Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 6, 1 Iune 1999 — "HWN BOY" MIKE KAʻAWA [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

"HWN BOY" MIKE KAʻAWA

DEBUT ALBUM? Mike Ka'awa, the kl hō'alu aficionado, has several under his belt, having performed for years with Nā Keonimana, Hōkūle'a, Par Three, the Native Hawaiian Band and others. But "Hwn Boy" is his own solo debut, an uncluttered eolleehon of classics and a smorgasbord of new songs. With trademark pāpale (hat) and maka kala (shades), he plays his guitar like never before, blending his characteristically husky voice and Hawaiian language savvy. " Kūla'ila'i ," an original by Ka'awa and co-producer Malissa Keah'ihōkūlani Tongg, paints a pristine picture of perfect sets rolhng into Mākua where seals and dolphins frolic. Gentle guitar work breathes new life into Keli'i Tau'ā's "Hola III," the former Nā Keonimana stand-out, with lyrics and melody that beckon. "Sandys," an instrumental recalling the bodysurfing meeea, shows off Ka'awa's prowess, smooth and glassy, like the shore break before the midmorning onslaught of finned boogie-boarders. A definite love-for-the-ocean theme continues with "No Ke Ano Ahiahi," originally a chant recalling King Lunalilo's sail to Maleka (America) across the deep blue. In "Hula o Makee," the Malulani searches for the Makee whieh wrecked on a reef

at Kapa'a, Kaua'i. Rarely performed in its entirety, the story is mueh richer in Ka'awa's complete rendition. " Keawa 'ula" reminds us that Yokohama Bay actually has a native name, meaning "the red harbor." "My Sweet," by Sylvia Ka'awa, Mike's mom, shows that talent in the Ka'awa family abounds. "E Hele Kāua" reveals a special plaee where the

waves break at dawn and the oeean shimmers in the sunlight. "He ihona, he pi 'ina, he kaolo, 'o ka 'anapau aku ho'ikau!" Nuff said ... Noting his years of experience, unpar-

alleled mentors and supportive family, Skylark Rosetti writes, "His Kl hō'alu, or slack key, is unmatched, and the versatihty of this well seasoned 'Hwn boy' is awe-inspiring. Mike Ka'awa's dedication to his roots and Hawaiian music has given us guidance and direction for the music of Hawai'i today." ■

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By Manu Boyd

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