Makawao Music
Turn of the Century
Maui was known for its “bragging” mele written beginning in the late 18th century, honoring its beloved places. This style resulted in the common phrase “Maui No Ka `Oi” or “Maui is the best.”
Malu I ke Ao, one of the most popular bragging songs, starts with Makawao:
Malu I ke Ao
To gather edible fungus
Is surely a custom of Makawao
And the ‘Ūkiukiu rain
Is its beautiful adornment.
Ohi e kai o ka laau
No Makawao no ia
O kau a Ukiukiu
Ohuohu no
The words of this bragging chant are used to this day in more modern form. They have been included in songs such as Haleakala Hula, Kuahiwi Nani and Makawao Medley, and performed by many musicians and dancers.
Alice Namakelua wrote this version of Haleakala Hula in 1941 and Uluwehi Guerrero performed Makawao Medley in his 2009 album.
All the mele listed feature Makawao. They range from drum chants to contemporary and all are recorded for our pleasure. two Makawao mele, Katchi Katchi Makawao and Olinda Road, have been included in albums named the 50 Greatest Hawai`i Albums by Honolulu Magazine.
Makawao Spotlight - Eddie Wilson and the Peterson Family
Eddie Wilson, A legendary musical master and entertainer, learned from his father that a good musician could play any tune, in any key, on any instrument. Eddie Senior and Junior competed to see who could learn to play the most instruments, calling it a tie at 26 when the violin stumped them both. Eddie did learn how to play the guitar and ukulele right and left handed, upside down and right side up. The ukulele and trumpet were his signature instruments.
Eddie Wilson was Parade Marshal of the Makawao Rodeo Parade delighting the town with his rendition of “call to Post” on his trumpet. Loved by many Eddie taught band at Hana and Kekaulike Schools.
Paniolo musicians, Bard Peterson and friends, included Eddie Wilson, inspired young Jeff Peterson to start playing music. Jeff remembers Bard playing Hawaiian songs, including “Hawaiian Cowboy,” and “NaAli’i” after a day’s work on Haleakala Ranch.
Wether loading up the truck for a fishing trip, or packing a guitar on a horse for a camping trip on the slopes of Haleakala, music was a way of life, a way to connect with friends and unwind.
The Petersons, a musical family, included J. Kalani Peterson who toured the U.S. and invented a notation and numbering system for steal guitar music helping to popularize Hawaiian steal guitar music world wide.
Mel Peterson, a popular songwriter musician on the Waikiki scene wrote Hapa Haole music, including “You’re at a Luau Now” and toured the US in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
Buddy Peterson, President of the Musicians Union in Hawaii from 1945-1970’s was able to negotiate fair pay for Hawaiian musicians at hotels in Waikiki and established standard pay rates for Honolulu Symphony musicians.
Jeff Peterson has been honored with many awards including five Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on the slack Key Artists of the Year. He was featured on two Grammy Award-winning recordings and received Grammy nominations for his CDs “Maui on my Mind” and “Amy Hanaiali’I” and “Slack Key Masters of Hawaii.”
