For each of us who love this kind of music, there will always be songs so personal, no one else can understand why they move us. They recall a time, a place, a love. But among the thousands of Hapa Haole songs, some stand out for their poetry, haunting music and imagery. Some are wonderfully silly and make you smile. There are some of both kinds in this--highly personal--list.

MY TOP TEN

HAWAII CALLS (1935) Harry Owens
Because I grew up listening to the radio program and longing for the Islands.
WHEN HILO HATTIE DOES THE HILO HOP (1936) Don McDarmid and Johnny Noble
Because Aunty Clara was my all-time favorite performer.
WAIKIKI (1938) Andy Cummings
Probably the finest Hapa Haole song ever written.
E NAUGHTY NAUGHTY MAI NEI Mel Peterson
Pure fun.
(THERE GOES) KEALOHA (1956) Liko Johnston and Howard Zuegner
It's a lovely song and also because John Saclausa, pianist extraordinaire at the Green Turtle, Eagle's Nest and Canlis, always played it for my friend Gard Kealoha.
(HONOLULU) I'M COMING BACK AGAIN Lyrics: F. B. Silverwood Music: David S. Lindeman
This song always comes to mind as the plane approaches Diamond Head when I've been away.
DO THE HULA (1936) Don McDiarmid
A great hula and a fun song.
THEY CALL HER SADIE Don McDiarmid
Also pure fun.
I HAD TO LOVA AND LEAVA ON THE LAVA (1939) R. Alex Anderson
Who can resist a song with these lyrics?
OUR LOVE AND ALOHA, 1958 Leolani Blaisdell
Brings back memories of 11 unforgetable trips on the S. S. Lurline. 'The grand manner of Matson' really was.
. . . and all the lei songs.

AND MY FAVORITE HAWAIIAN SONGS

ALEKOKI
A OI'A
LEI ALOHA, LEI MAKAMAI
MOLOKA'I NUI A HINA
WAHINE 'ILIKEA
NA ALI'I
KAIMANA HILA
KU'U HOA
ALOHA 'IA O WAI'ANAE
HALEAKALA

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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author of this website.

©2001