Miloli'i songbird Diana Aki brought along her 'ukulele and gave listeners of OHA's Hawaiian Talk Radio show a taste of her new CD, Kalihi. - Photo: Francine Murray

Ho'omana'o I Nā Wā I Hala,
recall the past

By Francine Murray / Ka Wai Ola

Several very talented Hawaiian music artists have drawn inspiration from the past producing an exquisite line up of mele 'ōlelo Hawai'i this summer. Help perpetuate Hawaiian language and culture by supporting local artists and entertainers. Join us on Na'Ōiwi 'Ōlino, the Hawaiian Talk Radio show every Friday as we bring you exclusives with local entertainers and the latest on upcoming events. Broadcast live on AM 940 KKNE on O'ahu, AM 850 KHLO in Hilo, AM 790 KKON in Kona, AM 900 KNUI in Maui and streamed live online at AM940Hawaii.com from 6:30 – 9 a.m.

Kalihi

Produced by Diana Aki
Songbird Productions

We caught up with the Songbird of Miloli'i, Diana Aki, at Nā 'Ōiwi 'Ōlino, on O'ahu. The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner had just flew in from Hilo and was sharing her inspiration with us. Kalihi is the title of her new CD and the name of a particular place full of special memories. “It sort of inspired me to write,” said Diana. “At the end of Miloli'i road there is a pathway, a walkway. Then you come to a little property, and that special place is called Kalihi. This is where my roots come from.”

“Sometimes we need to have some privacy. And sometimes we need to just wander off and be alone. So, I would go to Kalihi,” Diana said. In Kalihi there are pūnāwai, brackish water ponds. Diana says she would sit among the hala and look into the pond, reflecting and reminiscing of days with her family, and that is how she wrote. “That's how all those songs that I sing, like 'Moments with You' came about.”

Her 'ukulele, angelic voice and warm Hawaiian smile will enchant you. CDs are available online at Mele.com, at Native Books/Nā Mea Hawai'i, Borders, Hana Hou, Basically Books, and Nā Mākua. For more information, email: songbird_prohawaii@yahoo.com or call 808-989-5946.

Nā Hali'a

By Bill Kaiwa
Makuakāne Music
mountainapplecompany.com

The boy from Laupāhoehoe returns. A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Hawaiian music legend Bill Kaiwa has blessed us with a new CD. Packed with 16 tracks of melodious old-Waikīkī nostalgia, this selection is great to unwind with. Ho'ohali'a, it evokes sweet memories with songs like “Nani Kapualei” and “Waikīkī.”

Home Malanai

By Leokāne Pryor & Friends
Naupaka Productions
leokane.com

Leokāne Pryor's voice is so clean and clear, it's simply captivating. His newly released CD Home Malanai is named after the property in Hāna, Maui, where he lives. “Hāna nō ka 'Oi” by John Pi'ilani Watkins is the perfect beginning with Pryor's eloquent falsetto. Hāna is indeed the best. The CD ends with its namesake, Home Malanai warm and sweet, this is a song of love for the 'āina and home. “Kaimū” is le'ale'a, so much fun to listen to.

Available at a store near you or visit Pryor's web site, leokane.com

All for One

By Del Beazley
Mountain Apple Company
mountainapplecompany.com

Del Beazley is in the house. His fifth solo album is out. All for One is dedicated to Ke Akua, a sequel to his award-winning religious album One for Akua. Ten of the 11 tracks featured on this CD are in 'ōlelo Hawai'i, some traditional Hawaiian hymns. You can feel the warmth in his voice as he sings his praise and mahalos his 'ohana and friends. Beazley composed “God Sent An Angel” for his cherished granddaughter, Mikeila.

Beazley went platinum for his composition, “Hawaiian Supa Man,” made famous by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.