Hawaiian Concert Guide

🎙️ Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show #707
From Hawaiian Cowboys to Hollywood: The Many Faces of Hawaiʻi
What makes Hawaiian music uniquely powerful? It's not just beautiful melodies—it's the story of a people, their land, their faith, and the way the world has imagined paradise. This week's playlist takes listeners on a musical journey spanning more than a century of Hawaiian history and culture.
🤠 The Real Hawaiʻi Begins with the Paniolo
We open with Ei Nei's Hanohano Wale Nō Nā Cowboy (Cowboy Hula), celebrating Hawaiʻi's proud paniolo (cowboy) heritage. Many people don't realize that Hawaiian cowboys have roots stretching back to the early 1800s, when Mexican vaqueros came to teach Hawaiians how to manage the wild cattle introduced by Captain George Vancouver. The paniolo culture of Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island became one of the oldest ranching traditions in the United States—long before the American West became famous.
Ei Nei reminds us that Hawaiʻi is more than palm trees and beaches. It is a land of hardworking ranchers, rich traditions, and generations of family heritage.
🚒 Celebrating Everyday Island Life
Ka‘a Ahi Kahului brings a playful look at everyday life on Maui. Songs like this are uniquely Hawaiian because they celebrate ordinary local experiences rather than romanticized island imagery. They remind us that authentic Hawaiian music often finds joy in community, humor, and shared memories.
🌙 Modern Hawaiian Voices
Eric Lee continues the journey with Waimea Moonlight and E ʻOhana Hou. His music beautifully bridges traditional Hawaiian values with contemporary production, keeping the spirit of aloha alive for new generations. The transition from the ranch lands of Waimea to songs about ʻohana creates an emotional thread that ties place and people together.
🌺 A New Generation of Hawaiian Music
Kaleo Phillips represents today's Hawaiian musicians who honor the past while embracing the future. His music blends Hawaiian language, island harmonies, and spiritual influences that remain central to many local communities.
His pairing of Koto Iwi with Just a Closer Walk with Thee illustrates something distinctly Hawaiian—the way Christianity and Hawaiian musical traditions have become intertwined over nearly two centuries. Rather than replacing Hawaiian culture, many congregations embraced Hawaiian language, vocal harmony, and local musical styles, creating a worship tradition unlike anywhere else in the world.
🌴 When America Dreamed of Paradise
The playlist then takes an intentional turn into Martin Denny's world of Exotica.
This is an important distinction: Exotica is not Hawaiian music.
Instead, it was America's mid-century fantasy of the tropics. Martin Denny combined vibraphones, jungle sounds, Asian percussion, Polynesian influences, and lush orchestration to create an imagined paradise that captivated audiences in the 1950s and 60s. His music helped inspire the Tiki movement, themed restaurants, Disney attractions, and an entire generation's perception of the South Pacific.
Understanding Exotica helps us appreciate both its artistry and the difference between authentic Hawaiian culture and Hollywood's tropical imagination.
🎬 Then Came Elvis
No artist introduced more people to Hawaiʻi than Elvis Presley.
Blue Hawaii became one of the most influential films ever made about the islands. While it presented an idealized version of paradise rather than everyday Hawaiian life, it sparked worldwide interest in visiting Hawaiʻi and introduced millions to Hawaiian-inspired music.
The transition from Martin Denny to Elvis is deliberate: one created the soundtrack of America's tropical dream, while the other brought that dream to audiences around the globe.
🌈 The Bigger Story
This week's playlist isn't simply a collection of songs—it's a musical timeline.
It moves from authentic Hawaiian traditions...
to modern island voices...
to spiritual expression...
to America's fascination with paradise...
and finally to Hollywood's enduring influence.
Every song helps tell part of Hawaiʻi's story.
🎧 Featured Artists
• Ei Nei
• Eric Lee
• Kaleo Phillips
• Martin Denny
• Elvis Presley
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Hawaiian music or just beginning to explore its rich heritage, Show #707 offers a deeper appreciation for the people, history, and culture behind the music we love.
