Biography

Traditional Hawaiian hula songs performed by several of Hawaii's Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning musicians. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Charles Michael Brotman.

About the Artists:

Rupert Tripp, Jr. became know to audiences throughout Hawaii during the 1980's when his group Nalu! emerged on the contemporary island music scene. In addition to his career as a solo singer/songwriter, Rupert is now a member of Hawaii's acoustic guitar trio Kohala.

Darlene Ahuna is one of today's singers that perpetuates the traditional style of Hawaiian music. She is a HOKU award winner whose performances have taken her throughout the U.S. and Japan.

Kevin Kealoha is known amongst Big Island musicians as one of the most talented singers in the state. While he is known for his beautiful falsetto voice, he is equally proficient in R & B, Jawaiian, and other contemporary styles.

Pomai and Loeka, Hawaii's brother-sister duo, started there careers at age three, singing in their family concerts in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai`i. They are are Na Hoku Hanohano award winners, known for many local hit records.

The brothers Wailau and Lopaka Ryder were born on Oahu, but grew up in the Puna region of the Big Island. One of their biggest influences was their aunt, the well-known musician and Hawaiian educator Lei'ohu Ryder.

Randy Lorenzo, multiple Hoku Award recipient, former member of the Peter Moon Band and Olomana, performed on Cecilio and Kapono's "Night Music" album, and on the Beamer Brothers "Honolulu City Lights" album, recorded 2 CDs with Gabby Pahinui, is a former member of Country Comfort. Randy grew up in Waimanalo, Hawaii. A seasoned Hawaiian music veteran, he is also a well loved Hawaiian singer songwriter.

Sonny Lim, was born and raised on the Big Island. His solo debut recording (Slack Key Guitar: The Artistry of Sonny Lim) was nominated for a GRAMMY award, and Sonny's guitar playing was featured on "Slack Key Guitar Volume 2", the first Hawaiian music CD to win a GRAMMY Award. He is a multiple HOKU Award winner and a member of the famous musical Lim family.

Hilo born Lito Arcangel is one Hawaii's younger musicians that has perfected the falsetto style of singing in the traditional style. He can often be heard performing on the Big Island with Rupert Tripp Jr. Nino Ka'ai's unique vocal style has made him a fixture at the luxury resorts on the Kohala coast. His sweet voice and large physique have led many fans to compare his music to that of Iz (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole).

Nephi Brown, one of the Big Island's best entertainers, has also become successful in movies as actor. One of his recent films was Adam Sandler's "50 First Dates", in which Nephi played the role of the chef.

The brothers Marcus and Satoy Wong Yuen are well-known on the Big Island for their Paniolo-influenced style. They can be heard performing at the slack key guitar festivals, the resort hotels, local luaus, and at many musical events on the Big Island.

Dwight Tokumoto's steel guitar has graced many recordings and performances in Hawaii, most noteably the recordings and performances of Darlene Ahuna and Diana Aki. He is equally proficient on steel guitar, acoustic guitar, and slack key.

Charlie Recaido's music career in Hawaii began as a teenager with the success of his band Summer. He is known as a studio musician, recording engineer, and as a member of Hawaii's acoustic guitar trio Kohala.