As director of the Royal Lahaina Resort Lu'au Show, I was not satisfied to choreograph the hula; to costume the performers; to write the script to synchronize the musicians; and to direct the sound and light cues. I gave myself yet another challenge - a l u'au show with all original music.

As lu'au show director, my goals have always been not only to entertain, but also to educate people, both malihini and kama'aina, about the Hawai'i culture and the history of these islands. I chose to write the majority of the songs in English for the sak e of interpretation; and prior to this recording I have only written one song in English. That was "Night Blooming Cereus," record by Jerry Santos on "Expecting Friends".

Most of these new compositions speak of my fascination with the beauty of Maui. Other themes include the paniolo and the integral part that ranching has played in Hawai'i's economy, and Hollywood and its interpretation of the hula.

Although this music is not traditional, as my previous works are, it reflects my versatility and my dynamics as a Hawai'i. I believe my culture will not end in any museum, and I believe that I am an extension of my past and I represent the continuity for tomorrow's future. I refuse to be an "artifact" that is put on a shelf to commemorate past history. I want to be all that I can be.

Kawaikapuokalani K. Hewett

Na Mele

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• Sweet Lahaina Night
• Lei Ana 'O Maui
• Te Tiare
• 'Ulupalakua
• Maui Mountains
• Lahaina Ku'u Home
• The Magic Of An Ancient Song
• A Lei Of Island Flowers
• Hollywood Hula
• Kaulana Na Cowboy
• Ka Wai Lehua 'A'ala Ka Honua

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