Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 700 - Les Waikikings

Aloha, and welcome to a truly historic moment! Today we celebrate Show 700 of the Hawaiian Concert Guide.

Reaching 700 episodes is often referred to as a "Golden Milestone" in broadcasting. It signifies excellence, resilience, and a legacy that has stood the test of time. To honor this occasion, we’ve assembled a playlist that spans the spectrum of the Hawaiian sound—from sacred ancestral chants to the whimsical "Hapa Haole" revival.

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The Legacy of the Land: Gregory Juan

We open our 700th celebration with Gregory Juan, an artist whose work from the album Kauluwehi serves as a bridge between past and present.

• 'O Waimea e Hōʻala: This powerful opening track was written by Gregory’s grandfather, the late cultural advocate Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr. It is a tribute to the sacred ahupua‘a of Waimea, Maui, serving as an "awakening" song that reminds us of our ancestral ties to the land.

• Pua Melie: A beloved classic by Aunty Edith Kanaka‘ole. While the melie (plumeria) is beautiful to the eye, the song’s deeper kauna (hidden meaning) honors the harmony of voices in the Keaukaha community.

Modern Vibrations: Kamalei Kawaa

Next, we feature the soulful, award-winning sounds of Kamalei Kawaa from his album Mānaiakalani.

• Hānaulā (feat. Kainani Kahaunaele): A masterful collaboration celebrating the mountainous beauty of West Maui. The interplay between Kamalei and the legendary Kainani Kahaunaele is a highlight of contemporary Hawaiian vocal arrangement.

• Ku'u Aloha: A tender track that showcases Kamalei’s signature falsetto. It is a song of pure affection, bridging the love between people and the ‘āina.

The Spirit of Slack Key: Kawika Kahiapo

It wouldn't be Show 700 without the rhythmic grace of Kawika Kahiapo.

• Pule: Featuring an oration by Kumu Hula Chinky Mahoe, this track is a profound moment of prayer and gratitude. It is the perfect spiritual "center" for our milestone episode.

• In Living Color: This track features the "3D" collaboration (Del Beazley, David Kahiapo, and Dwight Kanae), offering a bright, jazz-influenced celebration of the vibrant life in the islands today.

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Special Feature: The French Exotica Revival

A major highlight of this episode is our exclusive interview with the French Exotica band, Les Waikikings. We had a fantastic time chatting with them about their passion for the "Hapa Haole" sound and how a group from France became masters of this vintage island genre.

Their perspective on the global influence of Hawaiian music is fascinating, and their dedication to the "twist" on traditional styles is truly inspiring.

• Te manu pukarua: A high-energy Polynesian classic reimagined with shimmering steel guitars and lush percussion.

• Native Love: A haunting, atmospheric piece that captures the dreamlike, escapist spirit of the 1950s "Golden Age" of Exotica.

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The Foundation: Ho'okena

We close our 700th show with the unmistakable harmonies of Ho'okena, whose work from the album Ho'okena 5 remains a pillar of the genre.

• From a Dancer: A stunning Hawaiian-style cover of the Jackson Browne classic. Ho'okena turns this folk-rock masterpiece into a beautiful island tribute to the cycle of life.

• Windward Side: A nostalgic "love letter" to the Windward coast of O‘ahu. It captures the trade winds and the mist on the Koolau mountains, ending our 700th episode on a note of pure, graceful Aloha.

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Mahalo for being part of the first 700 shows. Here’s to the next 700!