to Hawaiian music, King was a staunch traditionalist who insisted that Hawaiian songs should have Hawaiian lyrics, the subject should be about Hawai`i, and the melodic quality nahenahe (sweet) and not "jazzed up."

King's first hit song "Na Lei O Hawai`i" was published in 1915, when he was 42. From then until his death, he became one of Hawai`i's most productive composers.

KING BENNIE

SEE KING BENNIE NAWAHI

IVA KINIMAKA

He Aloha Mele (Album: Hawaii Coconut Hits). Iva Kinimaka was a household name in the 1960s through '80s, when he sang opposite Don Ho at Duke Kahanamoku's in the International Market Place and then later from his own perch at Cock's Roost, where his voice soared through the banyan roots and courtyard to attract a large and loyal following. Hotel managers puffed up the steps to the Roost to try to lure him to their own bars and showrooms. Record deals were cut. Waikiki was in its entertainment heyday, and Iva was in the thick of it. But Iva had a day job too - a lunch wagon at Sandy Beach. In the 1970s, the wagon moved to Waikiki, where Iva served plate lunches to savvy office workers and construction crews. They found him on a small side street mauka (inland) of Kalakaua, between Seaside and Royal Hawaiian avenues. Iva cooked by day and sang at night, cooked and wrote songs, and finally wound up doing both, catering and entertaining on the Paradise Cruises boats that plied the waters off Waikiki.

Today, 30 years since his first gig and 50 years since he learned to cook, people are still following and finding him. These days you can find Iva in Kalihi - in the kitchen of his year-old restaurant, Iva's Place, or across the parking lot at Iva's Komplete Katering. Although many still know him as a singer, there's a new generation of foodies who know him more for his squid lu'au and kalua pig than for the haunting riffs of "He Aloha Mele," the hit song he wrote for his daughter. ...

TITUS KINIMAKA

RAY KINNEY

(1900 , Hilo - 1972) "First superstar vocalist from Hawai`i" Following excerpted from the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame:

Ray Kinney (1900-1972)

Ray Kinney enjoyed 57 active years as a singer, composer, recording artist, troubadour, radio and stage performer, orchestra leader and emcee. The impact of his popularization of Hawaiian music, particularly on the U.S. mainland, was immeasurable.

Born in Hilo, of Irish-Hawaiian parents, Ray's musical destiny was predictable early. At fifteen he was a skilled `ukulele player and sang a fine tenor. He was sent to high school in Salt Lake City, along with his six older brothers; his Irish father wanted his sons to be as well-read and educated as he was. It wasn't long before the brothers formed a band and toured the Rocky Mountain States.

In 1920, on the death of his Hawaiian mother, Ray returned to the Islands and to his deeply rooted love for his Hawaiian heritage. Ray Kinney's reputation as a singer gained public attention when Charles E. King selected him as part of the cast of King's opera "Prince of Hawai`i" in 1925. He was chosen to play the lead when the opera toured California in 1926. The path to stardom began.

In 1928 Ray was chosen by band leader Johnny Noble as one of three entertainers to promote Hawai`i as a visitor destination via an hour-long national radio show originating at station KPO in San Francisico. In the same year, Brunswick Record Company contracted Noble, with Ray Kinney as one of the singers, to record 110 singles. All are collectors' items today.

In 1934 singer Kinney joined Harry Owens for his orchestra's opening at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Owens had learned of Ray's talents and had no trouble locating Ray at a Taro factory day job because Ray sang all day while he was working. Owens hired him on the spot.

Ray appeared on the first broadcast of Webley Edwards' "Hawai`i Calls" radio show in 1935, and continued to perform there for many years. In 1936, he was singled out by Decca Records as vocalist with Johnny Noble, to provide a series of Hawaiian records. It sold so well that the contractual relationship lasted for four years resulting in "phenomenal" sales for the record company.

National recognition for Ray Kinney began in 1928 when he went on tour, first to New York, then, for eleven months at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. His reputation as a singer - a "high tenor" with a vocal register that ranged from bass to falsetto with ease - skyrocketed with his four year record of continuous performance in the Hawaiian Room of New York's Hotel Lexington, from 1938 to 1942.

