Track Listing

1. Hawai'i '78 introduction
2. Ka Huila Wai
3. 'Ama'ama
4. Panini Pua Kea
5. Take Me Home Country Road
6. Kuhio Bay
7. Ka Pua U'i
8. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. La 'Elima
11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu
12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
13. Kaulana Kawaihae
14. Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
15. Hawai'i '78

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #154 in Music
• Released on: 1993-09-01
• Number of discs: 1

Album Description
There's a smart balance of traditional Hawaiiana and contemporary tunes on this CD. There's heart-tugging warmth along with unexpected chuckles. The end result is a candid, honest reinforcement of his vocal breadth.

Amazon.com
To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's popularity in his native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38, attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo'ole's body lay in state in the state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor. Kamakawiwo'ole's appeal lies in his love for prestatehood, precondominium Hawaii and the expressiveness of his gently passionate voice, which can float through higher registers with an ease that brings Johnny Mathis to mind. Several selections ("Ka Pua U'i," "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i," the sun-kissed "La 'Elima") feature Kamakawiwo'ole in a traditional mood, using only his ukulele to adorn the charm of his native lyricism. Others, such as the Jimmy Buffett-like "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" add playful contemporary touches that suit Kamakawiwo'ole's style. Most touching are the string-backed laments that open and close the album, "Hawai'i '78 Introduction" and "Hawai'i '78," initially a reflection on his father's death, later on the passing of Hawaii's native culture. Best known is his medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which played over the closing credits of the film Meet Joe Black. --Terry Wood

About the Artist
Born in Honolulu in 1959, this son of a Ni'ihau mother returned to Ni'ihau to spend the first five years of his life with his Tutu Kane, his Grandfather. In 1964 he returned to Oahu to join his immediate family then on to Makaha on the Waianae Coast where Israel was to learn the importance of his Hawaiian heritage and discover the richness and mystique in the music and culture of his islands.

With an ukulele, his constant companion, Israel would sing and play for anyone who listened.

The texture of his voice, the songs and the sound of his resonant ukulele constantly create the feeling that a new, musical Hawaii is emerging. Yet, the basics of his musical inventions remain embedded in the rich, warm, musical soil of his Ni'ihau and Makaha Kapunas. Band members:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole-ukulele, lead vocals
Mel Amina-bass
Mike Muldoon-percussion
Gaylord Holomalia-keyboards
Del Beazley-guitar
Roland Cazimero-guitar

Customer Reviews

INCREDIBLE MUSIC AND AN AWESOME PRODUCT AND SERVICE.
This is truly a great product and it makes one feel like they are on the islands.

IZ Music
It was an good CD, but I thought it had the best hits from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. The customer service from the store was great, sending on time and in perfect condition, I just didn't like the CD.

i must be weird-i bought this for hawaii '78!!!
This is a wonderful album of modern Hawaiian music, both traditional and new. The only song that doesn't belong is Take Me home, Country Road, although Iz tackles it well and suites it to his style. All the songs are well done, but Iz doesn't need synthesizers and orchestration; he's at his best when it's just him and his ukelele, like White Sandy Beach of Hawaii. And the next time you listen to Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, take note; it's just Iz and his ukelele!!