The 11-track album features a number of Hawaii’s top artists; some of whom created original compositions specifically for the CD. Joining Ho, Kahiapo and Johnson on the musical compilation are The Makaha Sons, Tia Carrere, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Pali, Herb Ohta, Jr., George Kahumoku, Jr., Steve Sano and Kaukahi. A special bonus track contains a music video of never-before-seen whale footage set to Ho’s original slack key composition, “Kai Palaoa.” All of the musicians donated their work and time to raise awareness of the importance of Hawaii’s ocean resources and the need to protect them.

“Kai Palaoa, in the poetic form of the Hawaiian language, means the place where two currents meet,” said Naomi McIntosh, superintendent of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary, which provided support for the CD.  “It is this definition that inspired this musical compilation, with the goal of supporting education for the future of our ‘One Ocean’ that connects us all.” 

Priced at $15, Kai Palaoa is available at the Waikiki Aquarium, Hanauma Bay and music retailers island-wide.  A portion of the proceeds will support Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s education programs.

Kai Palaoa was made possible with the support of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation through the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund.  Other supporting organizations included the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration – Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and the Waikiki Aquarium.