🌺 E mālama i ka mele. E mālama i ka moʻomeheu.
"Preserve the music. Preserve the culture."
#HawaiianConcertGuide #HawaiianMusic #Paniolo #Waimea #SlackKey #HawaiianCulture #Mele #Aloha #MartinDenny #Exotica #BlueHawaii #ElvisPresley #IslandMusic #HawaiiHistory #Podcast #HawaiianLanguage

🌺🎙️ NOW STREAMING — Hawaiian Concert Guide Show #706 🎙️🌺
Every song has a story, and every melody carries a piece of Hawaiʻi's rich history and aloha spirit. Join Piko and Terry as they explore ten wonderful recordings that span more than a century of Hawaiian music—from classic mele and beautiful love songs to contemporary island favorites, family tributes, and even the fascinating world of Exotica.
🎧 Featured Music & Stories
🌺 Ei Nei – Ei Nei, Look At Us
❤️ Pāpālina Lahilahi
"Soft Delicate Cheeks"
A timeless Hawaiian love song dating back to the Hawaiian Kingdom era. Discover how Hawaiian composers used poetic imagery and hidden meanings (kaona) instead of saying "I love you" directly. Learn why this classic has become a favorite for hula dancers and has been recorded by generations of Hawaiian artists.
💧 E Kuʻu Morning Dew
"My Beloved Morning Dew"
Morning dew symbolizes beauty that is precious yet fleeting. We'll explore how Hawaiian composers use nature—mist, rain, flowers, and dew—to express romance, longing, and cherished memories.
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🌺 Eric Lee – The Islands Are Calling
🌸 Nā Pua Lei Aloha
"The Beloved Lei Flowers"
One of Hawaiʻi's most treasured farewell songs, often heard at graduations, celebrations, and moments of parting. Discover how the fading flowers of a lei became a lasting symbol that aloha continues long after saying "A Hui Hou."
🏝️ Halekulani Okinawa
A beautiful tribute connecting Hawaiʻi and Okinawa through the spirit of aloha. Learn why Hawaiian music and hula have become so deeply loved throughout Japan, and how the famous Halekulani name represents hospitality "befitting heaven."
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🌺 Kaleo Phillips – E Mama
🌼 Pakalana
The beloved Pakalana flower is famous for its incredible fragrance that actually becomes stronger after sunset. Discover why this treasured lei flower has become a symbol of enduring love, cherished memories, and Hawaiian romance.
👨‍👧 God Bless My Daddy
A heartfelt modern song celebrating fathers, family, faith, and ʻohana. We'll discuss how contemporary Hawaiian songwriting continues to honor parents and family traditions while carrying forward timeless Hawaiian values.
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🌺 Martin Denny – Hypnotique
🎷 St. Louis Blues
Originally written by W.C. Handy in 1914, this American blues classic receives Martin Denny's signature Exotica treatment. Vibraphones, tropical percussion, bird calls, and lush arrangements helped launch America's tiki and island lounge movement of the 1950s.
🌙 We Kiss in a Shadow
Originally from Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I, this beautiful Broadway love song is transformed into a dreamy tropical soundscape. We'll explore how Exotica introduced millions of listeners to romanticized Pacific-inspired music.
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🌺 Hoʻokena – Nā Kai ʻEwalu
🤝 Mi Nei
Meaning "Come Here," this gentle invitation celebrates friendship, fellowship, music, and aloha. Experience the rich vocal harmonies that made Hoʻokena one of Hawaiʻi's most respected contemporary Hawaiian groups.
🌈 Kauaʻi Beauty
Our grand finale—a breathtaking musical tribute to Hawaiʻi's Garden Isle. From the majestic Nā Pali Coast and Hanalei Bay to Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, rainbows, and lush green valleys, this song captures why Kauaʻi remains one of the most beloved islands in the world.
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🎙️ On this episode, we'll also discuss:
🌺 The hidden meanings (kaona) woven throughout traditional Hawaiian songs.
🌺 Why flowers, rain, mist, and mountains are central symbols in Hawaiian poetry.
