Hawaiian Concert Guide

About Hawaiian Concert Guide

A weekly podcast featuring Hawaiian artists and halau performing off-island and around the world.

Publisher

Piko

Category

arts · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Oct 2005

Latest episode

9 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

695 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Aug 2026

   Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 707 - Almost True

   🎙️ Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show #707 From Hawaiian Cowboys to Hollywood: The Many Faces of Hawaiʻi What makes Hawaiian music uniquely powerful? It's not just beautiful melodies—it's the story of a people, their land, their faith, and the way the world has imagined paradise. This week's playlist takes listeners on a musical journey spanning more than a century of Hawaiian history and culture. 🤠 The Real Hawaiʻi Begins with the Paniolo We open with Ei Nei's Hanohano Wale Nō Nā Cowboy (Cowboy Hula), celebrating Hawaiʻi's proud paniolo (cowboy) heritage. Many people don't realize that Hawaiian cowboys have roots stretching back to the early 1800s, when Mexican vaqueros came to teach Hawaiians how to manage the wild cattle introduced by Captain George Vancouver. The paniolo culture of Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island became one of the oldest ranching traditions in the United States—long before the American West became famous. Ei Nei reminds us that Hawaiʻi is more than palm trees and beaches. It is a land of hardworking ranchers, rich traditions, and generations of family heritage. 🚒 Celebrating Everyday Island Life Ka‘a Ahi Kahului brings a playful look at everyday life on Maui. Songs like this are uniquely Hawaiian because they celebrate ordinary local experiences rather than romanticized island imagery. They remind us that authentic Hawaiian music often finds joy in community, humor, and shared memories. 🌙 Modern Hawaiian Voices Eric Lee continues the journey with Waimea Moonlight and E ʻOhana Hou. His music beautifully bridges traditional Hawaiian values with contemporary production, keeping the spirit of aloha alive for new generations. The transition from the ranch lands of Waimea to songs about ʻohana creates an emotional thread that ties place and people together. 🌺 A New Generation of Hawaiian Music Kaleo Phillips represents today's Hawaiian musicians who honor the past while embracing the future. His music blends Hawaiian language, island harmonies, and spiritual influences that remain central to many local communities. His pairing of Koto Iwi with Just a Closer Walk with Thee illustrates something distinctly Hawaiian—the way Christianity and Hawaiian musical traditions have become intertwined over nearly two centuries. Rather than replacing Hawaiian culture, many congregations embraced Hawaiian language, vocal harmony, and local musical styles, creating a worship tradition unlike anywhere else in the world. 🌴 When America Dreamed of Paradise The playlist then takes an intentional turn into Martin Denny's world of Exotica. This is an important distinction: Exotica is not Hawaiian music. Instead, it was America's mid-century fantasy of the tropics. Martin Denny combined vibraphones, jungle sounds, Asian percussion, Polynesian influences, and lush orchestration to create an imagined paradise that captivated audiences in the 1950s and 60s. His music helped inspire the Tiki movement, themed restaurants, Disney attractions, and an entire generation's perception of the South Pacific. Understanding Exotica helps us appreciate both its artistry and the difference between authentic Hawaiian culture and Hollywood's tropical imagination. 🎬 Then Came Elvis No artist introduced more people to Hawaiʻi than Elvis Presley. Blue Hawaii became one of the most influential films ever made about the islands. While it presented an idealized version of paradise rather than everyday Hawaiian life, it sparked worldwide interest in visiting Hawaiʻi and introduced millions to Hawaiian-inspired music. The transition from Martin Denny to Elvis is deliberate: one created the soundtrack of America's tropical dream, while the other brought that dream to audiences around the globe. 🌈 The Bigger Story This week's playlist isn't simply a collection of songs—it's a musical timeline. It moves from authentic Hawaiian traditions... to modern island voices... to spiritual expression... to America's fascination with paradise... and finally to Hollywood's enduring influence. Every song helps tell part of Hawaiʻi's story. 🎧 Featured Artists • Ei Nei • Eric Lee • Kaleo Phillips • Martin Denny • Elvis Presley Whether you're a lifelong fan of Hawaiian music or just beginning to explore its rich heritage, Show #707 offers a deeper appreciation for the people, history, and culture behind the music we love. 🌺 E mālama i ka mele. E mālama i ka moʻomeheu. "Preserve the music. Preserve the culture." #HawaiianConcertGuide #HawaiianMusic #Paniolo #Waimea #SlackKey #HawaiianCulture #Mele #Aloha #MartinDenny #Exotica #BlueHawaii #ElvisPresley #IslandMusic #HawaiiHistory #Podcast #HawaiianLanguage

2. 

