Archive for 'Featured Stories'

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.

Gabby Pahninui with family and friends | Courtesy Panini Records

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 at his home in Sunland, CA 2004. Photo © Peter Brenner, Mural by Tyrus Wong © 1955

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.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve is set in a verdant tropical valley on the north shore of the Hawaiian Island of Kaua`i. Against a backdrop of majestic Mt. Makana, the garden overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Photo: Courtesy National Tropical Botanical Garden.

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.

Steve Perlman, on the Kalalau cliffs on Kauai, Kauai. above Nakeikionaiwi. Photo ©Ken Wood

‘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

Gabby Pahinui

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

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.

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