Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 708 - Island Time

Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show 708 Island Time: From Contemporary Hawaiʻi to Timeless Traditions and Classic Sounds Featured Artists: Kalaʻe Camarillo • Ei Nei • Kaleo Phillips • Martin Denny • Elvis Presley

This week on the Hawaiian Concert Guide, we take a musical journey through five distinct eras of Hawaiʻi's musical landscape. From today's contemporary island songwriting to the rich traditions of Hawaiian language music, heartfelt songs of ʻohana, the golden age of Exotica, and the unforgettable Hollywood sound of Blue Hawaii, Show 708 celebrates the many voices that have shaped—and continue to shape—the soundtrack of the Islands.

Rather than simply presenting ten great songs, this episode tells a story. It begins with modern Hawaiʻi, explores the cultural foundations of the islands, pauses to celebrate family, then looks back at how Hawaiʻi and the Pacific were imagined through mid-century American popular culture before closing with two of the most iconic songs from Elvis Presley's legendary Blue Hawaii soundtrack.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of Hawaiian music or discovering these artists for the first time, we hope this episode reminds you why Hawaiʻi's music continues to inspire listeners around the world.

Playlist 1. Drifting On Island Time Artist: Kalaʻe Camarillo (featuring Kalaʻe)

Album: Drifting On Island Time (2025)

We open Show 708 with one of the newest songs in Hawaiian contemporary music. The title track from Kalaʻe Camarillo's latest album immediately sets the tone—not as a tourist slogan, but as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and embrace the lifestyle that makes Hawaiʻi unique. The relaxed groove, modern production, and catchy melody perfectly introduce today's generation of Hawaiian musicians.

Kalaʻe Camarillo, a third-generation music educator and award-winning singer-songwriter from Maui, has become one of Hawaiʻi's leading contemporary artists. His latest album features ten original songs blending island pop, acoustic influences, and heartfelt storytelling. (Maui News)

Length: 3:28

2. Gonna Have A Good Time Artist: Kalaʻe Camarillo

Album: Drifting On Island Time (2025)

Our second selection keeps the energy flowing with an uplifting celebration of everyday life. Beneath its feel-good chorus lies a simple but meaningful message: after the work is done and the responsibilities are met, life's greatest joy comes from spending time with the people you love.