Na Palapalai: Masters of Modern Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar

Na Palapalai is a contemporary Hawaiian music trio celebrated for their lush vocal harmonies and mastery of the slack-key guitar tradition. Hailing from the island of Hawaiʻi, the group has become a staple of the modern Hawaiian music scene, with their 2005 album ʻŌʻō earning a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album.

Early career

The group formed in 1999, rooted in the musical upbringing of its core members, cousins Keao Costa and Kehau Tamure. Their foundation was built on the family tradition of leo kiʻekiʻe (falsetto singing) and the intricate finger-picked styles of kī hōʻalu (slack-key guitar). They began performing locally, quickly gaining attention for their authentic yet fresh approach to Hawaiian standards and original compositions.

Breakthrough

Na Palapalai's major breakthrough came with the 2003 release of their sophomore album, Makani ʻOluʻolu, on the Poi Pounder Records label. The album was a commercial and critical success, firmly establishing them as leading voices in the genre and winning them the first of several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Its popularity demonstrated a strong market for traditionally-grounded Hawaiian music performed with contemporary polish.

Key tracks

ʻUlupalakua — This beloved track from Makani ʻOluʻolu showcases their signature harmonies and became an instant classic at live performances.

Lei Pikake — A standout from their award-winning album ʻŌʻō, this song highlights their skill in composing new melodies that feel timeless.

Pua Lilia — This track exemplifies their ability to beautifully interpret and revitalize older Hawaiian melodies for a new generation.

Kaʻahele — A later release that continues to receive consistent radio play, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their sound.

Following their breakthrough, Na Palapalai maintained a consistent output, releasing albums like Nā Honu and Hawaiian Blossoms. They have collaborated with numerous pillars of the Hawaiian music industry, including the legendary Cyril Pahinui. Their dedication to cultural preservation through music education and workshop participation has further solidified their role as important cultural practitioners beyond recording artists.

Fans of Na Palapalai's harmonious and gentle island sound also enjoy the music of Kealiʻi Reichel, who shares a deep commitment to Hawaiian language and poetic lyricism. The contemporary slack-key brilliance of Ledward Kaʻapana provides a similar instrumental focus. The group-style harmonies and modern production can be heard in the work of Hōkū Zuttermeister. For those who appreciate the fusion of traditional styles with contemporary flair, the music of The Green offers a reggae-influenced counterpart.

Na Palapalai's catalog is a regular feature on Hawaiian music and island-style radio stations across the dial. Their songs are programmed alongside both classic and contemporary Hawaiian artists on dedicated FM stations in the Pacific region and on specialized online streams that focus on world music and indigenous sounds. Independent music radio stations with a cultural focus frequently include their work in rotation.

The music of Na Palapalai, a premier group in the Hawaiian music genre, can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their rich harmonies and slack-key guitar mastery by tuning into the Hawaiian and world music stations available on onairium.com.