🌺 The worldwide influence of Hawaiian music—from Hawaiʻi to Okinawa and beyond.
🌺 How modern artists continue to preserve Hawaiian language and culture while writing new music for today's generation.
🌺 The surprising history of Martin Denny and the Exotica movement that introduced island-inspired sounds to audiences around the globe.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Hawaiian music or just beginning your island journey, Show #706 offers an unforgettable blend of beautiful melodies, fascinating history, cultural insights, and the true spirit of aloha.
🎧 Tune in, relax, and let Hawaiʻi come alive through its music and stories.
🌴 Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show #706
"Sharing the Music • The Stories • The Aloha Spirit"
#HawaiianConcertGuide #HawaiianMusic #Aloha #Hoʻokena #EricLee #EiNei #KaleoPhillips #MartinDenny #Exotica #NaPuaLeiAloha #Pakalana #Kauai #IslandMusic #Hula #Ukulele #SlackKey #Podcast #MusicHistory #MadeInHawaii #AlohaSpirit

Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show 705
Theme: "Fickle Mistress"
This episode flows naturally through four movements:
Identity & Heritage – Traditional Hawaiian values and community.
Voyaging & Legacy – Remembering those who carried Hawaiian culture forward.
Family & Renewal – Songs of love, hope, and future generations.
Exotica Escape – Mid-century tropical lounge before returning home with classic Hawaiian harmony.
Opening
Welcome everyone to another edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide.
This week we begin in the heart of Hawaiian tradition, celebrating family, community, and the enduring spirit of aloha. Along the way we'll hear legendary voices, modern artists carrying forward the tradition, and finish with another visit to the fascinating world of Martin Denny before closing with the unmistakable harmonies of Hoʻokena.
Whether you're listening from Hawaiʻi or somewhere far away where the islands are simply calling your heart home, mahalo for joining us.
Song 1
Model T
Artist: Ei Nei
Album: Ei Nei, Look At Us
Background
Ei Nei is one of Hawaiʻi's respected contemporary Hawaiian vocal groups. Their recordings emphasize traditional language, acoustic instrumentation, and close vocal harmony rather than commercial production.
"Model T" is an unusual title for a Hawaiian recording and immediately catches attention.
Analysis
The song uses the Ford Model T as metaphor rather than merely nostalgia.
Like the famous automobile that continued working long after newer cars replaced it, the song celebrates endurance, reliability, and the value of things built to last.
Within Hawaiian culture this becomes symbolic of:
kūpuna wisdom
family traditions
older ways that remain useful today
respect for craftsmanship
Rather than chasing every modern trend, the song quietly reminds listeners that proven traditions often carry us farther than fashionable innovations.
Musically:
relaxed swing feel
acoustic guitar
upright bass
warm harmony vocals
understated humor
The storytelling style feels very local—more "talk story" than performance.
Interesting discussion point
Many Hawaiian songs preserve everyday island life that might otherwise disappear. Cars, fishing boats, ranch work, neighborhood traditions—all become cultural history through music.
Song 2
Pua Līlia / Pulupē Nei ʻIli I Ke Anu
Artist: Ei Nei
Background
This medley combines two traditional Hawaiian compositions.
"Pua Līlia" references the lily flower, often symbolizing beauty, affection, and cherished memories.
"Pulupē Nei ʻIli I Ke Anu" literally evokes skin chilled by the cold—a poetic Hawaiian expression describing emotional longing as much as physical sensation.
Analysis
Together the songs explore one of Hawaiian poetry's favorite themes:
Nature reflects emotion.
Flowers become people.
Wind becomes memory.
Cold becomes loneliness.
Rain becomes tears.
This style reflects the Hawaiian poetic tradition known as kaona, where deeper meanings hide beneath seemingly simple descriptions of nature.
Listeners familiar with Hawaiian language often hear multiple layers simultaneously.
Musically the arrangement allows:
graceful vocal blending
flowing slack-key influenced accompaniment
gentle tempo that lets the language breathe
Song 3
Na Mamo O Hōkūleʻa
Artist: Eric Lee
Album: The Islands Are Calling
Background
One of the emotional highlights of today's show.
