KAWAIKAPUOKALANI HEWETT

'Ho'ola i ka Poli'
Hawaiian
Daniel Ho Creations

For three decades, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett has composed, sung and danced to everlasting mele, sharing visions of events, people and places dear to his heart.

This retrospective bounty, featuring daughter 'Ohelo-'ulaokalani Hewett, continues the tradition with "Hawai'i Ku'u Home," "My Sweet Lei Poina 'Ole," and "E Ku'u Lei Mo'opuna." Rich, too, are the lyrics and translations in the liner.

Overview: Hewett's still a luminous resource for things Hawaiian.
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

4 stars

'Pulehua, My Precious Butterfly'
Hawaiian
Pulelehua Records

Nohelani Cypriano grew up under the spell of her performing mother Leina'ala  Simerson's glow; she learned well, not just professionally but personally. "Pulelehua," Hawaiian for butterfly, is a touching, inspirational, loving postcard, of daughter paying homage to mom as Cyrpriano continues her own musical journey in the wake of her loss. Cypriano's title song is all about rebirth and flights, of grace and comfort — traits of the butterfly. Loyal Garner's "Mama, I Love You," and the beloved "Wind Beneath My Wings" are snapshots of real love.

Overview: If the tunes don't get you, read the liner notes of Cypriano's nocturnal encounter with a monarch butterfly: heavenly stuff.
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

4 stars

'Yesterday and Today, Vol. 2'
Hawaiian
Hawaii Sons Records

Eddie Kamae & the Sons of Hawaii — earlier and current editions — are part of this vital and vibrant compilation of some of best Hawaiian music, marking the group's 50th anniversary. Five oldies, seven newbies, all delightful. Dennis Kamakahi's classic "Koke'e" and "Na Makani 'Eha" are obvious inclusions; but the pairing of "Kololina" with "Kumukahi" reflects the heartbeat of Sons soul.

Overview: The vintage-fresh blend simply harkens a party that assembles the whole gang.
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

'Hoku — One Ocean, One People'
Hawaiian