Hawaiian Concert Guide

The original bi-weekly podcast featuring the music/schedule of Hawaiian artists performing off-island and around the world.

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 695 - Mele Kalikimaka 01/04/2026

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 695 - Mele Kalikimaka Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show 695 Mele Kalikimaka: No Snow Posting Date: January 2, 2026 This episode presents a Hawaiian-centered view of Christmas—warm weather, ʻohana, ʻukulele-forward arrangements, modern island pop, cultural continuity, and local identity. The selections reflect how Christmas is lived and felt in Hawaiʻi and across the island diaspora, without reliance on winter imagery or snow. Playlist & Show Notes (Original Order) No Snow Anuhea — All Is Bright — 4:08 Hawaiian Share: 1 of 6 – in the share Added / Played: 01/02/26 A declarative opening track that establishes the theme of the episode. “No Snow” embraces a distinctly local Christmas experience—sunshine, island rhythms, and a confident rejection of mainland winter clichés. The Ukulele Christmas Song Anuhea — All Is Bright — 3:16 Hawaiian Share: 1 of 6 – in the share Added / Played: 01/02/26 Light, joyful, and ʻukulele-centered, this track reinforces the relaxed island tone of the show and highlights the instrument as a seasonal cultural anchor. At Christmas Time (feat. Pure Heart) Jake Shimabukuro & Pure Heart — ’Tis the Season — 4:00 Share: 4 of 13 Added / Played: 01/02/26 Rich harmonies from Pure Heart paired with Jake Shimabukuro’s expressive ʻukulele evoke community singing traditions and the warmth of shared holiday gatherings. This Christmas Jake Shimabukuro & Justin Kawika Young — ’Tis the Season — 3:45 Share: 8 of 13 Added / Played: 01/02/26 A soulful, contemporary take on a familiar holiday standard, blending virtuoso ʻukulele work with modern Hawaiian vocal phrasing. I’ll Be Home for Christmas Raeatea Helm — I’ll Be Home for Christmas — 4:02 A reflective, intimate performance centered on homecoming—particularly resonant for island families spread across oceans and continents. We Wish You a Merry Christmas Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain — 2:14 A playful, high-energy arrangement that highlights the ʻukulele’s global reach while adding contrast and humor to the set. Mele Kalikimaka Iam Tongi & Bing Crosby — Bing Crosby 75th Anniversary Edition — 3:45 The centerpiece of the episode. This iconic song bridges generations, connecting a classic recording legacy with a modern Hawaiian voice and reaffirming the song’s enduring cultural role. Jingle Bell Rock Kalaʻe + Kalena + Kalikimaka 2024 — 2:35 A youthful, energetic island take on a rock-and-roll Christmas classic, injecting momentum and contemporary flair into the playlist. We Are a Voice Kalaʻe + Kalena + Kalikimaka 2024 — 4:17 More than a holiday song, this track emphasizes unity, representation, and the role of the next generation in carrying culture forward. Rapped in a Bow Kalani Peʻa — Purple Hawaiian Christmas — 3:19 Share from 2022 — 2 of 11 A contemporary Christmas song grounded in Hawaiian identity, blending modern production with strong cultural presence. Kanakaloka Kalani Peʻa — Purple Hawaiian Christmas — 2:33 Share from 2022 — 9 of 11 A culturally rooted piece that deepens the emotional and linguistic range of the episode. /episode/index/show/hcg/id/39604615

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 694 - Nano Banana 12/14/2025

