Panini Puakea: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures the exact sound that modern audiences expect when they hear 'Hawaiian music,' mixing authentic traditional pieces with beloved contemporary hits and novelty standards. The inclusion of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's interpretations alongside classic recordings by Don Ho, Bing Crosby, and Jack Johnson gives you repertoire that spans decades while maintaining cohesive island instrumentation and mood. Guitar chord grids make it accessible for players who want to accompany singers without needing to arrange from scratch.

Relaxed, warm, and inviting. The arrangements carry the gentle rhythmic sway and harmonic richness you hear in island music without requiring complex technical passage work. Whether you're playing a slow ballad like 'Aloha 'Oe' or an upbeat novelty tune, the instrumentation and voicing create an immediate sense of place and mood.

Singers and pianists who need reliable, audience-pleasing Hawaiian repertoire for recitals, community events, or casual performance settings. Guitar players can use the chord charts to join in as accompanists. This book works for anyone from intermediate pianists comfortable with lead sheet reading up through experienced performers seeking curated material that bridges traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.

• Balance the vocal line over the piano part; these arrangements are written to support singers, so the accompaniment should enhance rather than overpower the melody.
• Use the chord grids to add rhythmic dimension on guitar if you have an accompanist available, particularly on slower, more meditative pieces where strumming patterns can establish the tropical feel.
• Pay attention to the lyrics when learning pieces like 'Hawai'i '78' and 'Over The Rainbow'—Kamakawiwo'ole's interpretations carry emotional weight that benefits from intentional phrasing and breath placement.
• Familiarize yourself with both the original recordings and any alternate versions in this collection; knowing how different artists have interpreted the same song will inform your own stylistic choices.

Program these pieces in recitals where you want to shift the emotional tone toward something lighter and more accessible, or build an entire concert around Hawaiian repertoire for a themed event. Smaller pieces work well as encores or palette cleansers between more demanding classical selections. Singers can pull individual songs for recital programs, while pianists might use this as a source for both solo and accompanying work.

• Reading lead sheets with chord symbols and chord grids
• Interpreting and accompanying vocal melodies
• Understanding and performing swing and island rhythmic feels
• Adapting arrangements for different instrumental combinations
• Working from both melody and harmony simultaneously