Hapa-Haole Hulas

Released in 1970 on the Hula Records label, Hapa-Haole Hulas by the Kahauanu Lake Trio represents a significant moment in the preservation of Hawaiian music. The album emerged during a period of cultural resurgence in Hawaii, as artists sought to honor the hapa-haole tradition—songs written in English about Hawaii—which had been popularized during the early 20th century. By this era, the trio had established a reputation for sophisticated arrangements that remained faithful to the mid-century sound while appealing to a modern audience.

The album reflects the trio’s signature style, characterized by their intricate vocal harmonies and Kahaunau Lake’s precise, jazz-inflected ukulele work. Produced under Donald McDiarmid Jr.'s Hula Records, the record was designed to showcase the trio's ability to blend classic island melodies with professional, polished instrumentation. Upon its release, it was well-received by listeners who valued the group's technical skill and their commitment to maintaining the lyrical elegance of the hapa-haole genre, securing their status as masters of the contemporary Hawaiian sound.