   26 Jul 2026

   Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 706 - Sweet Cheeks

   🌺🎙️ NOW STREAMING — Hawaiian Concert Guide Show #706 🎙️🌺 Every song has a story, and every melody carries a piece of Hawaiʻi's rich history and aloha spirit. Join Piko and Terry as they explore ten wonderful recordings that span more than a century of Hawaiian music—from classic mele and beautiful love songs to contemporary island favorites, family tributes, and even the fascinating world of Exotica. 🎧 Featured Music & Stories 🌺 Ei Nei – Ei Nei, Look At Us ❤️ Pāpālina Lahilahi "Soft Delicate Cheeks" A timeless Hawaiian love song dating back to the Hawaiian Kingdom era. Discover how Hawaiian composers used poetic imagery and hidden meanings (kaona) instead of saying "I love you" directly. Learn why this classic has become a favorite for hula dancers and has been recorded by generations of Hawaiian artists. 💧 E Kuʻu Morning Dew "My Beloved Morning Dew" Morning dew symbolizes beauty that is precious yet fleeting. We'll explore how Hawaiian composers use nature—mist, rain, flowers, and dew—to express romance, longing, and cherished memories. ──────────────────────── 🌺 Eric Lee – The Islands Are Calling 🌸 Nā Pua Lei Aloha "The Beloved Lei Flowers" One of Hawaiʻi's most treasured farewell songs, often heard at graduations, celebrations, and moments of parting. Discover how the fading flowers of a lei became a lasting symbol that aloha continues long after saying "A Hui Hou." 🏝️ Halekulani Okinawa A beautiful tribute connecting Hawaiʻi and Okinawa through the spirit of aloha. Learn why Hawaiian music and hula have become so deeply loved throughout Japan, and how the famous Halekulani name represents hospitality "befitting heaven." ──────────────────────── 🌺 Kaleo Phillips – E Mama 🌼 Pakalana The beloved Pakalana flower is famous for its incredible fragrance that actually becomes stronger after sunset. Discover why this treasured lei flower has become a symbol of enduring love, cherished memories, and Hawaiian romance. 👨👧 God Bless My Daddy A heartfelt modern song celebrating fathers, family, faith, and ʻohana. We'll discuss how contemporary Hawaiian songwriting continues to honor parents and family traditions while carrying forward timeless Hawaiian values. ──────────────────────── 🌺 Martin Denny – Hypnotique 🎷 St. Louis Blues Originally written by W.C. Handy in 1914, this American blues classic receives Martin Denny's signature Exotica treatment. Vibraphones, tropical percussion, bird calls, and lush arrangements helped launch America's tiki and island lounge movement of the 1950s. 🌙 We Kiss in a Shadow Originally from Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I, this beautiful Broadway love song is transformed into a dreamy tropical soundscape. We'll explore how Exotica introduced millions of listeners to romanticized Pacific-inspired music. ──────────────────────── 🌺 Hoʻokena – Nā Kai ʻEwalu 🤝 Mi Nei Meaning "Come Here," this gentle invitation celebrates friendship, fellowship, music, and aloha. Experience the rich vocal harmonies that made Hoʻokena one of Hawaiʻi's most respected contemporary Hawaiian groups. 🌈 Kauaʻi Beauty Our grand finale—a breathtaking musical tribute to Hawaiʻi's Garden Isle. From the majestic Nā Pali Coast and Hanalei Bay to Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, rainbows, and lush green valleys, this song captures why Kauaʻi remains one of the most beloved islands in the world. ──────────────────────── 🎙️ On this episode, we'll also discuss: 🌺 The hidden meanings (kaona) woven throughout traditional Hawaiian songs. 🌺 Why flowers, rain, mist, and mountains are central symbols in Hawaiian poetry. 🌺 The worldwide influence of Hawaiian music—from Hawaiʻi to Okinawa and beyond. 🌺 How modern artists continue to preserve Hawaiian language and culture while writing new music for today's generation. 🌺 The surprising history of Martin Denny and the Exotica movement that introduced island-inspired sounds to audiences around the globe. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Hawaiian music or just beginning your island journey, Show #706 offers an unforgettable blend of beautiful melodies, fascinating history, cultural insights, and the true spirit of aloha. 🎧 Tune in, relax, and let Hawaiʻi come alive through its music and stories. 🌴 Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show #706 "Sharing the Music • The Stories • The Aloha Spirit" #HawaiianConcertGuide #HawaiianMusic #Aloha #Hoʻokena #EricLee #EiNei #KaleoPhillips #MartinDenny #Exotica #NaPuaLeiAloha #Pakalana #Kauai #IslandMusic #Hula #Ukulele #SlackKey #Podcast #MusicHistory #MadeInHawaii #AlohaSpirit

3. 