The title means:
"The Children (Descendants) of Hōkūleʻa."
Hōkūleʻa, launched in 1975, transformed Hawaiian cultural identity by proving that Polynesians intentionally navigated the Pacific using traditional celestial navigation.
Analysis
The song honors:
navigators
teachers
cultural practitioners
future generations
Rather than focusing only on the canoe itself, Eric Lee celebrates the people inspired by its voyages.
The lyrics remind listeners that everyone who learns Hawaiian language, practices hula, paddles canoe, or studies navigation becomes part of that continuing legacy.
Musically:
contemporary Hawaiian arrangement
uplifting chorus
layered harmony
strong melodic hook
This is heritage music without sounding historical.
It looks toward the future.
Discussion point
Very few cultural revival movements have succeeded as dramatically as the Hawaiian Renaissance.
Hōkūleʻa became much more than a canoe.
It became proof that cultural knowledge could be recovered.
Song 4
He Aloha No Kaʻililauokekoa
Artist: Eric Lee
Background
This composition is a tribute song.
The title translates approximately as:
"Love for Kaʻililauokekoa."
Many Hawaiian songs preserve individuals through musical remembrance.
Analysis
Traditional Hawaiian memorial songs are rarely mournful.
Instead they celebrate:
character
generosity
family
contribution
continuing spiritual presence
Love never truly disappears.
It simply changes form.
Eric Lee's vocal delivery is especially sincere here, avoiding theatrical emotion in favor of heartfelt storytelling.
The arrangement leaves space for the lyrics to remain central.
Song 5
Brighter Life
Artist: Kaleo Phillips
Album: E Mama
Background
Kaleo Phillips represents a younger generation of Hawaiian musicians who comfortably blend island contemporary music with traditional values.
Analysis
This optimistic composition centers on hope rather than nostalgia.
Themes include:
gratitude
resilience
moving forward
family support
personal growth
Rather than ignoring life's hardships, the song suggests that aloha provides strength to overcome them.
The production feels modern without abandoning Hawaiian identity.
Expect:
polished vocals
contemporary rhythm
accessible melody
This is exactly the type of music helping Hawaiian artists reach younger audiences.
Song 6
Noe Ke Alaula
Artist: Kaleo Phillips
Background
The title references the red glow of dawn.
Morning imagery appears frequently throughout Hawaiian mele.
Analysis
Sunrise represents:
renewal
forgiveness
beginning again
spiritual awakening
The composition encourages listeners to embrace each new day with gratitude.
The melodic phrasing mirrors the slow appearance of first light over the islands.
Instrumentally:
relaxed guitar
tasteful percussion
spacious arrangement
It provides a peaceful transition before today's Exotica segment.
Exotica Segment Introduction
Now we step into another musical universe.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s America became fascinated with an imagined South Pacific.
The result became known as Exotica.
Although not authentically Hawaiian, this music introduced millions to tropical sounds and inspired later interest in genuine Hawaiian music.
No artist defined the genre more than Martin Denny.
Song 7
Chinese Lullaby
Artist: Martin Denny
Album: Hypnotique
Background
Martin Denny frequently blended Asian influences with Polynesian instrumentation.
Analysis
This recording creates atmosphere more than narrative.
Features include:
vibraphone
marimba
bamboo percussion
bird calls
spacious orchestration
Rather than attempting authenticity, Denny paints an idealized dreamscape.
Today listeners appreciate Exotica both as historical pop culture and as remarkable studio craftsmanship.
Song 8
Hypnotique
Artist: Martin Denny
Background
The title track perfectly demonstrates why Martin Denny became synonymous with Exotica.
Analysis
Everything is carefully layered.
shimmering vibraphone
Latin percussion
jazz harmony
tropical ambience
The music intentionally slows the listener's pulse.
It isn't dance music.
It isn't jazz.
It isn't Hawaiian.
It's its own unique genre.
Many modern lounge and ambient artists continue drawing inspiration from recordings like this.
