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Hot Gig. Hot Gifts. Hot Girls.

Reviews by Francine Murray / Ka Wai Ola

On Oct. 22, the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series celebrated five years of making nahenahe music with a special show featuring leo ki'eki'e, or Hawaiian falsetto, and kī hō'alu, with Hawaiian slack key legends Ledward Ka'apana and Richard Ho'opi'i, hosted by George Kahumoku Jr.

The series was founded for the love of music in 2003, motivated by the lack of venues where traditional Hawaiian music could be enjoyed. George, “Hawai'i's Renaissance Man,” hosts this gig every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Nāpili Kai Beach Resort, on Maui. November and December's featured masters include Makana, Dennis Kamakahi, Ka'apana, Jeff Peterson, Owana Salazar and Kevin Brown. If you're looking for great entertainment, or a special holiday gift, check out the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series. For reservations, call 888-669-3858. For information, visit slackkey.com.

Candy and music combine for a sweet treat this holiday season.

Hawaiian Host and Raiatea Helm

Moloka'i's sweet and lovely young leo ki'eki'e artist just got sweeter. Hawaiian Host presents Raiatea's new original hit song, “Where I Belong,” available exclusively in specially marked Hawaiian Host Christmas Macadamia and Music Medley boxes. A wonderful holiday gift idea with two wonderful delights in one little package, Hawaiian music and assorted chocolate confections like dark chocolate macadamia, Maui Caramacs and MacNut Crunch. A joy for the senses, this is pure genius. Available where fine candies are sold or by phone at 888-529-4678.

Longtime friends Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho talk about good times and their latest collaboration, 'Ikena, on the OHA-produced Hawaiian Talk Radio Show Nā 'Ōiwi 'Ōlino. - Photo: Francine Murray

'Ikena: Tia Carrere, Daniel Ho and
Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman

A graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimukī, Tia Carrere was at home in the Islands in October to celebrate her alma mater's 100th anniversary with her friend since high school Daniel Ho. The down-to-earth local girl and renowned actress, who came to Honolulu craving hamburger steak from Liliha Bakery, has been in numerous TV series and has appeared in films with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Connery, Wesley Snipes and Mike Meyers, just to name a few. Tia and Daniel's new CD, 'Ikena, introduces original mele 'ōlelo Hawai'i by Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman. The mele range from the light-hearted and fun “The Spam Song” – whose English translation encourages, “Eat local food, eat delicious food, eat Spam … shua'a” – to the chant for earth mother, “Papahānaumoku,” “nāna e hi'ipoi i nā iwi o nā kūpuna – she cradles the bones of the ancestors.” This is Tia's third CD, following her Grammy-nominated Hawaiiana in 2007, and Dream, in 1993, which went platinum in the Philippines.

The Spirit of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar
Various artists
Produced by George Kahumoku Jr., Paul Konwiser, Wayne Wong, Daniel Ho, Dennis Kamakahi and various artists
Produced by Daniel Ho Creations

Released in September and recorded live from the extraordinary Maui concert series is the new CD The Spirit of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar. Expect the unexpected. This is not an instrumental disc, but tradition with a twist. If you were born in the Islands, no matter when, you've probably heard, or maybe even sang along with, one of these beautiful Hawaiian classics: “Wahine 'Ilikea” by Dennis Kamakahi, “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai” by Edith Kanaka'ole performed by George Kahumoku Jr., “I Ali'i Nō 'Oe” by Richard Ho'opi'i, or the kolohe rendition Keoki Kahumoku and Herb Ohta play of “Lāhainaluna,” composed by Kui Lee. This CD is the fourth compilation of songs recorded live at the concert series. Its three predecessors won Grammy awards for best Hawaiian Album. Preview the CD online at DanielHo.com. Hearing is believing.

Pili o ke Ao
Kūpaoa
Produced by Soul Tree

Come hear what all the buzz is about. The amazing young Hawaiian duo, Kūpaoa has just released their debut album, Pili o ke Ao, which translates as the “beginning of a new day.” The album's title song also makes its record debut. “Pili o ke Ao” was originally a chant written by Ho'oulumāhiehie in the century-old Hawaiian language newspaper Ka Na'i Aupuni. The mele was recently put to music by University of Hawai'i Hawaiian language professor M. Puakea Nogelmeier.

Kalikolīhau “Līhau” Hannahs is a 2007 graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law, and Kellen Paik of Kaua'i, is pursuing a master's degree in Hawaiian language at UH Law and language? Great combo, and together they make melodic magic.

Līhau composes many of their lyrics and Kellen brings them to life with music, as in “Hīhīmanu Hanalei,” an original about the lo'i fields of Hanalei, lavish and magnificent in the hā'ao rain; “Koamalu,” under the shade of the koa tree, a place where the heart finds peace; and “Halele'a,” a song about how Kaua'i is simply perfect, especially the Halele'a district.

Kūpaoa means stalwart, lingering fragrance, and like their music, if you've ever had the pleasure of hearing this group live, the beauty lingers. They've been a well-kept secret, charismatic and captivating live entertainers. See them live at the Honolulu Club on Nov. 14 and Dec. 5 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Pili o ke Ao hits store shelves Nov. 4. For information, visit kupaoa.com.