I will be going to oahu next month and i am interested in buying some hawaiian music. I would like to know if it is cheaper to buy it there or buy it at home at amazon.com. or someplace else? Also are there any artist that i can only get in hawaii?

Cant help you out with prices but I shop occasionally at mele.com for music gifts. Great selection. Goodluck.

Here's a recent thread with some suggestions:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34839162

Next month, as in September?? You know that September is the height of the Aloha Festivals, right? You'll see a lot of free cultural stuff all month long:
www.alohafestivals.com

Not to mention performances by local artists. At Aloha Tower Marketplace, we'll be featuring up-and-coming artists Manoa DNA and Brittni Paiva. www.alohatower.com

Hawaiian CDs can be found very reasonably priced in the music sections at Borders Books, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and K-Mart -- and most of these places also offer listening stations for some of the titles.

Tower Records (behind Ala Moana Shopping Center) is rumored to be closing, so you might get some bargains there.

But remember...whatever you purchase, you will have to lug back on the plane with you. The good news is, I know a very good online retailer who can personally help you out, should you decide to purchase more CDs after you get home. 8-)

Go to the Aloha Stadium Flea Mkt, there are several booths there that sell sealed CD's at VERY reasonable prices and usually have a good selection

To get yourself in the mood for your trip, buy the CD from "IZ" (Israel Zxxxx - I don't remember his last name)

Get one of his two CDs with "Over the Rainbow"....the one that went platinum. I think its the one before his death.

Whats a dollar or two more from amazon.com. You can always pick up more at Costco when you get there.

Also, the Tongan Choir from St. Augustine's By the Sea church (next to the Marriott)in Waikiki has a CD. I have no idea what they are saying, but its acapella. They also have another CD set to music, but its not as popular as I am told. It is sold in their office or after 5pm Mass on SUNDAY when the choir sings. Note: somewhere on the web it says that the Tongan choir is on Saturday, NOT.

Olga, his name is Israel Kamakawiwoole.

If you are planning a visit to Wal Mart or Costco during your trip, their Hawaiian CD prices are about the cheapest. They are also available at Borders and elsewhere but their prices are higher.

I've been listening to IZ's album Facing Future constantly for about a month now. Its fantastic, and will definately put you in the mood for your trip.

We have been able to find quite abit at Borders here at home they also will order it if they don't have it. Try some Hapa, Keali'i Reichel or Raitea Helm.

We've found a lot at Borders and through Amazon, and the prices seem comparable.

As for recommendations, I like Beamers (still like Honolulu City Lights) and Brothers Cazmeiro. oldies but goodies.

Spend a buck or two more and support your local record (CD) store, or pretty soon you won't have a choice BUT Amazon, Border's or Best Buy (or Wal-Mart).

IZ is my vote, "Over the Rainbow" cd is my fav but buy a cd now and get in the Aloha mood, go for it!!

I've bought a few CD's from this site http://www.buyhawaiianmusic.com/ in the past. My wife loves the "Kekai Boyz" who we heard while grabbing some lunch in Punaluu.

Saw the May Day show at the Waikiki Shell this year we really enjoyed the showmanship of Brothers and their music. Some of Iz's earlier stuff with the Makaha Sons has popped up here and there.

It's too late; local stores are long gone, and Borders etc. have been only choice for a while.