When it comes to ‘ohana, Kaua‘i, music and traditional Hawaiian values, there are two local Kaua‘i-grown sisters who bring that out through the music they play together. Lokelani Tabian and Lisa Nobriga were born on O‘ahu but raised on Kaua‘i.
When it comes to ‘ohana, Kaua‘i, music and traditional Hawaiian values, there are two local Kaua‘i-grown sisters who bring that out through the music they play together. Lokelani Tabian and Lisa Nobriga were born on O‘ahu but raised on Kaua‘i. They are grateful and have an appreciation for Kaua‘i. As I interviewed one of the sisters, Ms. Lokelani Tabian, she said “Kaua‘i has that simple life and is less populated than O‘ahu, that’s why I love it here.”
So what is the ladies’ story and what do they do? It wasn’t too long ago that Lokelani’s fiancé, who is currently deployed in Iraq, told her to follow her dreams after singing him the song “Climb.” Listening to her love, she joined up with her best friend/sister and began her music journey. After talking among themselves, the sisters started to jam that traditional Hawaiian and contemporary music by singing and playing their fine-tuned ‘ukuleles to the visitors who come here. And if you listen closely, you can hear them harmonize so perfectly because, being sisters, they have similar tones. They are aware that most tourists don’t know the true Hawaiian values or music, so with every chance they have, they educate others through their songs. Watch them perform unplugged and a capela every Thursday nights at Kalapaki Joe’s in Lihu‘e from 6pm-9pm. They love to perform covers like “Beautiful Kaua‘i,” but don’t let that fool you. These sisters are talented beyond the cover songs.
For instance, along with 10 other local artists here on Kaua‘i, Lokelani has a song she composed called “My Boyfriend,” which is the first cut on the album called “Local Vocal Kaua‘i Style.” That album was put together by Art Umezu. He created that album in hopes that it would showcase Kaua‘i’s local talents like Lokelani Tabian, and you can find it at amazon.com or any other online music store.
As I get deeper into Lokelani’s story, she explains to me that she and her sister wouldn’t be making their music without the love and support they have been getting from their parents: Wil and Jaye Tabian. But most importantly, Lisa says, “I would like to acknowledge and honor our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with our gift and talents in singing and music. Our strong faith in Him gives us our sweet and loving personalities. We are so grateful for this opportunity to share our music at Kalapaki Joe’s.”
When I asked Lokelani what their dreams or goals for their music are, she said, “We would like to create a CD for the tourist to take back with them.” They’re very talented and ambitious singers who love to share their faith and music with others. They want to help others learn how to say and use Hawaiian words properly, being of course that they are part-Hawaiian. At Kalapaki Joe’s, they teach visitors the different styles of toasts, like “mabuhay,” which is Tagalog for “long live,” and the Hawaiian version, “okole maluna,” which means “bottoms up.” They have fun with the crowds there, and the crowds leave with ono food, traditional Hawaiian music and a new way to toast.
To learn more about their music, you can check out their YouTube channel called “Ms.Loke4eva.” Or just go check them out live and unplugged in Lihu‘e at Kalapaki Joe’s every Thursday night from 6p.m.-9p.m. Learn how to Hawaiian-out and get your ‘ohana to bond more with these sisters; they will show you how to have a great time on Kaua‘i one Hawaiian song at a time.
