Hawaiian Music

People are complicated, acting and behaving “predictably –unpredictable.” We are filled with feelings and emotions that tend to influence the decisions we make, listening more to our heart than our head. Many times these feelings are (at least partly) based on a previous experience. Some memories are of times when we were happy and smiling. Moments filled with cheers and joy. But unfortunately for every yin …there is a yang. In this case, some memories are sad. They hold disappointment, lost opportunities and longing. Moments of regret. Tears. -sorrow.

This brings me to how music plays such an important roll in our lives. Through music we remember. Some songs are about our history, culture and ancestors; written as a story, so we will not forget our past.  There are also songs that are part of our personal past. Songs that when played trigger a personal memory, transporting us back to a specific place and time. The song can make us happy, or sad. This effect is a blessing when it is associated with pleasure, allowing us to revisit a loved one in our mind, or picture a sunset that has long since passed.

So que the band. One and a Two -and a Three -and a Four. From the first note to the last, the sound of Hawaiian Music strikes a certain cord for most of us. For Hawaiians it goes deeper as part of their culture. Fortunately, you don’t need to be Hawaiian to share in the “personal experience” of what Hawaiian music beholds -island life. This translates into memories about Hawaii. Perhaps the unique sound of the ukulele brings back memories of a time when you were eating poi. Other songs might remind you of surfing The Bay, or a walk on a white sandy beach? The memories are endless.

As I write about the songs of Hawaii, I’m taken back to some of my favorites. For me, The Brothers Cazimero singing Pua Lilia reminds me of a time when my wife and I lived in an ohana, in Makawao. For you the song might remind you of your mother, or a family vacation?  Whatever the memory, chances are there is a song out there that is part of your life.

Regarding The Brothers Cazimero and Pua Lilia, below I have embedded a YouTube Video of them performing the song at the 25th Annual May Day Concert in 2002. I love this song -good memories when I hear this one.

Hawaiian Music

What a video! And that is just the beginning. There is a wide variety of Hawaiian music. Some music is traditional, while other music might be a little more reggae. So I want to share a few other songs, styles and artist that help me remember both happy and sad time. During this journey, as I went through my library of songs, I found a few YouTube videos that are worth listening and watching. I also added an iTunes link to the specific song/album I mention. I don’t get money for this, but if you like the song I hope you support the artist.

Hawaiian Radio Online

I want to start with an incredible Hawaiian radio station online called, Hawaiian Rainbow. The site streams Hawaiian Music 24/7, commercial free. It is easy to listen to, you just download the steam to your iTunes player. If you do find yourself listening to Hawaiian Rainbow, a donation would be really help them continue providing quality Hawaiian music online. The owner does not push donations, so please take it upon yourself to make a contribution of any denomination. Aloha.

Hawaiian Rainbow - Hawaiian Radio Online

A special Song.

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a very special person, he touched a lot of lives. He is missed by family, friends and fans. Below I have added a special video of him singing, “Kaleohano”. What a treasure,

For an iTunes snippet click here

After that emotional video, I want to add one more video/song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. It is called, Henehene Ko Aka. I know you will enjoy this video too. The YouTube video is not embedded so you need to, click here, enjoy.

Here are a few other Hawaiian songs.

• “Ku’u Lei Awapuhi”, version by Hapa. YouTube video, click here. For a iTunes music snippet, click here.
• “I’ll Remember You”, version by George Kahumoku, Jr. and Daniel Ho. Although this snippet does not give a very good feel for the song, it is the version I enjoy. For an iTunes snippet click here.
• “Sweet Lady of Waiahole”. To watch a YouTube video, click here
• Charles Kaupu chanting with Hapa. YouTube video, click here
• “Ka Pau U’i” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, for snippet click here
• Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, Makaha Bash 3 – Live At The Shell. For an iTunes snippet of the album, click here

I’m also a fan of Slack Key.

