Hello,

I'm putting together a gift bag for the guests attending my wedding on Maui. I am interested in putting a CD of Hawaiian songs, and I was wondering if you can tell me who the popular music artists are? I realize Don Ho is a big one, but are there any newer ones that I may not know of? Also, do you have any other items that you would recommend I put in the gift bags?

Thanks in advance!

-pk

You could do a search on here for longer lists as this subject is discussed frequently but I don't believe Don Ho was mentioned ever.

Here's alist of some faves:


IZ - Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole - Alone in IZ World (Which has the famous over the rainbow version you heard on the ER where Dr green dies)

Or "Facing Future

Also Keali'i Reichel - Melelana

Lots of beautiful music.
Lucky guests!

Suzie, we got the Iz "Facing Future" CD on our first trip to Hawaii. Now, all the songs, particularly "Over the Rainbow" instantly transport me back to our fabulous vacation. Your friends will be eternally grateful.
And congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Maggi

Thanks for the heads up Maggi, Tho over the rainbow is on Alone in IZ world it is the version on Facing Future one that you'd recognize.

IZ, Kealii Reichel, Na Leo Pilimehana, Amy Gilliom, Willie K, Kapena. I would not put Don Ho on this list unless your guests are over 65.

Makaha Sons have a wonderful CD.

Aloha Pumakat, and congrats!
Saw an earlier post about leis for your wedding. You might also consider doing a web search for hawaiin tropical wholesale flowers and have them shipped to your hotel the day of....also, it will show you the wide variety to understand the $20 wedding planner fee. We love IZ....always brings me straight back to the islands between visits. And since you're making a gift bag, lovely gesture, might I suggest a lavender product from mauikulalavender.com........ I just sprayed my office with White Finer and Lavender spritz just to write you this. Great scent! Great Maui gift! Happy wedding,,,,,where?!

Raiatea Helm
Na Palapalai
Uncle Richard Ho`opi`i
Kamaka Fernandez
Hapa
The Brothers Cazimero
Ka`au Crater Boys
Fiji


And my new favorite: Kupa`aina

Since you mention "...a CD", I'm guessing you just want to give one to each guest...so a sampler CD might be a better choice than a CD by one particular artist.

I can personally (and professionally -- as both a retailer and radio programmer of Hawaiian music here on Kaua`i) recommend these "by various artists" CDs. Great songs, great musicians:
The Panini Collection
Pure Hawaiian
Pick A Hit Hawai`i
Destination Hawai`i
Chef Sakai: A Taste of the Islands
A Place Called Hawai`i - Vol 2

These should be available from your local music retailer, or online.

Thanks for the help! I'll look into getting one of these compilations. I only said Don Ho because my mother was a former hula dance teacher and she used all Don Ho songs and that's all I ever knew. Our wedding song is "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" - I believe there are several versiona by various artists such as Elvis and Don Ho.