New Postcard Stamps Commemorate Hawaii’s Iconic Aloha Shirts
Hawaii Tales Blog – For decades, the Aloha Shirt has reflected Hawaii’s beauty, spirit and unique island culture. Now, they’re being commemorated on new U.S. postcard stamps.
Hawaii Bids Aloha To John Heckathorn 1946 – 2011
Hawaii Tales Blog Post - In a fitting tribute, Hawaiian music legend, Eddie Kamae, opened the memorial service for John Heckathorn tonight with a song. Heckathorn was a respected journalist, editor and teacher, also known for his engaging restaurant reviews, and his love of food and music.
What’s the story behind the music in the movie The Descendants?
Hawaii Tales Blog Post – As the Oscar race heats up, one contender has already won over fans in Hawaii, where the movie was filmed. And it’s not just because of its moving story, but also because of its soundtrack. Please tune in to find out more about the music behind “The Descendants” tomorrow morning on NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, January 8.
Happy New Year from Molokai
Hawaii Tales Blog Post – Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Hawaii Enjoys Financial Boost from TV and Film Productions
Heard on Voice of America – Hawaii is becoming a growing hub for TV and Film production thanks to the series reboot of “Hawaii Five-0,” and several recent movies, including “The Descendants.”
“Kermit,” the Hawaiian Monk Seal
Seen in Hawaii Photo Exhibit – “Kermit,” an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, makes a rare appearance on Waikiki Beach.
Surfing champion Andy Irons leaves a great legacy
Heard on NPR’s Newscast – In Hawaii, many are mourning the loss of surfing legend Andy Irons. He was 32. The Hawaii surfing champion died in Texas, on his way back from a pro surfing event in Puerto Rico. Irons was in his prime, and making a comeback.
Hawaii Ukulele Festival
Heard on PRI’s The World – Each year, Hawaii’s Ukulele Festival attracts thousands of people from around the world. Lately, the instrument is seeing a resurgence, thanks in part to musicians like Jake Shimabukuro, who headlined the 40th Annual Ukulele festival.
Father Damien of Molokai: Hawaii’s First Saint
Heard on AARP Radio – In 2009, the Belgian priest, known as Father Damien, was declared a saint for his extraordinary service in caring for patients with Hansen’s disease on the Hawaiian island of Molokai in the 19th Century. His spirit of compassion continues to inspire many worldwide today.
Kealii Reichel – Global Hit
Heard on PRI’s The World – When Hawaii’s highest musical honors, the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, were announced in 2008, Kealii Reichel won another Hoku in the Best Music Video DVD of the Year category. The teacher of Hawaiian culture and language also added to his collection of more than two dozen Hokus.
Bassist Lyle Ritz: Father of Jazz Ukulele
Heard on NPR – Ever since Lyle Ritz recorded the world’s first jazz ukulele album more than 50 years ago, he’s been called the “Father of Jazz Ukulele.” He recorded his latest CD, “No Frills,” all by himself on his laptop computer, playing both ukulele and bass.
Hike into a showcase of isle natural history
Seen in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin – You never know where a song or a hike in the forest will take you. Sometimes it can lead to another path.
Humpback Whale Song
Heard on Living on Earth – Ever wonder why humpback whales sing? Zoologist Jim Darling has been trying to solve that mystery. And he’s made some unusual discoveries.
Surfing Legend Duke Kahanamoku Gets A Stamp
Heard on PRI’s The World – Discover why surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku continues to inspire people worldwide and why he was honored on a U.S. postage stamp.
Nona Beamer: Hawaiian Elder (1923-2008)
Heard on NPR – Nona Beamer dedicated her life to preserving Hawaiian culture. She was a gifted storyteller, hula dancer, songwriter and teacher. Even though she died in 2008, her legacy continues to touch the lives of many today.
Wayfinders: Polynesian Navigation
Heard on NPR – When the Hawaiian canoe Hokulea was built in the 70′s, it helped spark a Hawaiian cultural renaissance and a rebirth in polynesian voyaging throughout the Pacific. The documentary, “Wayfinders: A Pacific Odyssey,” chronicles that revival and some of Hokulea’s early voyages.
Bla Pahinui
Heard on NPR – Hawaii is home to a legendary musical family –the Pahinui’s. Gabby Pahinui is called the “Father of Modern Slack Key Guitar.” Since his death in 1980, three of his sons have been carrying on his musical legacy. One of them is Bla, who has released a CD called “Mana.”
Young Cambodian Documents His Life in America – A.K.A. Don Bonus
Heard on NPR – After fleeing war-torn Cambodia in the 1970s, a young refugee escapes to San Francisco, where he goes by the name of Don Bonus. He documents his life and struggles in the film “A.K.A. Don Bonus.”
Keola Beamer – Tales from the Dream Guitar
Heard on NPR – The Hawaiian islands experienced a dramatic increase in large-scale construction projects over the past few decades. So much so, that many natives feared their traditional lands and culture were being swallowed up. In the 1970s, a group of artists and musicians launched an effort to preserve the culture. Keola Beamer is one of them.
Heidi Chang
Heidi Chang is an award-winning multimedia journalist, who produces stories about Hawaii and the Pacific Rim for radio, TV, print and online media. As a reporter, producer, host and anchor, she’s contributed to local, national and international news sources.
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Happy New Year of The Dragon! Wishing You Good Luck!
Starting the new year off with the sweet fragrance of the narcissus flower - a symbol of good luck and good fortune. Wishing you all that and more in the new year. Happy New Year of the Dragon! And Kung Hee Fat Choy!