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 694 - Nano Banana Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 694 – Nano Banana Episode Synopsis Welcome to Show 694 – Nano Banana. This episode takes listeners on a sweeping musical journey across Hawaiian heritage: beginning with timeless mele rooted in the landscapes and stories of Waipiʻo Valley and the Hawaiian monarchy, moving through themes of aloha ʻāina and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy and refinement of the Makaha Sons, venturing into the lush and cinematic world of modern Exotica, and finally returning home through the warm harmonies of Waipuna. The playful title “Nano Banana” reflects how small musical details reveal surprisingly big cultural stories — a perfect theme for this carefully curated playlist. Playlist – Show 694: Nano Banana Hiʻilawe – Kahiau Lam Ho (4:19) Ho‘omālamalama “Hiʻilawe” is one of the most iconic traditional mele of Hawaiʻi, tied to Waipiʻo Valley on Hawaiʻi Island. The mele references the towering Hiʻilawe waterfall and a story of hidden love. Generations of musicians—from Sam Liʻa to Gabby Pahinui—have carried this mele forward. Kahiau Lam Ho’s contemporary interpretation preserves the melodic intimacy of the piece while presenting it through a modern vocal and production style. Sanoe – Kahiau Lam Ho (4:56) Ho‘omālamalama Composed by Queen Liliʻuokalani and Princess Likelike, “Sanoe” is a mele filled with kaona—hidden meaning—traditionally understood as a story of secret royal affection. Lam Ho’s version leans into the quiet emotional tone of the mele, using minimalist accompaniment that allows the poetry and nuance to shine. Pukalani Hale – Kawika Kahiapo (4:26) Kuʻu Manaʻo “Pukalani Hale” is a place-based mele grounded in the upcountry region of Pukalani on Maui — often translated as “heavenly gateway.” Kawika Kahiapo, known for his warm slack-key guitar and heartfelt delivery, performs the mele as an expression of home, spirituality, and gratitude. His musicianship reinforces the intimate connection between land and identity. Mother Earth – Kawika Kahiapo (4:15) Kuʻu Manaʻo “Mother Earth” expands Hawaiian concepts of aloha ʻāina to a global message of environmental responsibility. Kahiapo uses gentle acoustic textures to remind listeners of their obligation to care for the planet. The mele blends Hawaiian worldview with modern ecological awareness, making it a contemporary anthem of stewardship. Queen’s Jubilee – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho (5:15) Makaha Sons Memoirs “Queen’s Jubilee” celebrates the musical heritage of the Makaha Sons through the talents of Jerome Koko and Grammy-winning producer Daniel Ho. Their collaboration fuses refined acoustic arrangements with the sentimental warmth associated with the monarchy era. The piece functions as a tribute — both to the past and to the many voices that shaped Hawaiian music across generations. Ka Makani Kā‘ili Aloha – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho (4:56) Makaha Sons Memoirs A beloved classic mele often translated as “The Wind That Steals Love Away,” the song personifies wind as an emotional force. Koko and Ho offer a clean, harmony-rich interpretation that honors the poetic storytelling at the heart of the mele. It pairs beautifully with “Queen’s Jubilee” to form a thematic homage to Hawaiian musical legacy. Ouanalao – The Waitiki 7 (4:33) Adventures in Paradise “Ouanalao,” named after the indigenous term for Saint Barthélemy, fits squarely in the spirit of mid-century Exotica while elevating it with jazz sophistication and modern cultural respect. The Waitiki 7 are known for reinvigorating Exotica through scholarly musicianship rather than kitsch. This track creates a lush world-fusion soundscape that expands the emotional palette of the show. L’ours Chinois – The Waitiki 7 (8:07) Adventures in Paradise “The Chinese Bear” is a long-form instrumental journey blending Asian thematic colors, jazz improvisation, shifting tempo landscapes, and intricate percussion. It is cinematic in scope and demonstrates the ensemble’s ability to honor Exotica’s roots while pushing it into new, musically ambitious territory. The track deepens the atmospheric middle section of the episode. Lehua Mamo – Waipuna (4:22) Manaʻo Pili A mele celebrating the cherished yellow lehua blossom. Waipuna’s arrangement uses contemporary harmonies and polished production to honor traditional imagery of forests, blossoms, and affection. The emotional tone begins to guide listeners back toward themes of home, love, and belonging. Home Kapaka – Waipuna (3:55) Manaʻo Pili A perfect closing mele expressing homecoming, identity, and emotional grounding. Waipuna’s clear vocals and gentle arrangement bring the episode full circle, returning listeners to the values of place, ʻohana, and aloha that shape Hawaiian experience. © 2025 Hawaiian Concert Guide. All music remains the property of the respective artists and labels. /episode/index/show/hcg/id/39400780

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 693 - Hau'oli La Ho'omaika'i 11/30/2025