Return to Hawaiian Music
After our excursion into imagined tropical paradise, we return to the authentic voices of Hawaiʻi.
Few groups have influenced modern Hawaiian harmony as profoundly as Hoʻokena.
Song 9
ʻUlili E
Artist: Hoʻokena
Album: Na Kai ʻEwalu
Background
Hoʻokena helped define contemporary Hawaiian vocal harmony during the late twentieth century.
Their singing balances technical excellence with deep cultural respect.
Analysis
The title references the ʻulili, the wandering tattler shorebird found throughout Hawaiʻi.
Birds often symbolize:
travelers
messengers
freedom
migration
Like many traditional mele, the bird becomes a poetic stand-in for human experience.
Hoʻokena's trademark harmony creates extraordinary warmth throughout the performance.
Song 10
Roselani Blossoms
Artist: Hoʻokena
Background
One of Hawaiʻi's beloved standards.
The roselani rose has long symbolized affection and cherished memories.
Analysis
Although the melody feels simple, the emotional depth comes through nuanced harmony and expressive phrasing.
The song celebrates:
enduring love
island beauty
treasured relationships
Hoʻokena's arrangement demonstrates why they remain among the finest Hawaiian vocal ensembles.
Every harmony line serves the melody rather than overpowering it.
It makes for a graceful conclusion to today's musical journey.
Closing Remarks
What a wonderful musical voyage today—from the enduring wisdom symbolized by an old Model T, through the cultural legacy of Hōkūleʻa, into songs of family, remembrance, and hope, then across the dreamy soundscapes of Martin Denny's Exotica before returning home with the timeless harmonies of Hoʻokena.
These recordings remind us that Hawaiian music is far more than a style. It is a living tradition that preserves language, history, genealogy, and aloha for future generations.
Mahalo for joining me for another edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide. Until next time, mālama pono, cherish the music, support the artists, and keep Hawaiian music playing wherever you are in the world. A hui hou!

Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show 704
Molokaʻi Sweet Home
Music of Home, Heritage, Harmony... and a Journey into Exotica
This episode of the Hawaiian Concert Guide celebrates one of the most enduring themes in Hawaiian music: love of home ('āina). From the quiet beauty of Molokaʻi to timeless Hawaiian standards, from contemporary voices carrying on the tradition to the fascinating world of mid-century Exotica, Show 704 takes listeners on a musical journey that explores how Hawaiʻi has inspired both those who call it home and those who dreamed of its distant shores.
Our featured artists include Ei Nei, Eric Lee, Kaleo Phillips, Martin Denny, and Hoʻokena, creating a program that blends authentic Hawaiian music with historical musical perspectives.
Opening
Welcome everyone to another edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide! I'm Piko, and this episode is titled "Molokaʻi Sweet Home."
Tonight we're celebrating music rooted deeply in the Hawaiian Islands—songs about home, family, culture, and identity. Along the way we'll step briefly into the fascinating world of Exotica with Martin Denny before returning home again through the beautiful harmonies of Hoʻokena.
So let's begin our journey...
Ei Nei
Molokaʻi Sweet Home
Album: Ei Nei, Look At Us
The show opens with a heartfelt tribute to one of Hawaiʻi's most beloved islands.
Molokaʻi has long been known as the "Friendly Isle," famous for preserving traditional Hawaiian lifestyles and remaining largely untouched by mass tourism. Unlike Waikīkī or Maui's resort communities, Molokaʻi represents old Hawaiʻi—a place where family, fishing, ranching, and community remain central to everyday life.
Musically, Ei Nei creates an intimate atmosphere using:
rich vocal harmonies
acoustic guitars
gentle island rhythm
restrained production
Rather than emphasizing technical virtuosity, the performance allows the lyrics and harmonies to communicate warmth and belonging.
The song immediately establishes the central theme of tonight's program:
Home isn't simply where you live—it becomes part of who you are.
Hiʻilawe (feat. Mālie Lyman)
Next comes one of Hawaiian music's enduring classics.