The "Hawaiian boy with an Irish name" scored higher than Rudy Vallee and Guy Lombardo in a popularity poll of American singers taken in New York in 1938. Because of his early training in Hawaiian, he knew the language well and was one of the few Hawaiian singers on the U.S. mainland who took great pains to articulate each sound of the Hawaiian text. During this same period, Ray and his "Aloha Maids" also performed in the Olsen and Johnson Broadway revue "Hellzapoppin'". It was the first time a Hawaiian entertainer had been in a major Broadway production.

Ray Kinney returned briefly to Hawai`i in 1940, discovered Alfred Apaka, and hired him as his vocalist at New York's Lexington Hotel "Hawai`i Room". During WWII, he toured 157 military bases and clubs, and was a favorite of audience members from Hawai`i's 442nd . Unwavering in his support of new Hawaiian talent, leader Kinney took Eddie Kamae with him on tour in 1949, adding him to his Royal Hawaiian Hotel orchestra in 1959.

At the age of 65 when he signed his last contract with RCA, Ray Kinney called it "somewhat of a miracle" that his recording career stretched over nearly forty years, unmatched at the time by any other Hawaiian singer. By his own count, he had made over 598 record sides.

In addition, he had composed many songs, and had a flair for writing English lyrics to old Hawaiian tunes. His trademark song, "Across the Sea", written when he was a young man, was his very first composition. Other well known and still popular songs he wrote are "Not Pau", "Hawaiian Hospitality", "Island Serenade", Kalapaki Bay", "Ululani", and "Leimana."

Ray Kinney was charismatic, and a born musician, dedicated to presenting the music of his Hawai`i. He sang in Hawai`i's best hotels until he died early in 1972, still in possession of the beautiful tenor voice and unique falsetto styling that imprinted Hawaiian music in the United States for all time.

Sources: "Hawaiian Music and Musicians", the Kinney family, and Harry B. Soria, Jr. Hall of Fame Advisory Board archivist

KIPAPA RUSH BAND

Promo page - KIPAPA RUSH BAND (Charlie Fukuha, Herb Lee, Jr., Rolf Libadisos, Wayne Reis, "Hawaiian Rush"1993

JEFF KLOETZEL (JEFF K)

KO (KEALAHUI)

KOA

Promo -- TWENTY TWO YEAR old Koa brings new fire to Hawaii's Christian Music scene. An all around talent... guitar player, drummer and songwriter, Koa is following in the musical footsteps of his parents – recording artists, composers, and entertainers Leon & Malia. Of Hawaiian, Chinese, Scottish and English origins, Koa combines the gentle magic of aloha with boldness for his fiery lyrics – it's worship music with an edge!

KOA JAM

Freemont/Daly City group. (Vic Ariman, David Loo, Steve Sotto, Arnold Tarleton)

KOA'UKA

website

"Tailgate Party" (1999) - (Keahi Lau, Wes Mulivai, Bronson Rosa)

Song: Tailgate party

KOHALA

Website

Promo page - The third guitar instrumental release from this talented trio -- this one presents the contemporary "classics" which have been popular in Hawai`i over the past few decades. KOHALA (Three guitarists: Charles Michael Brotman, Charlie Recaido, Kevin Teves) "Flying" 2000

Song: Hawaiian hula eyes

KOHOMUA

(David Bailey, Hendrick Haupu, Kaipo Kaina)

KOKONUT BAND

Song: Samoan Medley

KOLEA

Classic Hawaiian falsetto sound. Promo -- Big Island group Kolea have a hit on their hands with their remake of "Diana" - but it's the Hawaiian songs on this album that really stand out.

Song: Ka uluwehi o ke kai

JOANIE KOMATSU

Promo page - Out of print for awhile, it's great to see this beautiful album available once again. JOANIE KOMATSU "Without Tears ~ Waimaka`ole" 1994 / 2000

Song: Po Lai E (Silent Night)

KONA GOLD SF

"First Break" (Byron Bader - Keyboard, Vocals, Ipu Heke, Ernest "Shaka" Madali - Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Bass, Zane Madali - Rhythm Section) Both Byron and Ernie grew up in Hawaii. Byron is a Punahou School graduate and Ernie graduated from Farrington High School. Kona Gold SF has been performing in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years. Byron resides in Fremont and Ernie lives in Santa Clara.

