"Hualalai," a Dennis Kamakahi composition, sets the frisky pace; "Kimo Henderson Hula," the Helen Desha Beamer indelible classic, taps the piano wizardry of Aaron J. Sala. Mostly, it's the crystalline and captivating harmonies of the trio that connect with listeners and hula dancers alike. It can be upbeat, like "Lei 'Ohu" and "Sweet Lei Ka Lehua," or tranquil as in "Hanohano Wailea." It's all about preserving a culture by sharing its joy.

The songs form a quiltwork of the singer-composer's life and attitudes, reflecting on the past as he relates to the future, with songs mostly in Hawaiian that ultimately frame a series of intricate portraits of where he's been, what he's felt, where he's going. Between the opening "He Lei Nou" and the closing "Take It to the Lord in Prayer," there are beaucoup moments to cherish, including "Pi'ilani Mine," "I Puna Pa'ia 'Ala," "Aloha 'Ia 'O Makena" and "He Nani Moloka'i." It's Hawaiian esprit, through and through.

Liner notes provide lyrics, shed light on some of the songs and essentially paint a vivid portrait of Makuakane, although he neglects to mention the stash of Na Hoku Hanohano awards he helped win for a number of local artists.

The track that may earn him notice, an update of The Skyliners' "Since I Don't Have You," is a natural for radio play — part nostalgia for the older crowd, and part discovery for the younger fans.