Ua Ulu ka hoi — there is a saying in Hawaiian, Ua Ulu Ka Hoi, which plays on the word hoi, a delicate variety of yam which grows in our forests when conditions are right, and hoi or hoihoi — a feeling of rewarding interest. For many years this hoi remained quiet: now it sprouts in regeneration: Ua ulu ka hoi. A new spirit is born within, inspiring us to compose with Aloha. All of the songs in this album, composed in the Hawaiian language, are new, most are by young composers who have applied Hawaiian poetic esthetics creatively as a means of interpreting the beauty and love of Hawaiian meaning, both past and present. (excerpt from liner notes by Larry Kimura)

Selections: E Nā Hawaiʻi, Kuaʻāina Holoholo, Kaupö, Kalāhuipuaʻa, I Ka Ua O Ka Pö Nei, Waʻa Hōkūleʻa, Kohala Unu Paʻa, Niʻihau O Kaʻeokūlani, Kuʻu ʻĀina o Waimea, New York Hula, Hoʻoluli Noho Paipai

Producer: Larry Kimura, a fundraising project for Hui Aloha ʻĀina Tuahine

KAIMANA — multi-talented musicians who came together from different styles of music but found a common binding interest in performing traditional Hawaiian music. Each has made a contribution to perpetuating that ethnic music by writing lyrics or music — one song each on this album titled Nā Pua O Oʻahu because all in the group are born and raised on Oʻahu. Kaimana dedicates this album to their families and friends who gave them inspiration, encouragement and support. Iā ʻoukou ā pau e nā hoa makamaka ke aloha a me ka mahalo nui. (excerpts from Liner Notes)

All instrumentals and vocal arrangements by Kaimana

Selections: Kawaipunaohaʻao, Lei Poni Moʻi, Ke Awāwa O Kahana, Roselani Blossoms, Hanauma, Nānākuli, Matsonia, Ipo Lauaʻe, Lei Pukana, Mahalo Ke Kono

Photo (top, clockwise) Jerry Santos, Willy Paikuli, Haunani Apoliona, Wally Suenaga

E MAU ANAN KA HAʻAHEO, KA HAʻAHEO O KA NOHONA, KE OLA KAMAĒHU O KA LĀHUI.... The pride in the steadfast and purposeful lifestyle of our Hawaiian people endures. In each phase of lyric, in each bar of melody, the spirit of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian composers, our storytellers, resounds. Olomana has been nourished by the heritage of Hawaiʻi. We celebrate through our music the land and people that touch our spirits. Although some of the voices of Olomana have passed into other realms of silence, the enduring pride in our Hawaiʻi swells on the wave of the second decade. What continues to endure for Olomana is the mission to bring Hawaiʻi, its genuine spirit and presence to those that desire the experience. (excerpts from liner notes)

Selections: Hoʻomaka Hou, Waimānalo, E Haunani, Nā Pua Lei ʻIlima, E Mālama I Ka Wai, Old Time Island Music Medley (Ua Noho Au A Kupa, Pulupe Nei ʻIli I Ke Anu, Aloha No Au I Ko Maka, My Sweet Sweething, Kaula ʻIli), Tewetewe, Kuʻu Pua I Paoakalani, Walking In The Queen's Garden, E Mau Ana Ka Haʻaheo.