KONISHKI (Saleva`a Atisanoe)

Fun-loving sumotori from Hawaii in 1990s. Rose to the rank of Ozeki (Junior Champion), but his meteoric rise petered out. Now retired from sumo, he lives in Japan and is a popular TV personality.

Song: Sumo Gangsta

KEALOHA KONO AND HIS ORCHESTRA

OZZIE KOTANI

Ozzie Kotani is a respected teacher, arranger, composer and accompanist as well as a solo performer. He has played ki ho`alu, Hawaiian slack key guitar, for over 20 years, representing it on the Mainland, in Spain and Japan, as well as all around the Hawaiian islands. Like the late slack key master Sonny Chillingworth, with whom he studied, he freely interjects his own personality into his playing, preserving and expanding the tradition.

Song: Ku'u lika kahinko (my old guitar)

KRUSH (The Fabulous Krush)

Website

Promo - The Krush singing their hearts out after being away for many years. The new faces bringing "fresh" talent to the group. With a new look, new sound, and a new show. - The Krush - Aiea, HI 96701 (Darryl Alvarico, Butchie Canancia, Phillip Galaura, Macky Galibiso, Jesse Gamiao, Bobby Gonzales, Wade Kuroiwa, Edwin Ramones, Ben Vegas)

Song: Let's get together (so groovy now)

EDDIE KU

Promo page - "Maunakea"

RON KUALA'AU

Promo - Ron Kuala'au is a popular entertainer in South Maui - he can be seen performing frequently at the Maui Prince Hotel in Makena.

KUA'ANA

Mainland based group with Hawaii hit, "Beautiful Day."

KUHIO BLEND

(Sean Namaile - Robert "Tosh" Kealoha - Ace Loughmiller - Joseph Napeahi)

KULANA

Promo - This Oahu group includes ukulele virtuoso Herb Ohta Jr. - who brings a nice touch to this album of contemporary music. Most of the songs are original compositions - with the exceptions of a reggae'd up versions of the Beatles "Come Together" & the Eagle's "Best of My Love".

Clip: Kulana

PABLO KULCHA AND JUSTICE MOON

KULIA

Promo page - John Berger review: "PRODUCER Jeff Rasmussen took no chances with this new Fat Katz act. The selections range from Sean Na'auao-style local reggae to a beautiful hapa haole classic ("Hello Honolulu") and an equally nice version of "Pua Bonita." Fiji helped with the reggae-lite tracks, and a small army of "guest musicians" handled the instrumental duties. The "guests" include Wendell Ching, Kelly DeLima, Michael Grande, Steve Lincoln, Kenneth Makuakane, Chino Montero, Greg Sardina and Bully Soares as well as Na'auao and Rasmussen. All the "guests" make it hard to tell how well the guys play, and without composers' credits there's no way to acknowledge any of them, but their harmonies and enthusiasm makes their debut memorable."

Song: Nanakuli

KULIAKANU'U

1991 Na Hoku Hanohano Liner Notes Award: Mauna'ala, Kuliakanu'u with Verna Mae Perkins

GEORGE KULOKAHAI & ISLAND SERENADERS:

1990 traditional style music.

Song: Aloha 'Oe

KU`UIPO KUMUKAHI:

Website

1993 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Most Promising Artist(s) of the Year (Ku`uipo Kumukahi) An artful blend of hapa-haole and traditional Hawaiian mele.

Song: Ka lehua i milia

KAMUELA KUMUKAHI

1994 Na Hoku Hanohano Mele Award

KUNIA (GALDEIRA)

The name Pahinui will be forever etched in Hawaii's musical history and legacy -- Gabby, Cyril, Martin, Bla -- the grandfather and uncles of Kunia Galdeira, first of the Pahinui grandchildren to step into the recording realm.

