Born and raised in Hawaii. After I moved away to a place where it’s dog-eat-dog, rat race, every man/woman for themselves environment, I realize how precious, lucky, and thankful I am to be able to grow up in a beautiful place and simple life where friends, family, community and enjoying beaches, mountain streams and the beauty of the islands are what’s important. I keep the calm and laid back attitude in my heart with me and let others around me stress themselves out over trivial unimportant things. Anyone can go to Hawaii, but not everyone can say they are from Hawaii and know truly what the Aloha Spirit means and carry it in their heart.
I lived in Hawaii back in the 70s, in Kahaluu, and it was peaceful and beautiful. But I also felt the justifiable anger towards my race and outsiders, there, as well. After my father was hit by a car and killed there, due to the unbearable traffic as a result of the heavy Oahu population, I felt that I should return to the mainland, as my presence was only contributing to the commercialism and pollution of the islands. And Honolulu has much of the same crime and problems of Mainland urban centers, thanks to the invasion of the outsiders since the 1600s.
We last kanaka are watching the last light of our blood and people these are the last generations we have almost gone the way of everyrhing else.... to say that something is hawaiian is the same as endangered or extinct..... breaks my heart knowing i cant afford to live in my home.. but id rather stay away than watch whats left of our people be destroyed by poverty, while they lose family homes.... than get marched off home... the generation the aloha finally died.......
@@christophergramling4898 Christ, Jesus said to hate evil, brother, and I HATE that I agree fully with you since delusion has replaced island-Mystery !!!!
This song touches my soul...makes me remember growing up on Oahu in the 70's and 80's swimming at Ala Moana beach, going to Kapiolani park, watching Checkers and Pogo after school and Kikaida, eating manapua and shave ice. Those were innocent times. And though the world and things change, my memories of those wonderful days stay and I will always consider Hawaii my home no matter where I am in the world.
+D Chang - Came to Hawaii for UH back in 70's and left for Mainland before 9-11. Everytime the plane coming in to HNL airport, I still feel that I am coming home. Do not feel that strong any other places that i went.
+Jah Boize I'm not sure that, I know what I'm doing, I wanted to make a comment, about a comment, about a song that brings tears of long past dreams......
My husband and I were listening to these guys sing in a restaurant in Honolulu when he proposed in front of my parents and asked my Dad for my hand. My Mom got so excited, she jumped up to hug us and knocked her hot Irish Coffee into Tom's lap. Amidst the confusion, my Dad said deadpan, "You can still back out, you know". They are all gone now, but I can close my eyes and remember how excited I was at that moment. I love the guitar in this .I love you, Tom. Dad and Mom.
When my sisters were younger my dad used to play this song through the speakers while we ate dinner. He would sing along to the lyrics while the sun could be seen setting through our dining room window, the light summer breeze would flow in through the open doors and the small sounds of birds chirping could be heard outside. "Last night I dreamt I was returning..." I can still see him singing those words and I'm so happy that I have this song to remember him by. I love and miss you, dad.
John Kasinger I miss home so much. I dream I am back home in Kailua nearly every night. I live to see that dream come to fruition. Love and Aloha to My Hanai bothers and sisters C. Yvette Benton
i listen to this song because I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming and I am a rare breed. I am half native american, and half Hawaiian my name is jonah and i have a message for you, yes you reading this commment, i am separated from my native land and treated as any other equal person. i miss hawaii and i plan to return to oahu waimanalo hawaii. (we all need one another, the gift of aloha comes from the heart.) simply put these lyrics speak volumes of what we desire.
I come from Kona, Hawai'i and my roots run deep in the Aina I call home. I worked in Yellowstone for 2 years and all I could feel was the deepest Mana in that Aina. Though it was Aina I was foreign too, I felt the Kupuna of those areas took me in as a brother of a similar culture and of a similar struggle. Aloha, Braddah 🙏🏽
You are a good person….you speak from your soul. Waimanalo waits for your return to the Hawaiian Islands. Further there are many families in Hawaii who are Native Americans. I believe some Native Americans is on Big Island. In the 1800’s, Ships mainly travelled from Europe passing through dangerous Cape Horn to the Pacific Ocean. my grandfathers oldest brotherJoe Soares(real name is Goulart Silva) a Merchant Mariner died Cape Horn. American ships travelled from the Northwest to Foreign Countries. My grandfather Christian Soares belongs to the Barrett Family whom quite a few were Merchant Mariners. My Uncle Christopher (Sonny) Soares said his father Chris lied his age and became a Merchant Mariner at age15. Aloha Waianae Girl!