   5 Jul 2026

   Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 705 - Fickle Mistress

   Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show 705 Theme: "Fickle Mistress" This episode flows naturally through four movements: Identity & Heritage – Traditional Hawaiian values and community. Voyaging & Legacy – Remembering those who carried Hawaiian culture forward. Family & Renewal – Songs of love, hope, and future generations. Exotica Escape – Mid-century tropical lounge before returning home with classic Hawaiian harmony. Opening Welcome everyone to another edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide. This week we begin in the heart of Hawaiian tradition, celebrating family, community, and the enduring spirit of aloha. Along the way we'll hear legendary voices, modern artists carrying forward the tradition, and finish with another visit to the fascinating world of Martin Denny before closing with the unmistakable harmonies of Hoʻokena. Whether you're listening from Hawaiʻi or somewhere far away where the islands are simply calling your heart home, mahalo for joining us. Song 1 Model T Artist: Ei Nei Album: Ei Nei, Look At Us Background Ei Nei is one of Hawaiʻi's respected contemporary Hawaiian vocal groups. Their recordings emphasize traditional language, acoustic instrumentation, and close vocal harmony rather than commercial production. "Model T" is an unusual title for a Hawaiian recording and immediately catches attention. Analysis The song uses the Ford Model T as metaphor rather than merely nostalgia. Like the famous automobile that continued working long after newer cars replaced it, the song celebrates endurance, reliability, and the value of things built to last. Within Hawaiian culture this becomes symbolic of: kūpuna wisdom family traditions older ways that remain useful today respect for craftsmanship Rather than chasing every modern trend, the song quietly reminds listeners that proven traditions often carry us farther than fashionable innovations. Musically: relaxed swing feel acoustic guitar upright bass warm harmony vocals understated humor The storytelling style feels very local—more "talk story" than performance. Interesting discussion point Many Hawaiian songs preserve everyday island life that might otherwise disappear. Cars, fishing boats, ranch work, neighborhood traditions—all become cultural history through music. Song 2 Pua Līlia / Pulupē Nei ʻIli I Ke Anu Artist: Ei Nei Background This medley combines two traditional Hawaiian compositions. "Pua Līlia" references the lily flower, often symbolizing beauty, affection, and cherished memories. "Pulupē Nei ʻIli I Ke Anu" literally evokes skin chilled by the cold—a poetic Hawaiian expression describing emotional longing as much as physical sensation. Analysis Together the songs explore one of Hawaiian poetry's favorite themes: Nature reflects emotion. Flowers become people. Wind becomes memory. Cold becomes loneliness. Rain becomes tears. This style reflects the Hawaiian poetic tradition known as kaona, where deeper meanings hide beneath seemingly simple descriptions of nature. Listeners familiar with Hawaiian language often hear multiple layers simultaneously. Musically the arrangement allows: graceful vocal blending flowing slack-key influenced accompaniment gentle tempo that lets the language breathe Song 3 Na Mamo O Hōkūleʻa Artist: Eric Lee Album: The Islands Are Calling Background One of the emotional highlights of today's show. The title means: "The Children (Descendants) of Hōkūleʻa." Hōkūleʻa, launched in 1975, transformed Hawaiian cultural identity by proving that Polynesians intentionally navigated the Pacific using traditional celestial navigation. Analysis The song honors: navigators teachers cultural practitioners future generations Rather than focusing only on the canoe itself, Eric Lee celebrates the people inspired by its voyages. The lyrics remind listeners that everyone who learns Hawaiian language, practices hula, paddles canoe, or studies navigation becomes part of that continuing legacy. Musically: contemporary Hawaiian arrangement uplifting chorus layered harmony strong melodic hook This is heritage music without sounding historical. It looks toward the future. Discussion point Very few cultural revival movements have succeeded as dramatically as the Hawaiian Renaissance. Hōkūleʻa became much more than a canoe. It became proof that cultural knowledge could be recovered. Song 4 He Aloha No Kaʻililauokekoa Artist: Eric Lee Background This composition is a tribute song. The title translates approximately as: "Love for Kaʻililauokekoa." Many Hawaiian songs preserve individuals through musical remembrance. Analysis Traditional Hawaiian memorial songs are rarely mournful. Instead they celebrate: character generosity family contribution continuing spiritual presence Love never truly disappears. It simply changes form. Eric Lee's vocal delivery is especially sincere here, avoiding theatrical emotion in favor of heartfelt storytelling. The arrangement leaves space for the lyrics to remain central. Song 5 