• “He Hawai’i Au” version by Paul Togioka. iTunes snippet, click here.
• “Ka Wai O Namolokama” version by Ozzie Kotani from the Puka Ua album. I could not find it on iTunes any more? So here is a link to his website, click here
• “Kai Po’i Kau Anu” version by Ozzie Kotani. I could not find it on iTunes any more? So here is a link to his website, click here
• “Jo Bo’s Night” version by John Cruz, iTunes snippet -click here
• “Wahini ‘llikea” version by Cindy Combs, iTunes snippet -click here

Sounds of Hawaii

The music of Hawaii can be as sparkling as the ocean or as fierce as a warriors chant. From the first note to the last, no matter where you are the music of Hawaii can take you back to the islands. So here is to all the artist who make this sweet music, allowing all of us to remember the sound of Hawaii. Aloha.

If you have a special song, please share it with our readers.

Artist on Maui

Art enthusiast who enjoy visiting small local galleries will enjoy a website called, Maui Info Source. The site offers links to over 60 Hawaiian artist from, Anna Gold to Wyland. Furthermore, Maui-Info-Source provides a small thumbnail of the artist work providing a clue to the style and technique of the artist. There is also a link to the artist’s website where the visitor can view a portfolio; all in all, this is a great place to start searching for that perfect work of art.

Maui Info Source

The Maui Arts And Cultural Center is another great web site that offers information on Maui events. That being said, if you decide to visit Maui, to either attend an event (or just visit the island), Gail’s Maui Condo is a beautiful studio on Kaanapali Beach, located at The Whaler. The unit is on the seventh floor facing the courtyard with an ocean view. It’s paradise. For more info visit – Maui Vacation Condo

Maui Vacation Condo

Art In Southern California

For travelers looking to visit Southern California, ArtSceneCal has links and information about regional art galleries and museums, this includes the western contiguous states. The site also has some obscure galleries with a wide variety of styles and taste. Some of the galleries require an open mind -to put it objectively.

Southern California Art Scene

Art in Charleston South Carolina

The art scene in Charleston, South Carolina, is very active. For travelers wanting to visit a museum, the Gibbes Museum of Art is a good option. The museum offers special tours of Colonial, Charleston Renaissance, and Contemporary art collections. Charleston also offers a lot of smaller galleries featuring local artist. Generally, these South Carolina artist are influenced by: contemporary at, the civil war, east-coast beaches and southern living.

Gibbs Museum Of Art

Since I currently live in Charleston, I want to add a comment about The Spoleto Festival. The festival takes place during spring, attracting thousands of visitors. The organizers of the Spoleto Festival describe the event as, “…a dedication to young artists, a fascination with contemporary effort, an enthusiasm for providing unusual performance opportunities to recognized masters in their fields, and a commitment to all forms of the performing arts.” This 17 day festival is an exciting time around Charleston and for the art lover it is a great opportunity to enjoy the arts.

Spoleto Festival Charleston SC

Museums And Galleries In Europe

It is hard to beat Europe when talking about museums. Europe is home to many museums and galleries that exhibit some of the greatest works of art in the world. With such a variety of museums to choose from, knowing what exhibit is “coming soon” can be valuable information when planning a trip. Thankfully there is a website called ArtCyclopedia. Specifically, there is a section dedicated to art museums in Europe.  It should also be noted, ArtCyclopedia is a good resource when searching for museums in the United States; so be sure to explore the site -lots of good stuff.

Art-Cyclopedia

For a lot of people traveling and art go hand in hand. Some travelers prefer museums, while other like galleries, events and festivals. No matter the preference, depending on the city, country or time of year, travelers can enjoy “their idea of art” while traveling the world.

Art Links

Here are some other links to a few interesting art sites:

• This is a fun web page, it lists the most expensive paintings sold. Visit here – Paintings Sold
• For something a little different, here is some good digital art. Visit here – Digital Artist
• Hotel art is a very interesting site, showing how artist have designed various hotel rooms. Visit here – Hotel Art
• For artist around the world, this site is a good place to start. Visit here – World Artist
• Finally, here is an artist that specializes in urinals. Yep. You gott’a see these. Visit here – Urinal Art

As always, if you have a favorite artist, or you are an artist -make sure to tell our readers in the comment section below.