Kaukahi “Life In These Islands” is the debut CD from a new group that is destined to become a household name in Hawaiian Music. “Life In These Islands” sings of the lifestyle, aloha spirit, and beauty of our island home, Hawaii.

This 12-song debut CD features a guest vocal appearance by Jack Johnson, on Kaukahi’s Hawaiian Contemporary version of Jack’s original tune “Constellations”. Kawika Kahiapo has performed with Jack at his Kokua festivals statewide, as well as being a guest slack key artist on the Curious George soundtrack. Also, appearing on this CD is Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom on a duet with Barrett Awai titled Lei Ho’okahi. In this song, the descriptive use of Lehua blossom and Fern tree, are symbols of two lovers being united as one. Multi hoku-award winning song writer, Frank Hewitt also contributes an original song “He Waiwai Nui”. Barrett Awai’s “There Is A Way” is a personal testimony to God’s love and grace in his life, and is a glimpse at the faith and foundation that leads and moves the men of Kaukahi.

Kaukahi (literally “singleness of purpose”) is Kawika Kahiapo (vocals, guitar), Barrett Awai (vocals, upright bass), Dean Wilhelm (vocals, guitar), and Walt Keale nephew of Uncle Moe Keale and Bruddah Iz (vocals, ukulele). These four accomplished musicians have come together to form a new group, blending Traditional and Contemporary Hawaiian sounds, nahenahe 4-part male harmonies, acoustic guitar, ukulele kani, Hawaiian Slack Key, with original compositions in Hawaiian and English. Whether singing, talking story, or laughing together, their synergy is obvious. Faith, and their love for one another, their families, Hawai’i, and the nations, is the common thread that keeps them bound with “singleness of purpose”