The Rise and Legacy of 80s Bands Popular in Hawaii

If you’re from Hawaii, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard of 80s bands that have become fixtures in the local music scene. These bands’ music still resonates with people today, despite the 40-year gap between then and now. While it might seem like a distant memory for some, for others, the era was pivotal. This article will delve into the noteworthy 80s bands popular in Hawaii, their impact on the music industry, comparisons between them, examples of their music, and advice for anyone looking to pursue music in Hawaii.

Noteworthy 80s Bands Popular in Hawaii

Kalapana

Cecilio & Kapono

The Peter Moon Band

Olomana

Country Comfort

The Mana’o Company

Kalapana

Kalapana was formed in 1973 and gained popularity in the early 80s with their hit “Naturally.” The band consisted of Mackey Feary Jr., DJ Pratt, Malani Bilyeu, and Kirk Thompson. Their style blended funk, rock, reggae, and R&B elements, making them a unique sound in Hawaii’s music scene. Kalapana disbanded in the late 80s but has since reunited to perform at concerts across Hawaii.

Cecilio & Kapono

Cecilio & Kapono, also known as C&K, is a duo consisting of brothers Cecilio and Henry Kapono Ka’aihue. The band was formed in the early 70s and gained significant popularity in the 80s with hits like “Friends” and “Sailin'”. C&K’s music is a blend of soft rock and Hawaiian music, creating a sound that is easygoing and light. The group went through several breakups and makeups before disbanding in 1984, although they’ve had several reunions since then.

The Peter Moon Band

Peter Moon was a prolific musician and composer who formed the Peter Moon Band in the early 80s. The band’s music is rooted in traditional Hawaiian music but also has significant jazz, rock, and pop influences. They had several hits throughout the 80s, including “Pua Lilia” and “Island Love.” Peter Moon passed away in 2013, but his legacy lives on through the music he created.

Olomana

Olomana was formed in the 70s by Robert Beaumont, Jerry Santos, and Haunani Apoliona. Their music features Hawaiian instruments such as the ukulele, slack key guitar, and bass. Olomana’s sound is unique because of its storytelling element, where each song tells a story about Hawaii and its people. The band is still active today, performing at concerts and festivals across the state.

Country Comfort

Country Comfort was formed in 1972 by Ernie Cruz Jr, Mike Kaawa, and Gaylord Holomalia. The band’s style blends Hawaiian and country music, which was unusual for the time. Their most popular songs include “Sunshine Blues,” “Waimanalo Blues,” and “New York City.” The band disbanded in the late 70s but had a reunion tour in 2010.

The Mana’o Company

The Mana’o Company was formed in the early 90s but drew inspiration from 80s bands like Kalapana and C&K. Their music is a blend of reggae, rock, and traditional Hawaiian music. The band gained popularity with their hit song “Drop Baby Drop” and continued to produce critically acclaimed albums throughout the 90s. The Mana’o Company is still active today and is a fixture in Hawaii’s music scene.

Comparisons between 80s Bands Popular in Hawaii

Despite their differing styles, all of the bands listed above had a significant impact on Hawaii’s music scene. Each one brought something unique to the table, whether it was blending Hawaiian and country music like Country Comfort or creating a storytelling element with Olomana’s music.

C&K and Kalapana are often compared because both bands achieved success in the same era and have similar styles. However, they also have distinct differences, with C&K’s softer rock style and Kalapana’s funk and R&B influences.

Peter Moon Band and Olomana are often compared because they both incorporate traditional Hawaiian music into their sound. However, Peter Moon Band has more jazz and pop influences, while Olomana features more storytelling elements.

Examples of 80s Bands Popular in Hawaii’s Music

To get an idea of what these bands sounded like, here are some examples of their most popular songs:

Kalapana – “Naturally”

Cecilio & Kapono – “Friends”

The Peter Moon Band – “Pua Lilia”

Olomana – “Ku’u Home O Kahalu’u”

Country Comfort – “Sunshine Blues”

The Mana’o Company – “Drop Baby Drop”

These songs are just a small sample of each band’s extensive catalog. Each one has its own unique sound and style that reflects Hawaii’s diverse music scene.

Advice for Anyone Looking to Pursue Music in Hawaii

The Rise and Legacy of 80s Bands Popular in Hawaii

If you’re looking to pursue music in Hawaii, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Know your audience: Hawaii’s music scene is unique because it blends traditional Hawaiian music with other genres like rock, reggae, and R&B. It’s essential to understand what type of music will resonate with audiences here.

Build connections: Networking is crucial in any music scene. Attend local shows and events, meet other musicians, and collaborate whenever possible to build your reputation and expand your reach.

Embrace the culture: Hawaiian culture plays a significant role in the music scene here. Incorporating Hawaiian elements into your music can help you connect with audiences and stand out.

Stay true to yourself: While it’s essential to understand what audiences want, at the end of the day, you need to stay true to your own style and vision.

Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, mastering music takes time and practice. Set aside time every day to work on your craft and hone your skills.

FAQs

Q: Why were 80s bands popular in Hawaii?

A: 80s bands were popular in Hawaii because they blended traditional Hawaiian music with other genres, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences.

Q: What makes Hawaiian music unique?

A: Hawaiian music is unique because it incorporates traditional Hawaiian instruments like the ukulele, slack key guitar, and bass, as well as storytelling elements that reflect Hawaiian culture.

Q: Are any of these bands still active today?

A: Yes, several of these bands, including Kalapana, Olomana, and The Mana’o Company, are still active today and perform at concerts and festivals across Hawaii.

Q: Can non-Hawaiians pursue music in Hawaii?

A: Absolutely! While understanding and incorporating Hawaiian culture into your music is important, anyone can pursue music in Hawaii regardless of their background.

Q: What other genres besides Hawaiian music are popular in Hawaii?

A: In addition to Hawaiian music, genres like reggae, rock, and R&B are also popular in Hawaii.

Conclusion

The legacy of 80s bands popular in Hawaii lives on today, with many of these bands still active and performing. Their unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music with other genres created a sound that resonated with audiences then and now. For anyone looking to pursue music in Hawaii, it’s essential to understand the culture, build connections, and stay true to your own style while embracing what makes Hawaiian music so unique