• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Raiatea Helm's second CD builds on the triumphs of her first and is hearty assurance that she's the real thing — a latter-day wahine who sings in the old-fashioned manner, notably with delicate (but powerful) falsetto tones. She plays 'ukulele, too, and her high registers simply charm and overwhelm. Here, she brings finesse and formidable strength to Genoa Keawe's signature, "Alika," invites Keawe to bridge the generations on "Hu'i E," and simply updates a catalogue of favorites ("Maile Swing," "Kalama'ula" with dad Zachary Helm in backup vocals, "Ku'u Wa Li'ili'i," "Pua Mae'ole"). John Ka'imikaua offers an 'oli on "Ku'u Pua Kukui O Kamakou," Keali'i Reichel helps galvanize "Haole Hula," and Helm revives Tony Conjugacion's "Ka Loke Polena." All this is quite an engaging achievement from a still-budding starlet who already has become a role model for younger troupers eager to ease into Hawaiian music. Helm is widely applauded for her zeal and accomplishment in restoring and retaining essence of the traditional Hawaiian song.

• The outlook: This one will be among next year's cherished recordings and a contender for awards recognition — the title of the CD says it all.

• Our take: Truly, Raiatea is at the Helm of greatness for current and future generations of Hawaiian music fans.

"Ka Loke Polena" by Raiatea Helm. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Pali is an enterprising sextet comprised of Pali Tuan W. Ka'aihue, Shepherd Paki "Pox" Kawakami, Dwayne Kanani Keomaka, John Tanner, Rory Lono, and Mark Kawakami; they all sing lead and harmony, perform on a variety of instruments, and a few members even compose original music. Pali's second CD capitalizes on the group's signature harmony, perhaps best exemplified on the sultry and seductive "Jungle Rain," which recalls the era of the Inspirations, with sweet and gentle voices providing hues and textures of an idyllic paradise. "Le'ahi" and "Makalapua," similarly, showcases the vocal blend in romantic and tender "new" interpretations for current audiences. This set also is blessed with the presence of Genoa Keawe, on "Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua" (and valuable liner notes explaining why the group chose the tune, and how they begged a reluctant Auntie to unleash that iconic falsetto); John Keawe's ki ho'alu guitarmanship on "Island Days" (an modern song by Ka'ahihue), and Jay Kauka and Jay Kauka II's vocals on "Haleakala" and Damien Freitas' additional support.

• The outlook: More joyful an experience listening to this group than taking the curves down the Pali Highway.

• Our take: Pali, which means cliff or precipice, deserve a mountain of success with "In Harmony."

"Akaka Falls" by Pali. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Ka'iliwai is a previous winner of the Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Contest on the Big Island; this is his debut CD, and it's loaded with compelling songs old and new that reflect his Island roots, heritage and 'aina. His grandfather is ki ho'alu legend Raymond Kane, to whom he pays homage with "Nani Kaua'i," the island on which Kane was born, but throughout the disc there are gentle reminders of simpler times. "Kukuna O Ka La," "Pua Mae 'Ole," "Makalapua" and "Hi'ilawe" bring out his best qualities, as performer and storyteller through song.

• The outlook: Ka'iliwai's sound is refreshing and robust — a bridge to the past, a link to the future of Hawaiian music.

• Our take: A name and talent to watch, a songbook to adopt.

"He'eia" by Kamakele "Bulla" Ka'iliwai. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Hawaiian steel guitar.

• Distinguishing notes: This is a lovely tribute disc by an act dubbed Byrd's Nest that pays homage to the great steel wizard, Jerry Byrd. The Nesters include Alan Akaka, Casey Olsen, Greg Sardinha and Paul Kim, who uncork a savory and zesty parade of steely songs not exclusively Hawaiian and performed Island style. Among the joys: "Wai O Minihaha," "Hanohano Hanalei," "Tiare No Tahiti," "Watch What Happens," "Wave," "Hana," and "Hoe Hoe No Wa'a." The instrument and the song arrangements allow the four musicians to take solo turns that suit each personal style.

•The outlook: Wonderful tapestry of steel's simplicity — and mood-provoking precision.

• Our take: An eloquent exploration of a cherished genre of Island music.

"Wai O Minihaha" by Byrd's Nest. Audio sample available in mp3 format.