Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 709 - Hawai'i Forever

This week's playlist continues the progression from modern Hawaiian music through cultural tradition, classic exotica, and Hollywood's enduring Hawaiian legacy. The selections also feature several of the biggest winners and nominees from the 2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, making this an excellent showcase of today's Hawaiian music scene alongside historic recordings.

1. Oli Pule Artist: Baba Tavares Album: Hanohano Hōnaunau (2025) Length: 1:07

About the Artist Joshua "Baba" Tavares is one of Hawaiʻi's brightest emerging Hawaiian-language composers. His debut EP Hanohano Hōnaunau earned:

2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Hawaiian EP of the Year Baba Tavares named Most Promising Artist of the Year. Song Background "Oli Pule" is not intended as entertainment.

It is an oli—a traditional Hawaiian chant—and specifically a prayer chant that opens the entire EP.

According to Baba Tavares, the chant:

is rooted in scripture encourages listeners to be wiwoʻole (courageous) reminds us to lead with aloha asks for naʻauao (wisdom) The chant establishes the spiritual foundation before beginning the musical journey through South Kona.

Musical Notes Unlike western songs:

no verse/chorus format rhythmic spoken chant emphasizes pronunciation and mana (spiritual power) accompanied only lightly It immediately transports listeners into Hawaiian cultural practice.

Suggested On-Air Introduction "We're opening today's program in the traditional Hawaiian way—with prayer. Baba Tavares begins his award-winning EP not with a song, but with an oli, asking for courage, wisdom, and aloha before the musical journey begins."

2. Nāpoʻopoʻo Artist: Baba Tavares Length: 2:02

Background Nāpoʻopoʻo is a historic village on the western coast of Hawaiʻi Island in South Kona.