Brighter Life Artist: Kaleo Phillips Album: E Mama Background Kaleo Phillips represents a younger generation of Hawaiian musicians who comfortably blend island contemporary music with traditional values. Analysis This optimistic composition centers on hope rather than nostalgia. Themes include: gratitude resilience moving forward family support personal growth Rather than ignoring life's hardships, the song suggests that aloha provides strength to overcome them. The production feels modern without abandoning Hawaiian identity. Expect: polished vocals contemporary rhythm accessible melody This is exactly the type of music helping Hawaiian artists reach younger audiences. Song 6 Noe Ke Alaula Artist: Kaleo Phillips Background The title references the red glow of dawn. Morning imagery appears frequently throughout Hawaiian mele. Analysis Sunrise represents: renewal forgiveness beginning again spiritual awakening The composition encourages listeners to embrace each new day with gratitude. The melodic phrasing mirrors the slow appearance of first light over the islands. Instrumentally: relaxed guitar tasteful percussion spacious arrangement It provides a peaceful transition before today's Exotica segment. Exotica Segment Introduction Now we step into another musical universe. During the late 1950s and early 1960s America became fascinated with an imagined South Pacific. The result became known as Exotica. Although not authentically Hawaiian, this music introduced millions to tropical sounds and inspired later interest in genuine Hawaiian music. No artist defined the genre more than Martin Denny. Song 7 Chinese Lullaby Artist: Martin Denny Album: Hypnotique Background Martin Denny frequently blended Asian influences with Polynesian instrumentation. Analysis This recording creates atmosphere more than narrative. Features include: vibraphone marimba bamboo percussion bird calls spacious orchestration Rather than attempting authenticity, Denny paints an idealized dreamscape. Today listeners appreciate Exotica both as historical pop culture and as remarkable studio craftsmanship. Song 8 Hypnotique Artist: Martin Denny Background The title track perfectly demonstrates why Martin Denny became synonymous with Exotica. Analysis Everything is carefully layered. shimmering vibraphone Latin percussion jazz harmony tropical ambience The music intentionally slows the listener's pulse. It isn't dance music. It isn't jazz. It isn't Hawaiian. It's its own unique genre. Many modern lounge and ambient artists continue drawing inspiration from recordings like this. Return to Hawaiian Music After our excursion into imagined tropical paradise, we return to the authentic voices of Hawaiʻi. Few groups have influenced modern Hawaiian harmony as profoundly as Hoʻokena. Song 9 ʻUlili E Artist: Hoʻokena Album: Na Kai ʻEwalu Background Hoʻokena helped define contemporary Hawaiian vocal harmony during the late twentieth century. Their singing balances technical excellence with deep cultural respect. Analysis The title references the ʻulili, the wandering tattler shorebird found throughout Hawaiʻi. Birds often symbolize: travelers messengers freedom migration Like many traditional mele, the bird becomes a poetic stand-in for human experience. Hoʻokena's trademark harmony creates extraordinary warmth throughout the performance. Song 10 Roselani Blossoms Artist: Hoʻokena Background One of Hawaiʻi's beloved standards. The roselani rose has long symbolized affection and cherished memories. Analysis Although the melody feels simple, the emotional depth comes through nuanced harmony and expressive phrasing. The song celebrates: enduring love island beauty treasured relationships Hoʻokena's arrangement demonstrates why they remain among the finest Hawaiian vocal ensembles. Every harmony line serves the melody rather than overpowering it. It makes for a graceful conclusion to today's musical journey. Closing Remarks What a wonderful musical voyage today—from the enduring wisdom symbolized by an old Model T, through the cultural legacy of Hōkūleʻa, into songs of family, remembrance, and hope, then across the dreamy soundscapes of Martin Denny's Exotica before returning home with the timeless harmonies of Hoʻokena. These recordings remind us that Hawaiian music is far more than a style. It is a living tradition that preserves language, history, genealogy, and aloha for future generations. Mahalo for joining me for another edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide. Until next time, mālama pono, cherish the music, support the artists, and keep Hawaiian music playing wherever you are in the world. A hui hou!

Who has been a guest on Hawaiian Concert Guide

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Kamaka Kukona
• Christy Leina'ala Lassiter
• Kalani Pe'a
• Apokolani
• Natalie Ai Kamauu

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

18 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

88

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

92

Contact Hawaiian Concert Guide

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.