JARREN LEA KUNIMURA

GEORGE KUO

Music Catalog

George Kuo was born on November 17,1955, but his beautiful slack key guitar style dates back a generation or two earlier. "I feel a lot of appreciation for the old style of slack key and the lifestyle of my grandparents, granduncles, grandaunts and all the older players. There's a special aloha for them that I try to convey in my style of slack key." "My feeling is in the playing from the 1940s," he continues. "I like to play a nice relaxed, easy style. Not too much fancy stuff, keep it within the melody. It's more delivering a message than playing runs."

Song: Waikiki hula medley

KUPONO KANE

website

These two young Maui high school students present their debut release -- filled with the `ukulele influences of the music of Herb Ohta, Jr., Troy Fernandez, and Brother Noland. (Kyle Arakawa, Lane Ikawa)

KUTMASTER SPAZ

Hip-hop Hawaii.

LEONARD KE'ALA KWAN

Music Catalog

Leonard Keala Kwan has been playing ki ho'alu, Hawaiian slack key guitar, for over fifty years. He has proven to be a creative artist as well as a trailblazer. Along with late slack key greats Gabby Pahinui and Sonny Chillingworth, he is one of the three most influential slack key players in history. A quiet man with great depth of feeling, his personal philosophy of respect for others embodies the spirit of nahenahe (gentleness).

Song: Leonard Kwan & Ozzie Kotani - Slack key seranade

Song: Keala's mele

L

LA'AKEA:

Promo page -- LA`AKEA "Sacred Light" 1995 Kumu Hula Blaine Kia formed this group together with Joe Winchester, Robert Kalanui, Kalei Ching & Buzzy Winchester. This album is a colorful blend of island music: from Hawaiian to contemporary.

DARRELL LABRADO

Website

bio

Song: Molokai Slide

LESLIE LAGAPA

Song: Hawaiian Cruz

JAY LARRIN

Promo page -- Music catalogue. 1980 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Male Vocalist of the Year "Jay Larrin" (1979) 1982 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Male Vocalist of the Year JAY LARRIN "Mountain Love Songs" (1981)

Song: The snows of Mauna Kea

KAHAUANU LAKE TRIO:

Promo page -- Music catalogue. A music fixture in Waikiki. 1993 Na Hoku Hanohano Winner Liner Notes - Ka`upena Wong, Kahauanu Lake & Don McDiarmid, Jr. KAHAUANU LAKE TRIO AND SINGERS "Maiki - Chants and Mele of Hawai`i - Aloha Mai Ka Pu`uwai" 1992 -- With Kahauanu Lake on uke, Tommy Lake on bass, and Al Machida on guitar, this group was one of Waikiki's premiere groups well into the 1980's.

Song: Hapa-haole hula medley

Song: Pua ahiahi

.

MAIKI AIU LAKE (Margaret Maiki Souza Aiu Lake)

MADDY LAM

(1910-1985) 2000 Hawaii Music Hall of Fame Inductee

PATRICK LANDEZA

Patrick Landeza: Bay Area Musician

Bay Area Hawaiian Slack Key Guitarist PATRICK LANDEZA represents the new generation that is carrying on the traditional Hawaiian style of slack key guitar called Ki ho'alu. Patrick is a Hawaiian musician (of Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese, and Irish ancestry) born and raised in Berkeley, California. Patrick's father, Danny Landeza Jr., came from Kahuku on O'ahu and his mother, Frances Kawaipulou Kuakini O'Sullivan, grew up at Ho'olehua on the island of Moloka'i. Patrick currently resides in Oakland. Pu'unaue Productions Oakland, California 94606 Patrick Kahakauwila Kamaholelani Landeza (6 & 12 string guitars and vocals) is accompanied by a number of musicians on the CD including Keith "Kit" Madrid (bass and 6 string guitar), Dwight Tokumoto (6 string guitar and steel guitar), Fiamalu Leoso (8 string ukulele), Gordon Lau (bass), Virginia "Gigi" Paleka (acoustic bass), Calvin Murasaki (violin and fiddle), and Rick Delgado (congas and chimes). Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, Martin Pahinui, George Kuo, and Pekelo Cosma are special guest artists from Hawaii. Patrick's mother, Frances, also provides vocals on one of the songs. "Pu'unaue" can be purchased at Sun Jose Hawaii in San Jose.