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 693 - Hau'oli La Ho'omaika'i Hawaiian Concert Guide – Episode 693 Release Date: November 28, 2025 Hosts: Piko & Terry Title: Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi (Happy Thanksgiving) Episode Summary In this Thanksgiving edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide, Piko and Terry open Season 20 with a heartfelt celebration of gratitude, ʻohana, and the spirit of aloha. Filled with contemporary Hawaiian music, slack-key warmth, acoustic duets, and even a touch of vintage Exotica, Episode 693 “Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi” offers listeners a musical table of offerings for the holiday season. This episode is proudly sponsored by — Adventure Awaits! Dreamy Voyages helps travelers explore Hawaiʻi, the South Pacific, Asia, Europe, and destinations around the world through expertly planned cruise and land adventures. From songs rooted in the land to mele celebrating love, heritage, and Hawaiian identity, this episode reflects how gratitude flows through Hawaiian music and culture. Track List & Song Notes “Puʻuanahulu” – Kahiau Lam Ho – 3:34 Album: Hoʻomālamalama · Hawaiian “Puʻuanahulu” pays tribute to the storied region of Puʻuanahulu on Hawaiʻi Island. Kahiau Lam Ho’s gentle, contemporary style shines through in a piece that blends gratitude, reflection, and community pride. Clear vocals and clean guitar lines give the song an uplifting softness, like a sunrise over the lava fields. “Waiulu” – Kahiau Lam Ho – 4:25 Album: Hoʻomālamalama · Hawaiian “Waiulu” is a tender love song that expresses devotion, loyalty, and emotional closeness. Lam Ho’s smooth, heartfelt voice carries the poetic imagery of Hawaiian lyricism, turning the track into an intimate musical conversation. It’s a modern ballad with timeless cultural roots. “Huakaʻi Hele” – Kawika Kahiapo – 4:19 Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo · Hawaiian “Huakaʻi Hele” evokes the idea of traveling through life guided by purpose, memory, and connection to the ʻāina. Kawika Kahiapo’s warm slack-key guitar and soulful baritone create a meditative soundscape, inviting listeners into a quiet journey across mountains, shorelines, and the inner landscape of reflection. “ʻĀina Momona” – Kawika Kahiapo – 4:07 Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo · Hawaiian Meaning “the fertile land,” “ʻĀina Momona” honors the abundance and generosity of Hawaiʻi. Kahiapo explores themes of stewardship, responsibility, and gratitude for the natural world. His soothing vocals and thoughtful phrasing turn the song into a gentle reminder of our kuleana to care for the land that sustains us. “Beautiful Kahana” – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho – 3:58 Album: Makaha Sons Memoirs · Hawaiian A nostalgic tribute to the beloved windward community of Kahana, this track blends Jerome Koko’s classic Makaha Sons vocal warmth with Daniel Ho’s clean acoustic arrangements. The song feels like a quiet breeze off the Koʻolau mountains—peaceful, familiar, and full of longing for a cherished place. “Kaleleonālani” – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho – 2:21 Album: Makaha Sons Memoirs · Hawaiian “Kaleleonālani” is a graceful instrumental paying homage to Princess Victoria Kamāmalu. Elegant fingerstyle guitar and soft harmonics create a reverent, contemplative mood. The composition carries the unmistakable hallmark of Daniel Ho’s artistry—clean, precise, and emotionally resonant. “Left Arm of Buddha” – The Waitiki 7 – 4:43 Album: Adventures in Paradise · Exotica Steeped in the traditions of mid-century Exotica, “Left Arm of Buddha” brings playful rhythms, tropical percussion, and shimmering vibraphone textures. The Waitiki 7 revive a genre rooted in imagination and atmosphere, capturing the fantasy and adventure of old Hawaiʻi tiki lounges with modern musicianship. “Her Majesty’s Pearl” – The Waitiki 7 – 3:03 Album: Adventures in Paradise · Exotica A bright and cinematic follow-up to their earlier track, “Her Majesty’s Pearl” sparkles with melodic charm and rhythmic storytelling. The piece feels like the soundtrack to a vintage island-adventure film—whimsical, colorful, and filled with character. “Mālama Mau Hawaiʻi” – Waipuna – 4:56 Album: Manaʻo Pili · Hawaiian Powerful, proud, and deeply rooted in cultural identity, “Mālama Mau Hawaiʻi” is a call to protect and cherish the heritage of Hawaiʻi. Waipuna’s signature harmonies carry strength and conviction, blending traditional themes with modern arrangements to create an anthem of unity and responsibility. “Papa Sia” – Waipuna – 2:43 Album: Manaʻo Pili · Hawaiian “Papa Sia” brings joyful energy with rhythmic guitar lines and spirited performance. The track celebrates movement, dance, and the cheerful side of Hawaiian music, offering a lively closing to this Thanksgiving playlist. /episode/index/show/hcg/id/39210390

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 692 - Whale Hoohoo 11/03/2025

Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 692 - Whale Hoohoo Hawaiian Concert Guide – Episode 692 Release Date: October 17, 2025 Host: Piko Title: Whale Hoohoo Episode Summary In this episode of the Hawaiian Concert Guide, Piko takes listeners on a musical journey through contemporary Hawaiian mele, slack-key gems, and lush Exotica instrumentals. From heartfelt vocal collaborations to instrumental storytelling and a powerful closing chorus of “Hawaiʻi Aloha,” Episode 692 celebrates how music keeps the spirit of the islands alive across oceans. Track List & Song Notes “Hoʻomālamalama” (feat. Stephen Inglis) – Kahiau Lam Ho – 4:10 Album: Hoʻomālamalama · Hawaiian The title Hoʻomālamalama can be translated as “to enlighten” or “to bring light.” In this track, Kahiau Lam Ho teams up with acclaimed musician Stephen Inglis to offer a song about healing, clarity, and renewal. Gentle, thoughtful vocals and a reflective arrangement give the piece a meditative quality, as if lifting the listener out of darkness and into understanding. “The One They Call Hawaiʻi” – Kahiau Lam Ho – 5:40 Album: Hoʻomālamalama · Hawaiian This song personifies Hawaiʻi as a beloved figure—someone the singer speaks of with reverence and affection. The lyrics and feel of the track evoke pride in the land and its people, touching on themes of identity, stewardship, and belonging. It plays like a love song to the islands themselves, inviting listeners to reflect on what “Hawaiʻi” means to them personally. “Kuʻu Pili Oha” – Kawika Kahiapo – 3:44 Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo · Hawaiian The phrase Kuʻu Pili Oha can be understood as “my cherished closeness” or “beloved companion.” Kawika Kahiapo, known for his soulful slack-key guitar and warm vocals, offers a gentle, intimate mele that feels like a conversation between close hearts. It’s the kind of song that could be sung quietly on a porch at sunset, filled with gratitude for the relationships that sustain us. “One Heart One Voice” – Kawika Kahiapo – 4:13 Album: Kuʻu Manaʻo · Hawaiian “One Heart One Voice” leans into themes of unity and shared purpose. Kahiapo’s songwriting often carries messages of peace and responsibility, and this track is a call for people to stand together with aloha. It’s an uplifting reminder that when we speak and act as one, even big challenges feel more manageable. “ʻAnapau” – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho – 2:39 Album: Makaha Sons Memoirs · Hawaiian From a project reflecting on the legacy of the Makaha Sons, “ʻAnapau” is a lively, joyful piece that carries the spirit of classic Hawaiian group vocals into a new setting. Jerome Koko’s connection to the original Makaha Sons material, paired with Daniel Ho’s arranging and production touch, makes this track feel both nostalgic and freshly polished. It’s easy to picture friends singing along at a backyard gathering. “Poliahu” – Jerome Koko & Daniel Ho – 5:10 Album: Makaha Sons Memoirs · Hawaiian “Poliahu” is a tribute to the snow goddess of Mauna Kea. The song’s mood leans more contemplative and reverent, fitting for a mele about a powerful and enigmatic figure in Hawaiian tradition. Listeners can feel the chill and majesty of the mountain in the way the melody unfolds—calm, spacious, and full of respect. “Manila” – The Waitiki 7 – 7:05 Album: Adventures in Paradise · Exotica The Waitiki 7 are known for reviving and expanding the classic Exotica sound, and “Manila” is a great example of their globe-trotting imagination. This instrumental piece conjures images of harbors, markets, and far-away ports of call. Rich textures and layered rhythms give it a cinematic feel that pairs perfectly with daydreams of travel. “Craving” – The Waitiki 7 – 5:07 Album: Adventures in Paradise · Exotica “Craving” leans into mood and atmosphere: it feels like a soundtrack for late-night conversations under tiki lights. The tune balances playful melodic lines with a slightly mysterious undercurrent, capturing that feeling of restless longing the title suggests. It’s a reminder that Exotica can be both fun and emotionally evocative. “I Can See Arkansas” – Waipuna – 4:52 Album: Manaʻo Pili · Hawaiian Waipuna blend Hawaiian roots with storytelling influences that reach beyond the islands. “I Can See Arkansas” plays with the idea of geographical distance and emotional closeness—how memories and imagination can make a faraway place feel just within sight. It’s a beautiful example of how Hawaiian artists connect local sensibilities with wider world experiences. “Owl’s Lullaby” – Waipuna – 3:15 Album: Manaʻo Pili · Hawaiian As the title suggests, “Owl’s Lullaby” has a gentle, comforting quality. In Hawaiian culture, the pueo (owl) can be a protector and guardian, and this song carries that sense of watchful care. It’s the kind of mele you could easily imagine as a bedtime favorite, soothing the end of the day with calm and grace. Mahalo for Listening Mahalo nui for joining Piko on this musical journey! Please support the featured artists by seeking out their albums, attending live shows when you can, and sharing their music with friends and family. Your listening helps keep Hawaiian music, language, and stories thriving for future generations. For past episodes, artist links, and more information, visit . /episode/index/show/hcg/id/38897590