"Hiʻilawe" was written by the legendary Samuel Kalāinaina and celebrates the famous Hiʻilawe Falls in Waipiʻo Valley on Hawaiʻi Island.
Over the decades it has become one of the most frequently recorded songs in Hawaiian music, interpreted by everyone from Gabby Pahinui to contemporary artists.
Ei Nei's version is notable because it avoids trying to reinvent the classic.
Instead they focus on:
clean vocal blend
tasteful acoustic accompaniment
respect for traditional melody
The addition of Mālie Lyman adds another vocal texture while maintaining the song's traditional character.
This performance serves as a reminder that Hawaiian standards continue living through each new generation of musicians.
Eric Lee
E Ola No Kākou
Album: The Islands Are Calling
Eric Lee has become one of Hawaiian music's most respected singer-songwriters.
"E Ola No Kākou" translates roughly as:
"May We All Live"
or
"Life for All of Us."
Rather than focusing on one island or one family, this song expands the show's perspective toward the entire Hawaiian community.
Musically we hear:
polished contemporary production
strong lead vocals
layered harmony
modern acoustic instrumentation
The arrangement remains distinctly Hawaiian while incorporating production values that make it accessible to worldwide audiences.
Its message is optimistic, inclusive, and deeply rooted in aloha.
Ke ʻAno O Ka Hawaiʻi
The title translates as:
"The Nature of Hawaiʻi"
or
"The Character of Hawaiʻi."
Although shorter than many songs in today's playlist, it delivers an important cultural statement.
Rather than describing scenic beauty alone, the lyrics explore the qualities that define Hawaiian identity:
aloha
respect
tradition
community
connection to the land
Musically it's concise and melodic, functioning almost like a musical reflection between larger works.
Kaleo Phillips
Ka Lamakū
Album: E Mama
"Lamakū" literally means torch or beacon.
Within Hawaiian symbolism it often represents:
guidance
knowledge
leadership
passing wisdom from one generation to another
Kaleo Phillips delivers the song with emotional restraint rather than theatrical intensity.
His warm vocal style blends naturally with contemporary Hawaiian acoustic arrangements while remaining firmly grounded in traditional musical values.
It's another reminder that Hawaiian music often teaches as much as it entertains.
Kuʻulei Awapuhi / Magic Island
This medley beautifully combines two very different images.
The first half celebrates ʻawapuhi, the fragrant wild ginger flower often associated with affection and beauty.
The second half shifts geographically to Magic Island, the man-made peninsula adjoining Ala Moana Beach Park on Oʻahu.
The transition works surprisingly well because both songs celebrate cherished places through personal memories.
Arrangement highlights include:
smooth transitions
tasteful steel guitar textures
flowing rhythmic accompaniment
strong ensemble vocals
The medley creates a feeling of taking a leisurely drive through the islands, connecting people with places they love.
Exotica Segment
Tonight's Exotica segment offers an interesting contrast.
Where Hawaiian musicians perform music from within the culture, Exotica was largely created by American composers imagining distant tropical paradise.
Although not authentically Hawaiian, Exotica became enormously influential during the 1950s and helped introduce millions of listeners to sounds inspired by Polynesia and the South Pacific.
Martin Denny
On a Little Street in Singapore
Album: Hypnotique
Martin Denny became known as the father of Exotica.
This piece isn't Hawaiian at all—instead it evokes Southeast Asia through a mixture of:
vibraphone
unusual percussion
lounge rhythms
atmospheric orchestration
Denny's genius wasn't documentary realism.
Instead he created musical travel postcards, inviting listeners to imagine distant exotic locations.
The recording captures the optimism and fascination with world travel that characterized post-war America.
Voodoo Dreams
One of the darker tracks in Denny's catalog.
Rather than emphasizing melody, this piece builds atmosphere through:
tribal percussion
dramatic orchestration
mysterious harmonies
rhythmic tension
It's cinematic rather than traditional.
Within today's episode, it serves as a fascinating historical contrast before we return to authentic Hawaiian voices.
Hoʻokena
He Hawaiʻi Au
Album: Nā Kai ʻEwalu
Few vocal groups have represented modern traditional Hawaiian music more beautifully than Hoʻokena.
