Top 10 Hawaii funk and soul albums of the 1970s and 80s

Aloha Got Soul uncovers the 10 must-listen albums from Hawaii's bygone era of soul and funk.

Indie Honolulu record label Aloha Got Soul’s founder Roger Bong has been dropping the needle on 
rare and out-of-print local music for over six years now, unearthing sounds from Hawaii’s grooviest era: the 1970s and ’80s.Since documenting, digitizing and 
dispersing relatively unknown made-in-Hawaii recordings on his blog, it’s blossomed into a definitive 
contemporary guide to music from the times, along with some…

This silent film of the Hawaiian Islands from 1924 shows a way of life that once was

Prepare to be transported back in time to a bygone past in this archival video.

Prepare to be transported back in time… Hawaii in 1924, specifically.In this silent film simply titled “The Hawaiian Islands,” black and white waves lap against the shores, people shop at the Japanese-owned stores in the city district, workers tend to sugar canes plantation fields in the hot sun, Hawaiians pound poi and surf the high-rise-free beaches of Waikiki—showcasing a way…

This potential Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument expansion will make it the largest protected area on the planet

In September 2014, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) south of the main Hawaiian Islands, currently the largest marine reserve in the world.Now, an environmental group is encouraging the President to use those same executive powers to expand another reserve, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM), that protects the waters around the…

This video of ‘Hawaii Aloha’ is the most moving version you’ll see

Dozens of noteworthy local artists are joined by more than 1,000 keiki (youth) from 10 Hawaiian charter schools for this rendition of a timeless song.

A timeless Hawaiian mele (song) receives a beautiful live version spanning the Islands. Seriously, stop what you’re doing and take a real life moment to pause and press play for this.Cyril Pahinui.Dozens of noteworthy local artists—like Cyril Pahinui, Ledward Kaapana, Paula Fuga, Imua Garza and Kimie Miner—from across genres come together and are joined by more than 1,000 keiki (youth)…

15 Hawaii animals that need their own Pixar movie already

Hawaii is home to so many cute and endearing creatures that Pixar could base all of their movies for the next decade on them.

Hawaii is home to so many cute, unique, fascinating, enigmatic, endearing … and did we say cute? … creatures that Pixar could base all of their movies for the next decade on them. Here’s a little about each and some possible adventures fit for the silver screen.1. Hawaiian monk sealJust look at that face! This earless seal is an endangered…

Never-before-seen octopus discovered off Hawaiian Islands

The adorable octopod was spotted by a remotely operated vehicle collecting geological samples from the ocean floor off Necker Island.

Four thousand meters below sea level, scientists encountered what researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are calling the deepest dwelling octopus yet discovered.The octopod—a small, pigment-less looking thing just a few inches wide—was spotted while the remotely operated vehicle, Deep Discoverer, was collecting geological samples from the Pacific Ocean floor northeast of Mokumanamana (Necker Island).NOAA adjunt scientist…

4 cool behind-the-music facts about ‘Mele Kalikimaka’

Unknown facts about the iconic Hawaiian Christmas song.

“Mele Kalikimaka” is perhaps the most iconic Hawaiian Christmas carol, ever!Here are four quick facts about this “Merry Christmas” song that you may not have known about, but should.1.  OG ComposerRobert Alex Anderson composed this song in 1949. The Punahou School and Cornell University graduate also wrote “Lovely Hula Hands” and “Punahou.”2.  Hawaiianized Translation“Mele Kalikimaka” is a “Hawaiianized” translation of…

How to throw a Christmas luau

Use the lyrics of a classic Hawaiian carol as your guide.

The Hawaiian carol, “Christmas Luau,” is a classic song in heavy rotation during the holiday season in Hawaii. It was written and composed by Leonard Hawk, who also wrote other iconic songs like “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.” Here is a video of “Christmas Luau” below performed by Pure Heart. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow:…

6 Hawaii Christmas songs to deck your halls this season

Whether it’s a holiday classic with a Hawaiian spin or an original Christmas song from Hawaii, these jams will get you feeling hauoli (jolly)  during the season. 1. “Christmas Luau”Performed by Pure Heart .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%;…