Keola Beamer (b. Keolamaikalani Breckenridge Beamer) is a master of Hawaiia… Read Full Bio ↴Keola Beamer (b. Keolamaikalani Breckenridge Beamer) is a master of Hawaiian slack key guitar playing. The composer of "Honolulu City Lights," one of Hawaii's top selling songs of all time, Beamer was one of the first to blend traditional Hawaiian chants and instruments with contemporary influences. Representing the fifth generation of musicians in his family, Beamer traces his roots back to King Kamehemeha and Queen Ahiakumai, 15th century rulers of Hawaii. Beamer's great grandmother, Helen Dasher Beame (1882-1952), was one of Hawaii's most prolific songwriters and an influential hula dancer. Beamer, who began his career accompanying dancers at his mother's hula studio in Honolulu, recorded many songs composed by his ancestors. After studying classical guitar in high school and college, Beamer taught private students and wrote a method book, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, that was based on a 16th century tablature system for the lute.
Beamer's debut album, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style, was released in 1972. Although his first ten albums were released on small independent labels and distributed only in Hawaii, Beamer has widened his following since 1994. His most recent albums -- Wooden Boat, Moe 'uhane Kika (Tales from the Dream Guitar) and Mauna Kea, White Mountain Journal, released on George Winston's Windham Hill-distributed label, Dancing Cat -- have been included on Billboard's Top World Music Albums chart. Beamer's fourth album on Dancing Cat, Kolonahe: From the Gentle Wind, is scheduled to be released in April 1999. Beamer resides in the old whaling town of Lahaina on the island of Maui.
Beamer's debut album, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style, was released in 1972. Although his first ten albums were released on small independent labels and distributed only in Hawaii, Beamer has widened his following since 1994. His most recent albums -- Wooden Boat, Moe 'uhane Kika (Tales from the Dream Guitar) and Mauna Kea, White Mountain Journal, released on George Winston's Windham Hill-distributed label, Dancing Cat -- have been included on Billboard's Top World Music Albums chart. Beamer's fourth album on Dancing Cat, Kolonahe: From the Gentle Wind, is scheduled to be released in April 1999. Beamer resides in the old whaling town of Lahaina on the island of Maui.
Kalena Kai
Keola Beamer Lyrics
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@Dontfear365
I lived in Haaula on Oahu from 80 to 85 this really brings back some memories of the best years of my fading life. Aloha
@randyhanson837
Understanding our ancestors becomes easier when you realize they saw the ocean and the land as never aging compared to themselves. Understand how it must have felt to see, this mountain, or ocean or land anywhere, and think it will never change and it will be there for you and your descendants for the end of time. I would certainly fight to have and keep that.
@ianohyes
Hear this song at the honolulu airport all the time, and even at the hotel lobbies. Never gets old. Love it.
@enilegnave21
Almost 9 years ago, when my child was but an infant, we would soothe him to sleep in a front pack to the lilting strains of Keola Beamer and we were all blessed. So nice that The Descendants has brought his music to the attention of so many more people. Mahalo, Keola.
@chrisk8078
This song makes me dream……
@sugahsim3138
Love this beautiful melody. First discovered it on The Descendants soundtrack. 'Imi Au Ia 'Oe is another of Beamer's on that cd. The whole soundtrack is gorgeous and reminiscent of all that is beautiful & peaceful about the stunning Hawaiian islands. We just returned and miss it already.
@welles2002
I love this film and the music is all Ive been listening to the last few days since the cd arrived its beyond anything i could say
@Ibdman2000
LOVE THIS SONG! So peaceful :D
@mrs.m.8649
Calming. Relaxing. 💕💕🌊🐬
@43Marjorie
I actually found the recording on a Windham Hill album, Summer Solstice. Also, it is on the sound track for the movie "The Descendants." Thank you so much for sharing it here on YouTube.