Occasionally I have cried hearing some songs. But, I have never cried so many times to any other song. This one never fails. Every note contains the essence of Hawaii.
I’m not Hawaiian…my family is from Guam. But we love this song and we certainly feel it’s meaning. It holds even more meaning now for us, as it was one of my dad’s favorite songs. I cannot help but cry as I reminisce about him and living “down home” in our small village during the 1980s, while singing along to this song. Something about missing home…the time when life was simpler when you were younger, and when your family was still together. Gets me every time.
I remember descending Olomana, leaping like a mountain goat from boulder to grass, from pathway to tree, flying, one with the 'aina, breathing the mountain air, māna flowing freely, my spirit glowing. I awoke from a nap on the floor of the ironwood forest at the foot of Olomana to rejoin the others, who had descended along the trail in the traditional way, when they arrived there near the road to return to civilization. I know I am not as I was when I left Hawai'i, and I know that Hawai'i has changed, but I know we will accept each other as we are. Bimeby perhaps I will return. Then I shall again be in Hawai'i as Hawai'i has always been in me.
This is spiritual for me, nothing tops the music of Hawaii for me. I grew up in Maunawili, one picture window I woke up to Olomana, the other window the Pali. Gods finest work. I miss it so. I pray I can get back to Hawaii as soon as I can. In the mean time I can listen to this music. Aloha ke Akua.
My parents live in Maunawili. They moved there many years ago from Kaneohe. Mauniwili is God's Country. I now live in Seattle and get to visit HOME in Hawaii.
I also grew up in Maunawili , next to the bridge going up the road into the country and the newer homes just across the street . My cousin Dean got me listining to Olomana and Country Confort , he became a muscian and played at the ChartHouse in town for more than 30 years ! He just passed away last year and song will alway have a special place for me !
I’m reading through the comments and I can’t help but cry. Our way of life is changing so drastically and I feel nothing is being done to preserve it. I see so many out there who’ve been forced to move away from our home, our land, and most importantly what makes us, us. Come home and let’s stand together to take back and preserve our way of life. Aloha aina!
Born and spent my youngest years in Puna. Grew up in seattle, got enough for a downpayment and now i’m getting ready to come back home. Preserving our lifestyle and culture is important
Leaving for Washington in few months…hart is broken and I’m no longer welcome in the island I was born. As a living relative of king David a queen lily farewell my Hawaii I will no longer be laid to rest in my birthplace.
It also gettn me thinkin 'bout grin'din lomi salmon, poi, pipikaula, portagee sausage, rice, porkhash, & mounds of laulau, with guava juice - ice cubes inside da cup. Then top it off drink hot Kona coffee with kulolo Ohmahgawad!!!! I die go heavun.
I remember days when we were younger We used to catch 'o'opu in the mountain stream 'Round the Ko'olau hills we'd ride on horseback So long ago it seems it was a dream Last night I dreamt I was returning and my heart called out to you But I fear you won't be like I left you Me kealoha ku'u home o Kahaluu I remember days when we were wiser When our world was small enough for dreams And you have lingered there my sister And I no longer can it seems Last night I dreamt I was returning and my heart called out to you But I fear you won't be like I left you Me kealoha ku'u home o Kahaluu Change is a strange thing it cannot be denied It can help you find yourself or make you lose your pride Move with it slowly as on the road we go Please do not hold on to me we all must go alone I remember days when we were smiling When we laughed and sang the whole night long And I will greet you as I find you With the sharing of a brand new song Last night I dreamt I was returning and my heart called out to you To please accept me as you'll find me Me kealoha ku'u home o Kahaluu Me kealoha ku'u home o Kahaluu Me kealoha ku'u home o Kahaluu
This is one of those songs that prove you can travel back in time..to a certain year, a certain month, a certain day, a certain moment - even a certain second..and you can smell what you smelled, feel what you felt..and be there.....for just a little while..aloha -kuahiwi
My family's from Laie, but I was mainland born. Lived there from 1977 to 1980. Never was the same afterwards. I dedicated this song to my wife Melissa who passed away in 2007 from breast cancer. The song speaks to my heart and gives comfort to my soul. A hui ho Ka mea ohi nani, a hui ho.
One of the best songs ever written or sung. I was living on Maui when I first heard Olomana do that song on the radio. I was so moved I had to pull over....I thought I was dreaming because I had just heard the most beautiful song ever. I remember that moment like it was yesterday.
