For countless generations, the sound of the pū* would broadcast the arrival of Ali’i*, the beginning of protocols, the coming of canoes, and the setting or rising of the sun. It was even used to call Ke Akua*! In more modern times, it calls a gathering to attention at the beginning of an event, blesses… Read more »
Category: Hawaiian Music
Every May, Focus Is on a Great Achievement – Diverse Cultural Heritage
In many of our blogs, we talk about the preservation of all things Hawaiian. If the preservation work had not begun decades ago, we would not know all the beautiful things about Hawai’i that we know now. So much would have been lost forever. Beginning in the late 1940s, a small group came together in… Read more »
May in Maui – Enjoy Springtime, Mother’s Day, and Magic
Like most places in the world, springtime in May is an exceptionally wonderful time of the year in Maui. However, people who have not spent any significant time in Hawai’i imagine that the whole year must feel like springtime. Which is not really true. Summer is a little hotter with slightly longer days, and winter… Read more »
Sweet Sounds of Aloha – Suddenly Magic Began!
Hawaiian music is every bit as indigenous and aboriginal to the island chain as the crashing surf and thunderous volcanoes. Each part of our globe has its own unique landscape. This tends to shape its culture; be it music, art, food, dance, or any creative expression. So what would people get if they evolved for… Read more »
Why Winter Months Bring Us Vivid Dreams of Traveling to Hawai’i
As winter surrounds us on cold, dark days, why do we all dream of going to Hawai’i? With winter weather upon us, we often start to feel like we need a getaway. No matter how much we love our home and community, getting away is always good for us. Even those of us who live… Read more »
The Excitement of Traditional Games During the Hawaiian New Year
Centuries before the European sea-faring explorers discovered Hawai’i, the people living on these islands had already developed a great New Year’s tradition. This tradition is called Makahiki. The Makahiki preparations, ceremonies, and celebrations were extensive. This particular time of the year lasted from October through January. Four months were needed for all the activities that… Read more »
History of the Shaka and Meet Shaka Santa & Tutu Mele
Santa loves kids in Hawai’i just as much as he loves kids all over the world. We told you how he especially loves to come to the beach and shower small gifts or treats upon the children here in the islands in our blog titled: 7 Reasons You Should be on Maui for the Holidays…. Read more »
Here You Find the Amazing and Remarkable History of Hula
The Hula – it reaches inside your heart, to a place you may have forgotten, and calls forth distant emotions and memories. Visitors to Hawai’i, experiencing the Hula for the first time, are transfixed, pinned to their spot, eyes wide as the ancient chants call forth a forgotten past. From guttural growls to high, sing-song… Read more »
The Sweet Sounds of Paradise – Musicians of Hawai’i Series – Part 1
Hawaiian Music… When you hear those two words, you immediately hear the double strum of the ‘ukulele and the languid steel guitar, bending musical notes to perfection. It sounds like the swaying trunk of a coconut palm. And then, enter the impossibly sweet falsetto voices singing in 4-part harmony. You are transported! Those three together,… Read more »
The Sweet Sounds of Paradise – Musicians of Hawai’i Series – Part 3
Robert & Roland Cazimero enchanted & thrilled us with music from their hearts & souls. The Brothers Cazimero, Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame musicians, helped define the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s. This defining moment helped shape the music of Hawai’i for generations to come. Sadly, we lost Roland Cazimero in 2017 too soon, at… Read more »