"He Hawaiʻi Au" simply means:
"I Am Hawaiian."
This is perhaps the strongest statement of identity in today's playlist.
Immediately listeners notice:
rich four-part harmonies
effortless vocal blend
beautiful dynamic control
traditional Hawaiian phrasing
After the Exotica segment, this recording feels like returning home.
The contrast is intentional.
Instead of someone imagining Hawaiʻi, we hear Hawaiians singing about themselves.
Ka Puʻulena
We conclude tonight with another treasured Hawaiian classic.
"Ka Puʻulena" has been performed by generations of Hawaiian musicians and remains one of the repertoire's most beloved mele.
Hoʻokena's arrangement showcases everything that makes the group exceptional:
impeccable harmony
emotional sincerity
traditional interpretation
outstanding ensemble balance
Rather than adding unnecessary embellishment, they allow the song's natural beauty to shine.
It is a fitting conclusion to an episode centered on home, identity, and cultural continuity.
Closing Thoughts
Tonight's playlist followed a musical arc that began on Molokaʻi, traveled through contemporary Hawaiian songwriting, paused briefly in the imagined tropical landscapes of Martin Denny's Exotica, and ultimately returned home through the timeless harmonies of Hoʻokena.
The contrast reminds us that Hawaiʻi has inspired musicians around the world for generations—but there remains something uniquely powerful about hearing these stories told by those whose roots run deep in the islands.
Whether you're listening from Hawaiʻi or halfway around the globe, we hope tonight's music has brought a little aloha into your home.
Mahalo for joining us on Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 704. Until next time, mālama pono, and aloha!

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 703
The Bermuda Triangle
Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 703, titled “The Bermuda Triangle”, is structured as a three-point journey through contemporary Hawaiian music, traditional mele, and the stylized mid-century exotica genre. The title reflects this triangular movement—authentic Hawaiian expression, modern interpretation, and the globalized “tiki-era” imagination of island sound. Rather than presenting these as competing styles, this episode places them in dialogue, allowing listeners to hear both contrast and continuity across eras and intentions.
The first portion of the show is anchored in contemporary Hawaiian music that remains deeply connected to language, land, and cultural identity. Artists like Ei Nei, Eric Lee, and Kaleo Phillips demonstrate how Hawaiian music continues to evolve while maintaining strong ties to mele traditions, storytelling, and regional pride. The midpoint exotica segment introduces a historical divergence, highlighting how Hawaiian and Pacific imagery was interpreted for global audiences in the mid-20th century. The show ultimately resolves this contrast by returning to the foundational sound of Ho‘okena, whose vocal harmonies and closing oli reconnect the listener with Hawaiian cultural roots.
A notable production detail in this episode is the inclusion of material from Eric Lee’s album The Islands Are Calling, which features collaborative songwriting contributions, including respected Hawaiian musician and producer Moon Kauakahi. Known for his work with Nā Leo Pilimehana and his influence as a songwriter, arranger, and producer, Moon Kauakahi’s involvement adds an additional layer of musical credibility and craftsmanship to the album’s compositions.
Track-by-Track Reference
“Kauikeōlani,” performed by Ei Nei from the album Ei Nei, Look At Us (track 1 of 14, duration 2:18, categorized under Worldwide/Hawaiian contemporary), opens the episode with a composed and reverent tone. Ei Nei is a trio known for its refined vocal harmonies and contemporary production style, often blending Hawaiian language with modern melodic sensibilities. This track functions as a ceremonial introduction, with phrasing and pacing that evoke the structure of a mele inoa, honoring historical and cultural legacy.
“Aia I Ka Maui (Ka Maui),” also by Ei Nei from Ei Nei, Look At Us (track 2 of 14, duration 3:15, Worldwide/Hawaiian contemporary), continues with a place-based composition centered on Maui. The song reflects the Hawaiian tradition of mele ʻāina, where land is not simply described but honored as a living entity tied to identity and ancestry. Ei Nei’s arrangement balances accessibility with cultural authenticity, making the piece both engaging and meaningful.