You know what I feel the EXACT SAME way my guy , I wish i could hear it for the first time again as that was one of the best experiences of my life. I deadass listened to this song on loop for over an hour while on a boat. Anyways love from the Caribbean 🤙🏾
@@charlesm.9858 Charles. My dad is from Da Valley Isle and a graduate of Liahinanluna High School. My youngest sister a graduate of Maui High School. No doubt...Maui no ka'oi!
This song eases my soul for some reason. I’ve never been to Hawaii and I have nobody in my family that is Hawaiian. But I have always wanted to go there or live there. I have really bad anxiety most of the time. When I’m stressed out or I can’t sleep, I put this song on and it immediately makes me feel very happy and makes me remember the very few good times that I had as a child. Makes me appreciative towards life. It also helps me sleep.... no kidding. I’m out like a light and snoring before the song is even over lol. Much love to you all.
Then when this Covid is over, you get yourself a plane ticket, and CV one visit these island(s)...I'm on Oahu, by the way, I live in Kahaluu....I'm looking at the ocean, its beautiful, peaceful, and I am not a local, but I was blessed to work here in 1979...I'm still here....so Aloha to you, I'm glad you are comforted by the sounds of Hawaii...May the Peace of God continue to Bless you. Aloha, Tom Mestas
I live on O'ahu for 11 years, my guess with slack-key guitar or a lot musician from Hawai'i is the music based on pacing of the Tradewinds. I think it's why you find is southing. It like being up camping at Kahana bay and hearing the trade rustling sound in plam fronds all night. For example Arthur Lyman grew up in HNL and even if Yellow bird is faux Polynesian the tempo is same as more serious musicians from the era (like Gabby Pahuni) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mv1GpoaSzxQ.html
Every note of this magnificent song plucks at my heartstrings. I lived on Maui for 35 years and i am so homesick for Hawaii there are no words to convey how much i miss The majestic beauty, the magnificient hearts of the hawaiian people & those beautiful islands. I love every song Olomana ever recorded, that Jerry ever recorded but this one remains very special and deeply cradled in my heart forever. Beautiful Hawaii i love and miss you so much... someday i hope to return and never leave again.
I sit here in Fresno, homesick for Hawaii, this song takes me right back to where I grew up. Doing all these things as a kid before the many changes occurred. It was a magical place to grow up. . .aloha aina...
This lovely island home we all live in, just isn't the same as it used to be. The newer generation are losing touch with their roots, and aloha is a thing of the past. Cling dearly to those memories, I remember a day and time when these islands stood for something more than what this state has become. But I carry the aloha with me, in my heart, and I spread my mana'o everywhere I go, in hopes of rejuvination. I miss that energy I used to feel in everybody I would meet, oh how I wish I could go back. Aloha from Big Island!!
+Rose Swearingen Yeah I know... Me too... I live in Portland Oregon these dayz... But, I feel that our culture never left any of us and still to this day and beyond it will always will be with you.
Wow. Have lived in Clovis for the past 11 years (Missouri a few years before Clovis). Left the 50th back in '02. Never really got homesick. Until a couple of years ago. Been back the past couple of years. Hard to leave and return to the Central Valley...
Speed Racer, Princess Knight Checkers and Pogo-bobbing for apples, Professor Fun, making thos upside down glasses with your fingers, eating a donut from a string, etc. Great memories! Life was simple back then and everything was a heck of a lot cheaper-Horlicks, Astro pops, Pez, candy chockers, Ovaltine, cinnamon toast for snack, musubi, vienna sausage, and carrots for lunch. Soda-25cents.
+Brent Perry I learned to dance this song, Kupuna Saffrey in Lahaina at Kam 3 school, it came back, I always cry when I hear this even if I only do the hand movements..chicken skin.
I don't recommend being homeless on Oahu anymore it sure has changed since the late 90s cops don't let you sleep anywhere and the ice addicts took over all of Waikiki
One of the best gifts the Air Force has given me over the last 16 years of service is 3 years living on the islands. It was my first base and I still miss it there. I loved the people, culture, the island life and especially the music. There was never an unhappy song. Even if I couldn't understand the lyrics, the music itself made me happy.
I am born and raised in Hawaii. When I was at AIT for the army, 6 months away from home, I’d listen to these songs whenever I got homesick to soothe me. Would bring a tear to my eyes whenever it was just me alone at CQ during the night.
You should look into Abby Martins (empire files) report about what the military base (cant recall which island/area) is storing underground, what I believe is mass amounts of jet fuel that is now seeping through after 60 or so years of storage since the cold war. Which has devastated local water supplies and wildlife.
