The Makaha Sons — Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, John Koko and Jerome Koko — have been a Hawaiian music and concert standout for three decades. This commemorative DVD, the group's first, provides hula embellishments to the trio's hypnotic harmonies, with the patter and chatter of "being there."

The Barry Flanagan and Nathan Aweau songs are performed as part of a PBS special. Hapa classics such as "Haleakala," "Lei Pikake" and "Ku'u Lei Awapuhi" are destined to be part of a Broadway musical, "Koa: The Polynesian Journey."

A century worth of memories, seen through the eyes and voices of prominent residents, recall a tiny city that flourished from humble agriculture roots to the contemporary tourism boom, from wartime history to changes resulting from statehood.

Five eminent Hawai'i performing acts — Keali'i Reichel, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Willie K, 'Ale'a, The Makaha Sons and Maunalua — perpetuate the Island culture by embracing Island music. All have graced the PBS station's "Na Mele" Hawaiian music series, from which 12 tracks have been collated to form an engaging cultural bracelet.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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