“The Islands Are Calling,” performed by Eric Lee from the album The Islands Are Calling (track 1 of 10, duration 4:17, Hawaiian genre), introduces a broader melodic structure that leans into contemporary island music while maintaining Hawaiian thematic elements. The song reflects a sense of invitation and connection, often interpreted as a call back to Hawai‘i for those who have left or feel spiritually tied to the islands. The album itself includes collaborative songwriting contributions, with Moon Kauakahi credited as a co-writer on select tracks, reinforcing the project’s strong ties to established Hawaiian music traditions.
“Hanohano Kilauea Ku I Ka La‘i,” also by Eric Lee from The Islands Are Calling (track 2 of 10, duration 4:02, Hawaiian genre), is a tribute to Kīlauea. The use of the word “hanohano” places the song within the category of praise compositions, aligning with traditional mele that honor significant natural and cultural landmarks. The piece reflects both the physical presence of the volcano and its deeper cultural associations, including its connection to Pele, the Hawaiian deity of fire and volcanoes.
“Ka Nani a‘o Ka‘u,” performed by Kaleo Phillips from the album E Mama (track 2 of 13, duration 3:55, Hawaiian genre), highlights the Ka‘ū district of Hawai‘i Island. Kaleo Phillips is recognized for his smooth vocal delivery and emotionally grounded songwriting. This track emphasizes regional pride and the beauty of place, continuing the episode’s strong thematic focus on land and identity.
“Hilina‘i Mau,” also by Kaleo Phillips from E Mama (track 3 of 13, duration 3:49, Hawaiian genre), provides a reflective and emotionally centered moment in the program. The phrase suggests ongoing trust or reliance, and the song’s tone supports this interpretation through its gentle pacing and expressive phrasing. It serves as a transition point before the stylistic shift into exotica.
The “Exotica Segment Intro,” credited to pik00 (duration 4:10, categorized as Promo), marks a deliberate transition in the episode. This segment acknowledges a different chapter in the global perception of Hawaiian and Pacific music, one shaped more by imagination and stylization than by cultural authenticity. The intro prepares listeners for this contrast.
“Jungle Madness,” performed by :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} from the album Hypnotique (track 1 of 11, duration 3:35, Exotica genre), is a defining example of the exotica style. Martin Denny is widely regarded as a pioneer of the genre, which emerged in the 1950s and featured layered percussion, environmental sound effects, and an atmospheric approach to composition. While inspired by Pacific imagery, exotica music represents a Western interpretation rather than an authentic Hawaiian tradition.
“Wipe Out,” performed by :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} from the album Hapa Haole with a Twist (track 9, duration 1:04, Exotica genre), offers a brief and energetic surf-style interlude. Les Waikikings, a Belgian group, became known for instrumental surf interpretations with a tropical aesthetic. This track connects the exotica segment with surf rock influences, further illustrating how Hawaiian imagery spread globally in musical form.
“Mahukona,” performed by Ho‘okena from the album Ho‘okena 5 (track 14 of 14, duration 4:39, Hawaiian genre), re-centers the episode in authentic Hawaiian music. Ho‘okena is known for its mastery of vocal harmony, including the use of traditional falsetto techniques. The song references Mahukona, a historic harbor area on Hawai‘i Island, continuing the theme of place-based storytelling.
“Mele O Nā Kai ‘Ewalu (Oli),” also by Ho‘okena from the album Nā Kai ‘Ewalu (track 1 of 13, duration 1:00, Hawaiian genre), concludes the episode with a chant. As an oli, the performance is unaccompanied and rooted in Hawaiian oral tradition. The title references the “eight seas,” evoking themes of navigation, connection, and heritage. Ending the show with an oli provides a strong cultural resolution, bringing the listener back to the foundational elements of Hawaiian identity.
Mahalo for joining us for Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 703, “The Bermuda Triangle.” This episode demonstrates how Hawaiian music exists across multiple dimensions—traditional, contemporary, and interpreted—while always maintaining a core connection to land, language, and culture.