Four-time Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, and ki-ho‘alu master Kawika Kahiapo are just a few of Hawaii’s finest musicians to collaborate on a new CD dedicated to ocean conservation. Released in April, Kai Palaoa honors Hawaii’s deep and ancient connection to the ocean and encourages others to help protect and conserve its special treasures. Kai Palaoa was made possible through the support of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation through the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund.

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. 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 also 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 can be purchased through the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Sanctuary Store, as well as at the Waikiki Aquarium, Hanauma Bay and music retailers in Hawaii. A portion of the proceeds will support Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s education programs.

To download a sample track from the CD, right-click this link and "Save Target As"

Other supporting organizations in addition to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation included the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and the Waikiki Aquarium.

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