There’s nothing like flying back to Honolulu after a long trip — or better, after living away — and seeing Oahu’s south shoreline from the airplane window.
Even after a quick jaunt to a Neighbor Island, that nostalgic feeling washes over me.
And it makes me think of that Kealo and Kapono Beamer song, “Honolulu City Lights.”
The chorus plays in my head. “Each time Honolulu City Lights, stirs up memories in me. Each time Honolulu City Lights, will bring me back again.”
Listen — and watch — the song here
Every time I hear it, I’m hoemsick — and I live here!
It made me think about those Hawaiian songs I’d listen to while living in Chicago (particularly in the wintertime). Topping my list were Olomana’s “Kuu Home O Kahaluu,” “Good Times Together” by Ceclio & Kapono and “Flying” by the Peter Moon Band.
For some reason, these songs make me ache to be home.
I thought about these songs while reading Honolulu Magazine’s “25 Greatest Albums of the New Century” and wondered why these classics are so timeless.
Maybe I’m getting older. I hear you get more nostalgic with age.
So I’m throwing it out there: What songs make you think of and miss Hawaii?
16 Comments
Hello Cat,
Almost any song by Kalapana will do it for me.
This is going to date me but.. I don’t know if it was an actual song or just for the Hawaiian Tel commercial and it goes like this:
“Far away and out of touch
People I know I love so much
I do believe this ocean
Is far too wide for me
Thinking back to times with you
There’s nothing else I’d rather do
I do believe this ocean
Is far too wide for me… ”
The commercial has a girl go away to college and feeling homesick and finally her mom calls. It reminds me of my college experience in Seattle, before cell phones, texting, email, etc.
Of course, “Honolulu City Lights” and “Island Style” by John Cruz, also.
It is an actual song even though I also think about the commercial when I hear the song. It’s Far Too Wide For Me by the Peter Moon Band. I love this song too.
Thanks! I couldn’t figure out the name or who it was by. I was searching all last night
oh and “Flying” by The Peter Moon Band
The Sunday Manoa – Kawika
Does anything say Hawaii more than Peter Moon jamming the uke and the harmonization’s of the Cazimero brothers?
Kealii Reichel – Kawaipunahele
Nathan Aweau’s “Place Called Hawai`i”
Danny Couch’s “These Islands”
Na Leo’s “I Miss You My Hawai`i”
I Miss You, My Hawai`i – by Na Leo.
Home In The Islands – Brothers Cazimero
Na Kuahiwi `Elima – Brothers Cazimero
Keola and Kapono Beamer – Honolulu City Lights
I agree with M, anything Kalapana.
Also, Akaka Falls by Keali’i Reichel and White Sandy Beach by Iz
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Iz
I have that Honolulu City Lights album, and love music by the Cazimeros, too. In fact, that’s background music at my parties.
Honolulu I am Coming Back Again by the Sunday Manoa.
CAT: When I was living in Europe, my sister sent me the Honolulu City Lights album when it broke out. Needless to say I had tears streaming down my face as I sat and listened while it was snowing outside in the cold dark night. That song from then on has made me very moved when I hear it. I rarely hear it at karaoke…I would have a hard time trying to sing it.
I have been so homesick for the past 8 years on the mainland… this past week it has been really bad. Really bad. So…
You have no idea how much this hits home today. No idea. Watched H5O this morning on the PC, had no time last night. The opening scene sitting on boards off Waikiki tore me up. Blubbering like a fish.
To answer the question:
1) Anything by Bruddah Iz but especially Somewhere and Hene hene Kou ‘ Aka.
2) Slack key from Ledward Ka’apana and others
3) and I hate to admit it…the theme music from H50
I WANT TO GO HOME.
Hawai’i 78 or Hawaiian Supa Man by Bruddah IZ
Also “Aloha Friday” by Kimo Kahoano. Will be tomorrow for sho.