Above, Kama Hopkins, Kanai'a Nakamura and Kekoa Kaluhiwa come together to form Holunape. Photos: Courtesy of Holunape

Honoring the past, for the future

By Francine Murray / Ka Wai Ola

It's hula music! “Holu nape” means to sway, as in, the swaying of the palms to and fro. Listening to this new CD by the young men of Holunape, my gaze fell to my shadow, which also swayed to and fro.

Their style is epitomized in the first number with something old and something new. “Āhea Nō Ho'i Lā? 'Ānō!” was composed by Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs. In it, he beckons to his beloved, “When, how, where, will we be together?” In a fresh new weave, Holunape replies, “Now, secretly, here, let us be together, my love.” They have a way of making a good thing better.

The rhythmic original “E Maui Ē” by Kama Hopkins tells the tale of the illustrious Maui.

The smooth, flowing mele in this CD are wrapped up with aloha Akua in the song “Operator.” In Holunape's words, it's a shout out to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thank you for our many blessings.

If you enjoy hula music or just want to kick back with some sweet sounds, contemporary and traditional, pick up a copy of Holunape's Āhea? 'Ānō! today.