Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show 699 Theme: He Mele Inoa Opening Set – Gregory Juan (Album: Kauluwehi) He Mele Inoa no Kauluwehi (1:49) Artist: Gregory Juan Album: Kauluwehi Language: Hawaiian We open Show 699 with a traditional mele inoa — a name chant honoring Kauluwehi. In Hawaiian culture, a mele inoa is more than a song; it is a formal proclamation of identity, lineage, and character. These chants carry mana (spiritual power) and often highlight the beauty, traits, and ancestral ties of the person being honored. Listen for: Traditional chant phrasing Sparse, respectful instrumentation Emphasis on pronunciation and cadence Honokahua Nani E (4:02) Artist: Gregory Juan Album: Kauluwehi Language: Hawaiian This song honors Honokahua, an area in West Maui known for its cultural and archaeological significance. The word nani means "beautiful," and the song reflects deep admiration for the land. Themes: Love of place (mele ʻāina) Natural imagery Cultural remembrance Kamalei Kawaʻa – Album: Mānaiakalani Hālaulani (3:31) Artist: Kamalei Kawaʻa Album: Mānaiakalani Language: Hawaiian A graceful contemporary Hawaiian composition. The title suggests heavenly or chiefly associations (lani meaning heaven or royalty). Kamalei blends traditional phrasing with modern melodic structure. Clean acoustic arrangement Strong falsetto phrasing Contemporary Hawaiian production style Kālepa (3:22) Artist: Kamalei Kawaʻa Album: Mānaiakalani Language: Hawaiian "Kālepa" references a name — possibly a person or a poetic symbol. In many Hawaiian compositions, personal names stand in for cherished relationships or deeper metaphors. Storytelling lyric structure Light, flowing rhythm Clear enunciation of Hawaiian text Kawika Kahiapo – Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo Ka Makani Kaʻili Aloha (5:50) Artist: Kawika Kahiapo Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo Language: Hawaiian Translated as "The Wind That Snatches Away Love," this song uses classic Hawaiian metaphor, where wind represents emotional change, separation, or longing. Rich acoustic guitar Emotional vocal phrasing Poetic metaphor rooted in natural forces Kaulana Makapuʻu (4:43) Artist: Kawika Kahiapo Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo Language: Hawaiian Makapuʻu on Oʻahu's eastern shoreline is known for its lighthouse and powerful ocean views. This mele celebrates place with vivid imagery — cliffs, winds, and sea spray. Pride of place Coastal imagery Deep knowledge of ʻāina Les Waikīkings – Album: Hapa Haole with a Twist Papio (2:13) Artist: Les Waikīkings Album: Hapa Haole with a Twist Genre: Exotica A playful instrumental shift. "Papio" refers to a young jackfish common in Hawaiian waters. This track blends vintage steel guitar textures and surf-era island rhythm. The Hukilau (1:57) Artist: Les Waikīkings Album: Hapa Haole with a Twist Genre: Exotica A classic hapa haole standard celebrating the communal fishing tradition of the hukilau. The hukilau emphasizes cooperation — everyone pulling the net together. Ho'okena – Album: Ho'okena 5 Hawaiian Soul (4:32) Artist: Ho'okena Album: Ho'okena 5 Language: Hawaiian Written by Jon Osorio, this powerful anthem honors George Helm, a key figure in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance and the movement to protect Kahoʻolawe. Sovereignty Cultural revival Protection of land Heha Waipiʻo (3:49) Artist: Ho'okena Album: Ho'okena 5 Language: Hawaiian A closing tribute to Waipiʻo Valley on Hawaiʻi Island — a place of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and deep historical significance. "Heha" conveys awe and admiration. Tight multi-part harmony Traditional lyrical cadence Deep connection to ʻāina Show 699 Flow Summary Traditional name chant and mele ʻāina Contemporary Hawaiian songwriting Emotional metaphor and wind imagery Retro hapa haole exotica interlude Cultural anthem and powerful harmonies A beautiful arc — from honoring a name, to honoring land, to honoring culture itself.