Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 704 - Moloka'i Sweet Home

Hawaiian Concert Guide – Show 704 Molokaʻi Sweet Home Music of Home, Heritage, Harmony... and a Journey into Exotica This episode of the Hawaiian Concert Guide celebrates one of the most enduring themes in Hawaiian music: love of home ('āina). From the quiet beauty of Molokaʻi to timeless Hawaiian standards, from contemporary voices carrying on the tradition to the fascinating world of mid-century Exotica, Show 704 takes listeners on a musical journey that explores how Hawaiʻi has inspired both those who call it home and those who dreamed of its distant shores. Our featured artists include Ei Nei, Eric Lee, Kaleo Phillips, Martin Denny, and Hoʻokena, creating a program that blends authentic Hawaiian music with historical musical perspectives. Opening Welcome everyone to another edition of the Hawaiian Concert Guide! I'm Piko, and this episode is titled "Molokaʻi Sweet Home." Tonight we're celebrating music rooted deeply in the Hawaiian Islands—songs about home, family, culture, and identity. Along the way we'll step briefly into the fascinating world of Exotica with Martin Denny before returning home again through the beautiful harmonies of Hoʻokena. So let's begin our journey... Ei Nei Molokaʻi Sweet Home Album: Ei Nei, Look At Us The show opens with a heartfelt tribute to one of Hawaiʻi's most beloved islands. Molokaʻi has long been known as the "Friendly Isle," famous for preserving traditional Hawaiian lifestyles and remaining largely untouched by mass tourism. Unlike Waikīkī or Maui's resort communities, Molokaʻi represents old Hawaiʻi—a place where family, fishing, ranching, and community remain central to everyday life. Musically, Ei Nei creates an intimate atmosphere using: rich vocal harmonies acoustic guitars gentle island rhythm restrained production Rather than emphasizing technical virtuosity, the performance allows the lyrics and harmonies to communicate warmth and belonging. The song immediately establishes the central theme of tonight's program: Home isn't simply where you live—it becomes part of who you are. Hiʻilawe (feat. Mālie Lyman) Next comes one of Hawaiian music's enduring classics. "Hiʻilawe" was written by the legendary Samuel Kalāinaina and celebrates the famous Hiʻilawe Falls in Waipiʻo Valley on Hawaiʻi Island. Over the decades it has become one of the most frequently recorded songs in Hawaiian music, interpreted by everyone from Gabby Pahinui to contemporary artists. Ei Nei's version is notable because it avoids trying to reinvent the classic. Instead they focus on: clean vocal blend