@Beauty Disguised as Truth I heard something about that. It's from WWII if I remember right. A fuels storage broke down and is seeping into the ground water. It's sad that they did all that stuff back then without thinking what the long term effects would be.
I grew up near Kahalu'u and always will remember being a kid and spending my weekends there. I'm 53 now and there is not a day goes by I dont think about my dad and my ohana growing up in Honokohau. The most valuable thing we have is time with our families. Aloha ke akua!
Tears and fond memories...parents lived in Kahalu'u. Got married in Kahalu'u. This is one of my all time favorite songs. Getting chicken skin listening to it now.
When I visited Hawaii for the first time ever from Papua New Guinea..I felt I had come home..it was as if I knew the soul of this land and it knew me...I realized many islanders feel this way about Hawaii..When I hear this song a type of deep inexplicable melancholy sense of homesickness washes over me...beautiful Hawaii..you will always be a special spiritual home to us..
Last night I dreamt I was returning And my heart called out to you But I fear I won’t be like I left you Me kealoha ku’u home o Kahalu’u Love this song. Jerry Santos sang & wrote it beautifully.
Grew up on Maui and I miss it so much. Listen and cry to great Hawaiian music. I really wanna go back, brahdda, to the old days before condos and mansions. I want cane fields and skinny dipping in Kihei.
problem is, the old days had operation Green Harvest, more social problems, and less tech and medicine. I get what you're saying though, gentrification hasn't been kind to Maui
I am blessed to live in the beautiful mountains of Park City, Utah; but I constantly miss Hawaii. Once Aloha gets into your blood, it never leaves and ever beckons when you're away. Working on a plan to get back...permanently.
Ur lucky park city is amazing, the town ski lift and the town life is amazing i hate hawaii theres nothing to do and its just a giant tourist attraction now
I tried to go back last October...Oh My. Everything has changed so much. Still, I found peace and some of the Olden Times on the Island of Moloka'i. But don't tell anybody!
Good luck..da windward side is still country. People who hate da aina don't know the true spirit of da land da people and of course da ohana. ...you can do it brahda! Live your dream. One life.
just a child of Hawaii 90's baby with so much aloha and mana to give the world today. mahalo ke kapunas. my weaknesses became my strengths. Hawaii Oahu is where I'm from ewa to waipahu to waianae to wahiawa forever a local boyy in the the mainland
Aloha my people I remember this song growing up in nanakuli in the 70s my pops and family playing olomana and now missing my mom and pops. I always make sure that my kids today love and honor olomana
My mother is from Nanakuli! We would move back and forth from California to Hawaii and vice versa. Spent a good amount of time there in the '70s. It was rough being the first hapa haole in my mothers family but have fond memories of life in Nanakuli.
This song touched so many of us growing up in Hawai'i Nei. For me it was in the valleys along the Hamakua Coastline. Our playground was vast and we would stumble across hidden waterfalls filling swimming holes with clear, cool water.
Back when kids could be in the front seat my dad would pile my sister and I in an old beat up Chevy pop in the Cassette and we would listen to it forever. It became one of my favorite songs. Funny I remembering the old days about a song that remembers the old days and.
oahu.. 1965-1967 back 1968-1974 back 1976-1977 now indiana, want to know what i really miss? the koolaus , every morning to wake up and see the clouds and waterfalls.. and the smell of nuuanu pali drive,the eucalyptus.... and the smell of white ginger flowers......
Having lived in Hawaii for 14 years, off and on since the 80's and hearing from my grandparents who went before me about so many sad changes, this song tugs at my heart. The lyrics are also so true for anyone wondering about "going back home" wherever that home may be. And also about one's life too "when our world was small enough of dreams." The quintessential Hawaii song, "Ku`u Home' has multiple layers of meanings and Olomana is just beautiful.
Been in the mainland (Seattle) since 1984. This song takes me back. Listening to KKUA while building my plastic model dune buggy. Miss Kailua, Enchanted Lakes. Under the shadow of Mt. Olomana.
Wow!! I just got chills down my back. I have *not* heard this song since almost 40 yrs ago. When my birth-family use to live in Kaneohe, O'ahu. That's how old this *great awesome song* is. =)
This is the song that SPOKE to me about being Hawaiian. The first time I heard it, my transformation from Haole to Kanaka began. My "Kama'aina Birth" Song, so to speak. So Powerful. Mahalo - Jerry & Robert \ooo/
this beautiful song always takes me back in a time wen friends and family would gather and actually had fun together wit no fuss and fights!.. Aloha to my home Big Island.. Me Ke Aloha Ku'u Home O Honoli'i...
