A stocking full and then some of Hawai’i-created and inspired CDs, DVDs and books are awaiting last-minute Christmas shoppers in stores across Kaua’i. Selling well across the world, as well as on Kaua’i, is the new Lilo & Stitch DVD
A stocking full and then some of Hawai’i-created and inspired CDs, DVDs and books are awaiting last-minute Christmas shoppers in stores across Kaua’i.
Selling well across the world, as well as on Kaua’i, is the new Lilo & Stitch DVD and video from Disney. The DVD contains images of Kaua’i in a digital tour of Kaua’i plus a lively lesson in doing the hula, and a look at the art of animation behind the film. The Hilo Hattie store in Lihu’e is offering some unique Lilo & Hattie clothing and beach items for diehard fans of the animation.
The Mountain Apple Company recording label in Honolulu has put out a gem of a double Christmas songs CD album titled “Jack de Mello Instrumental Christmas Classics”. The CD features traditional Christmas tunes, along with ethnic favorites from Hawai’i and around the world, and makes for great background music for a Christmas celebration or just easy listening.
“Iz – The Man and His Music” and “Iz – Hot Hawaiian Nights” are two new DVD packages also release by Mountain Apple Company. The Man and His Music features the late, great Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole playing live music at various locations on O’ahu, as well as at the remote fishing village of Miloli’i on the Big Island. The Hot Hawaiian Night compilation offers two televised concerts feature Iz, Roland Cazimero back by a band of local musicians. The shows were broadcast in 1993 and 1995.
One of the most interesting books of the season with a Kaua’i twist is “Elvis in Hawaii” from the Bess Press in Honolulu. The picture book documents the story of Elvis Presley’s visits to Hawai’i to make films and to perform on stage. Kaua’i is featured as a location for the film “Blue Hawaii,” a film that was Elvis’ most popular feature film. The book was written by veteran writer Jerry Hopkins and offers an excellent look at Presley and the bygone eras of pop music in Hawai’i the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, including a tribute to local songwriter Kui Lee.
A new book is “West Kauai’s Plantation Heritage,” a cook book and more that captures the flavors of 20th century plantation life on the Westside. Authentic recipes culled from period cook books, as well as elderly informants who lived the plantation life make the book both a good source for recipes and local history.
You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy Eddie Would Go by Stuart Holmes Coleman from the Mind Raising Press in Honolulu. The book is a biography of the late legendary surfer Eddie Aikau, a surfer who helped pioneer and perfect modern big wave riding in Hawaiian waves. Aikau’s reputation as one of the best of the best Hawaiian watermen lives on. Author Coleman gathers the details of the life behind the legend, as well as documenting Aikau’s truly legendary feats of wave riding.