For more information, contact Patrick Landeza at (510) 763-1822.

LANIKILA'S POLYNESIANS

JAY LARRIN

Promo page -- Music catalogue. 1980 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Male Vocalist of the Year "Jay Larrin" (1979) 1982 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Male Vocalist of the Year JAY LARRIN "Mountain Love Songs" (1981)

Song: Snows of Mauna Kea

JAMIE LAWRENCE

JARREN LEA

SEE JARREN LEA KUNIMURA

LEAHI

From their first album in 1993, their beautiful musical renditions have placed them at the top. SEE MALIA

Song: Ka uluwehi 'o ke kai

KEKAPA LEE

Article

Promo page -- 1998 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner: Religious Album of the Year This album is a treasured collection of old hymns translated into the Hawaiian language by the missionaries, most predominately Lorenzo Lyons, and others dating from the 1800's to the present. When Kekapa sings, he says that he, "...can soar to the heavens and share the Aloha that is in (his) heart!" Kekapa has been the kahu at Waiola Hawaiian Church in Lahaina (Maui) since 1990, and this is his first recording. KEKAPA LEE "Aloha Kekahi I Kekahi" (1998)

KUI LEE:

Though long gone, he has become a musical legend and his songs live on as standards. -- "The Extraordinary Kui Lee" (1997) -- These songs were recorded in the last months of Kui Lee's life and originally released nationally just days before he passed away in December 1966 at the age of 34. You'll hear this legendary composer performing his music his way, with some of New York's finest studio musicians. These are the only known recordings of Lee performing them himself.

Song: Ain't no big thing

Song: I'll remember you

RILEY LEE & JEFF PETERSON

Slack key instrumentals.

MELVEEN LEED:

1978, 1979, 1981, 1984, and 1987 Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist Awards. 1986 Na Hoku Hanohano Anthology Award: Best of Melveen Leed. 1978 Na Hoku Hanohano Best Song: E ku'u morning dew. Waikiki show stopper for years. SEE LOCAL DIVAS

Song: E ku'u morning dew

LEHUA

SEE JENNIFER LEHUA BARBER

LEI HULU

Promo - This classic hula trio is comprised of Kimo Alama Keaulana (`ukulele, lead vocals), Noe Kimi Buchanan (guitar, vocals), and Joe Keaulana (upright bass, vocals). Their hula dancer is Angie Kekelaokalani Costa, who is heard on this recording dancing with various hula implements on several numbers. Dancers from Halau Hula O Maiki provide dancing and implement accompaniment on four songs. 1994

LEON & MALIA (Leon Siu & Malia Elliott)

Promo - With a combination of new, original compositions and some old favorites, Leon & Malia weave a lei of songs for a tropical daydream. The songs evoke the romance and memories of Hawai'i...in songs of island sunrises, flower leis and ocean liners arriving at Aloha Tower...tropical days of sun and surf...enchanting nights of sunsets and love.

THE LEONANI SERENADERS

Old-style Hawaiian music. (Celeste Leonani Sagarang, Radford Sagarang, Gaynor Kalima, Art Parelius, Budding Naluai)

LISA LEUNG

VIOLET PAHU LILIKO'I:

Living treasure. Played standup bass with Genoa Keawe for over half a century.

LORNA LIM:

Promo page -- `O Wau Iho No From the musical Lim Family of Kohala, on the Big Island of Hawai`i, Lorna brings her sweet voice to us on this, her first solo recording.

Song: Ku'uipo aloha wau la 'oe

LIM FAMILY:

Promo page -- Musical Catalog 2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Award : Group of the Year -- (Mary Ann "Mom" Lim: vocals - Nani Lim Yap: vocals, guitar - Lorna Lim: vocals, bass - Ed Yap: vocals, guitar - Elmer "Sonny, Kohala" Lim: vocals, bass, guitar, steel guitar - (the late) Elmer K.S. Lim, Sr. - Kenneth Makuakâne: ipu)

Song: lim family - Ka'ano'i pua

BILL ALI'ILOA LINCOLN

Legend of Falsetto.

