Hapa released its first CD in 1993, featuring the vocals and guitars of Barry Flanagan and Kauai native Keli‘i Kāneali‘i (kuh-LEE ee, KON-ee-uh-lee ee). Flanagan brought evocative lead guitar and vocals to the group, while Kāneali‘i focused on 12-string rhythm and lead vocals. The following year, their debut CD swept the 1994 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii‘s equivalent of the Grammy‘s) and went on to become the biggest selling CD by any group in the history of Hawaiian music. For the rest of that decade, Flanagan and Kāneali‘i continued to produced brilliant music, ranging from covers of classic Hawaiian surf songs to contemporary original melodies, adding their contemporary Hawaiian style to an even wider array of songs during live performances including favorites from the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel. In 1997, the group released a recording of U2's Pride (In the Name of Love) which overlaid a Hawaiian traditional oli (chant) from master chanter Charles Ka'upu, and the result was an instant hit. Ka'upu toured with Hapa thereafter.

Hapa performs Bob Marley's classic
"Redemption Song" during their PBS special

In 2001, Kāneali‘i left the group and Flanagan pursued other opportunities, but after a chance encounter with an amazing young bass player, Nathan Aweau, who had just scored his own solo hit, Flanagan re-formed Hapa. Aweau's wide range of smooth vocals, including an amazing Hawaiian falsetto, as well as his accomplished rhythm guitar and bass playing, instantly gave new life and dimension to Hapa. With Flanagan's undeniable flair and soaring lead guitar, Hapa set about creating the 7th Hapa album, Maui, which was released in 2005. The album featured three new Hawaiian language songs as well as covers of a Tahitian folk song, Papa E, and Bob Marley's classic "Redemption Song." While continuing their solo projects, Flanagan and Aweau have continued a busy touring schedule, bringing them to the mainland at least once a year. Throughout Hapa's history, they have brought along a wide range of guest artists on tour, ranging from state-winning hula champions to additional guitarists. Chanter Charles Ka'upu has been a regular addition on stage with Hapa, providing light percussion, backing vocals, and even the role of master of ceremonies to his moving Hawaiian chants. Aweau also maintains an active solo career, adding "Male Vocalist of the Year" awards at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2003, 2006 and 2007.

--J. F. Williams, March, 2010

For more information about Hapa, please visit the Hapa web site.