Hawaiian Awa
Heard on “Living on Earth” – Kava is one of the top selling herbal supplements in the world. It was one of the original plants that Polynesian settlers brought to Hawaii over 1,000 years ago, where it is known as awa. While the plant was once banned in the Hawaiian Islands, these days it’s making a comeback.
Remembering A Legendary Hawaiian Musician
Heard on NPR -Gabby Pahinui is known as the “Father of Modern Slack Key Guitar.” He was a driving force behind the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance of the 1970s. Since Gabby died in 1980, three of his sons have been carrying on his musical legacy. But one of them, Martin Pahinui, passed away last year, and now it’s up to the next generation to carry on the tradition.
Tyrus Wong: Chinese American Artist Broke Barriers, Reached Back Centuries to Create Bambi
Heard on Voice of America – A look back at the inspiring legacy of Tyrus Wong, who’s best known for creating the look of the film “Bambi.” He passed away at the age of 106.
‘Moana’ Making Waves Around Globe
Heard on Voice of America – Disney’s animated movie “Moana” is riding a wave of popularity around the globe.
Ancient Hawaiian Farmers Offer Lessons in Sustainability
Heard on Voice of America – Explore how Limahuli Garden and Preserve can be a model of sustainability for Hawaii and the world.
‘Rock Star’ Botanist Rappels Down Cliffs to Save Hawaii’s Rarest Plants
Heard on Voice of America – ‘Rock Star’ Botanist Rappels Down Cliffs to Save Hawaii’s Rarest Plants
Soundtracking “The Descendants” With “Real” Hawaiian Music
Heard on NPR – The Oscar-winning film “The Descendants” is the first Hollywood movie scored entirely with Hawaiian music.
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. Watch and listen to an audio slideshow.
Obama’s Hawaiian Getaway
Heard on Weekend America – After months of non-stop campaigning, presidential candidate Barack Obama returns to Hawaii, where he was born, to enjoy time with his family and friends, and rejuvenate.
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, this time for Best Music Video DVD of the Year.
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.
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’s been 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. Her legacy continues to touch many people 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 Pahinui.
Billy Higgins
Heard on NPR – Billy Higgins was one of the most recorded jazz drummers in history. He also nurtured a new generation of musicians and co-founded “The World Stage,” a cultural center in Los Angeles.
Hapa
Heard on NPR – Hapa is the Hawaiian word for half, and it’s often used to refer to someone of mixed race. Hapa is also the name of one of Hawaii’s most popular bands. The musicians chose the name because one is a native Hawaiian and the other a native New Yorker. (Profile of the founding members of Hapa.)
Heidi Chang
Heidi Chang is an award-winning multimedia journalist, who produces stories about Hawaii and the Pacific Rim for radio, TV, digital media and print. As a reporter, producer, host and anchor, she’s contributed to local, national and international media.
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Sharing The Joy Of Meeting The Dalai Lama in Hawaii
Hawaii Tales Blog - For four days, the Dalai Lama participated In an extraordinary cultural exchange with the people of Hawaii.
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. Her legacy continues to touch many people today.
Requiem for a Hawaii Jazz King: Remembering Gabe Baltazar
Requiem for a Hawaii Jazz King: Remembering Gabe Baltazar Published in Jazziz Magazine, July Digital Edition, July 3, 2022 By Heidi Chang Click here to view this story in Jazziz Magazine (Subscription required to read online) When Gabe Baltazar Jr., the most influential jazz artist in the history of Hawaii, died on June 12, it marked […]
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