LINDSEY

SEE LINDSEY CRIVELLO

HULU LINDSEY:

Maui's First Lady of Traditional Music. 1997 Star Bulletin Article Hulu Lindsey: Recording an album seemed an impossible dream, until she met Ken Makuakane. Hulu Lindsey -- "Ku'u Makana Aloha" (Kahulu Productions) Hulu Lindsey is a real estate broker by day, but singing is her life. She's been singing professionally for more than 20 years, but recording an album seemed like an impossible dream -- until Loyal Garner introduced her to Ken Makuakane. "Ku'u Makana Aloha" was the result. Lindsey started with some of her favorite Hawaiian songs; others were written for her by Makuakane.

"I've been performing for tourists all my life, but I wanted to share something with our people of Hawaii and let them know that I sing Hawaiian. These are songs that I love and it's been wonderful to share them. And, I wanted to leave something for my grandchildren and their children so they'll be able to hear how I sang the songs I love."

KAWEHI LINDSEY:

Inside Your Heart" 1999

Song: Starting over again

LEABERT LINDSEY AND HIS HAPALAKA BAND :

Promo - From the big island of Hawai`i, comes beautiful falsetto from full-time paniolo (cowboy), Leabert Lindsey -- on this, his first release.1996

LOCAL DIVAS

Article

(Nohelani Cypriano, Loyal Garner, Carole Kai, Melveen Leed) SEE NOHELANI CYPRIANO, LOYAL GARNER, CAROLE KAI, & MELVEEN LEED

LOCAL JAMM:

Article

Gangsta style

Clip: Shaka bruddah

LOCO SPICE:

LOKE:

Website

Promo page -- LOKE "Dance To My Music" 1999 After a brief hiatus from the recording scene (Loke and pal Malia released six successful albums as the duo, "Leahi"), this "kolohe girl" is back with a new solo release. This new disc features something for everyone -- reggae, jawaiian, country, and a little bit of Hawaiian thrown in for good measure.

LONO:

promo

Kihei's own former lifeguard.

RON LOO:

Website

Slack Key Master. Promo - O`ahu slack key instructor Ron Loo presents his first "just for fun" recording -- showcasing his unique stylings (including two of his original compositions) -- some instrumental, some with his vocals.

RODDY LOPEZ:

Promo - Classic hula tunes, presented in their traditional style. 1993

Song: Meleana Ki'i Pepe

RANDY LORENZO:

Promo

Promo - Randy Lorenzo has been a much sought after "side man" throughout the Hawaiian music community for almost 20 years. He was a member of the popular band "Country Comfort", a group that was an important part of the 1970's renaissance in local music. After his days in Country Comfort, Lorenzo played with many of Hawaii's most popular artists, including Peter Moon and Gabby Pahinui. His long awaited solo album is a wonderful mix of the traditional and the contemporary. With the exception of the traditional numbers, all of the songs are Lorenzo originals. "My Hula Girl" is a favorite, (nominated for Song of the Year in the 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Award s) and his medley of "Hawai'i Aloha/Aloha 'Oe" is stunning in its simplicity. Highly recommended!

Song: Island style

KAWIKA LUM HO

Primarily contemporary ballads & reggae.

JOHNNY LUM HO

BIO

Hâlau Hula O Ka Ua Kani Lehua

ARTHUR LYMAN:

(Original) Band: - Allen Soares - John Kramer - Harold Chang //Promo page -- For anyone growing up in the 1960s, he was a fixture on all the radio stations. A favorite entertainer for his vibes sounds.

Song: Hawaiian sunset - blue hawaii

Click on Musician Alphabetical Index to continue.

---

Comments? Send email to: kalani@korea.com

---

"Aia i hea ka puke ho'okipa?" - Where's the guest book?

The Kanaka has a Guestbook!
You like sign? Shaka!!!
No like? No sweat!!!
A'ole pilikia...jes' happy you wen stop by...

View My Guestbook
Sign My Guestbook

---

Click on Icon to return to Top