70's Makiki, Waipahu, Makakilo, Ewa Beach, Hau Bush, Waimanalo, Kailua, Diamond Head Crater fest. weekends in Waikiki on Kalakaua. Laie. Yes this song takes me back to a place that runs deep in my veins. Mahalo Olomana. Aloha...
My family moved from Samoa to Kalihi. Lived there for four years. Then moved to Kahaluu for my high school years. No matter how many times I’ve moved, “me ke aloha kuu home o Kahaluu”
I lived in Kahaluu during my high school years, also! Graduated Kailua High, in 1972. I had a district exemption to go to Kailua High. I loved Kahaluu so much. The most beautiful place, anywhere. And the local people were so kind and full of aloha. If only the real Hawaii could be preserved the way it used to be. Mahalo. Hau'oli La Pakoa!
My most favorite song in da world. It always brings me back though I'm no longer on the islands. I pray to return before I die to my heartland. "Me ke aloha ku' u home o' Oahu"
Missing what was and will never be again. Good times good friends even if I go back home...its not home anymore. that is gone...thank you my brudahs for the songs...they are forever ;0)
growing up on the Waianae coast in the 70s and 80s, this was one of the staple songs before even FM100. miss it. living in texas now. big difference in culture but Waianae will always be home. Aloha
advhutch Yeah I left Maili 20 years ago... Ever since I have been stuck in Portland Oregon. Their are a diverse culture here but, there are also a culture that keeps it to themselves... Personally I really don't like it. I miss maili/Waiane and tumble land the a lot. That was my homeland.
This song is powerful. The most powerful song that evokes a flood of emotions from my heart and many memories of growing up and not realizing what a blessing it was to have the opportunity to be there at the time. Now days I'm stuck in UTAH. lol
Kawika Chun The brothers. And sisters Gathering at Puas house in Hswaii kai after paddling for Hui Nalu At Maunalua bay.Eating stew and rice,chili also with plenty mayo. Listening to Olomana singing Kahuluu. Memories of all us Hawaiians together enjoying life together . Aloha and Malama Pono.
Makes me miss what I had before. I had a family on the beach in Hawai’i on North Shore. Mom would play since when we had parties, luau and just get togethers with the whole compound of 12 units. Those volleyball games, dogs playing on the beach, Bon fires at night, platform in the wall where we played games, firework wars with the neighbors 😂 who had the most bad ass 🤪, and when the food was sooo Ono 😋 Now that’s all gone but at least I have the memories
I’m married to a Hawaiian man and have come to his home many times during our 35 years together. We loved taking my mother in law to the old Chai’s at Aloha tower to hear Jerry Santos perform. He was always very gracious and came to give her a hug and dedicate a song to her. I fell in love with all his music, but this was always my favorite. My mother in law had to leave her beloved islands to live with us in California when she could no longer care for herself at 96. She passed away this last December, at age 102. We brought her ashes home to be buried next to her husband and daughter. My husband and I are listening to this lovely song, getting choked up. Beautiful memories.
Few songs have the power that this song does to bring back the feelings of nostalgia in a flood of memories....... Every time I play this song I am overwhelmed with emotions; for the Hawaii of the 60's and 70's; before everything changed....
your sentiments touch my heart. I have been to Hawaii 22 times and I feel like its my second home. I wish I could've experienced Hawaii the way you explained it. So beautiful.
Olamana has always been one of my favorite Hawaiian groups. Along with Iz, and Cecilio&Kapono. This is beautiful! They sure don't make music nowdays like they did back in the 70"s.
I was stationed in Pearl Harbor for 4 years. In short, I got involved with the culture and the people. It was so hard to leave when the time came. yes I married one of the islanders from Wailua and still have family on island today. With all that has happened since (even a return trip in 2016) for my brother in law's funeral. I can say no place feels the way Hawaii does. I miss it so much. And like so many other listeners here on YT, I too have a hard time controling the tears. Hawaii.... you will ever be inside me and never leave.
I'm from California . I feel like I have that Hawaiian Spirit in my heart . I have only been one time in 2007 . I loved it .. I wish to go back again . Nice song .
I am back in Lahaina, but am feeling heart sick for the old songs like this one, which points out how undeniable changes are and that we can't hold back time even though I would love to relieve my time in Hawaii.
driving up to Waimea from Kailuha....looking at the Ranch fields draped in golden morning light and listening to our car radio playing this song...I looked at my beautyful wife and I was thinking...are the small hairs in her neck standing up too?
