They are pioneers of Hawaiian music, setting a standard with their melodies and contributions to the Hawaiian culture that still resonate today.

Some of the 2008 Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame inductees will be honored postmortem, others will be performing Tuesday night at the Lei of Stars celebration at Hawai'i Theatre.

Among the performers taking the stage will be honorees Palani Vaughn, Ka'upena Wong, John Lake's Halau Mele and the Leo Nahenahe Singers. Also being honored are inductees Joseph 'Ae'a, Elizabeth 'Alohikea, Albert Nahale'a, Alice Johnson, Kihei Brown, Anuhea Brown and John Keola Lake.

Inductees were chosen by a selection committee that looked at the artists' influence on the development and recognition of Hawaiian music. They also consider the impact of an inductee's own original style, the length of time they have been involved in promoting and perpetuating Hawai'i's musical culture, and their overall influence on composition and performance.

2008 INDUCTEES

Albert Po'ai Ka'ula Kukui O Kamehameha Nahale'a

Alice Angeline Johnson

Anuhea Audry Brown

John Matthew Keola Maka'aina Naka Lahui Oka Lani O Kamehameha Hae Kolu Lake

Joseph Kapaeau 'Ae'a

James Ka'upena Wong Jr.

Thomas Kihei Desha Brown

The Leo Nahenahe Singers

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Kahau Kauanui Alohikea

Frank Palani Vaughan Jr.