Island Sounds
Chinky Mahoe's new CD focuses on Kalapawai area

Audio sample of "Mika Lawai'a" by Chinky Mahoe. in mp3 or RealAudio format. RealAudio requires a plug-in.

"KALAPAWAI KU‘U ONE HANAU" by Chinky Mahoe, Poki Records SPCD 9065.

Kumu hula Chinky Mahoe, through his Halau Hula O Kawaili‘ula, has prevailed as one of the state’s top authorities on hula. His choreographic skills, complemented by his prowess in Island composition, have made him and his halau an award-winner over the past two decades.

This new CD, whose English title is "Kalapawai My Birthplace," deals with his ancestral home in an area fronting Kailua Beach on O‘ahu. His artistry sashays from traditional to contemporary Hawaiiana, plus hula kahiko when he relates stories through chant. Indeed, this is a hula student’s resource for new material, new insights into the Island lifestyle. Some mele have previously been performed by Mahoe at hula competitions, so the CD is kind of a re-introduction to his repertoire.

"Pikake Mine," about the fragrant blossom, is a natural for hula adaptation, a tune written by Mahoe aboard a plane as a gift to his wife-to-be. Another flower song, "I Mili ‘Ia Ku‘u Lei Pakalana," extols the beauty of the yellow-green blossom.

Variety? "Mea Pa‘ani Kinipøpø" captures a jaunty spirit that reflects its theme about baseball, football and volleyball; two tunes explore the mysteries of Kaho‘olawe.

Among the chants, "Ohu‘ohu O‘ahu I Ka La‘i" (by Keoni Nunes, not Mahoe), is a beauty, celebrating the riches of O‘ahu, from the bays off shore to Blow Hole, from the sacred spots of Nu‘uanu to the majestic Mount Ka‘ala.

Guests abound on the session, including the Makaha Sons who lend background vocal support; Charlene Kalae Campbell singing lead on the CD’s title tune; Kata Maduli playing a number of instruments; Jeff Rasmussen manning acoustic guitar; Louis "Moon" Kauakahi of the Makaha Sons tackling a handful of instruments.

"MEMORIES OF HAWAI‘I CALLS" by various artists, Hawai‘i Calls Collection CDHCS 930.

Timed to coincide with the current 100th anniversary celebration of the Moana Surfrider Hotel, this collation from the "Hawai‘i Calls" vaults capsulizes another era.

Imagine huddling beneath the banyan tree at the Moana, slurping drinks while listening to Webley Edwards introduce a bevy of pre-statehood Island singers - on a radio show.

The show, and its concept, helped paint visions of paradise for listeners around the world; for three decades, the program introduced a family of performers and a treasure trove of tunes to lure tourists here.

So pick your favorite memory: Kalani Kinimaka singing "Sands of Waikiki," Haunani Kahalewai caressing "Blue Hawai‘i" in her inimitable contralto voice; Sol Kamahele getting down to basics on "Hawaiian War Chant," and Pua Almeida interpreting "One Paddle, Two Paddle." All with Edwards’ erudite introductions.

Nostalgic? You bet.

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