Kaukamalama Feedback

"Just wanted to send my compliments about the new feature on your website, Kaukamalama. It's so wonderful to have such ready access to masters of Hawaiian culture. I'm enjoying getting back to ki ho'alu basics, as in the sweet piece 'Ale'a, slowing down to work on tone and technique. Putting myself back in that "beginner's mind" is something I try to do often--it's like going back to strengthen my foundation so I can keep building. Mahalo for this wonderful tool!"

Duke
Hana, Maui, HI

"I've enjoyed your lessons quite a bit. Therapy for the soul, mind and heart."

Peter
Carmel Valley, CA

"I can't believe I'm able to sit in my apartment in New York and play an engaging guitar duet with Keola Beamer. How uber cool is that? Thank You Thank You Thank You."

Tony
New York, NY

"I grew up in Hawaii, but never learned the song "Hawaii Aloha". It was really nice to learn the lyrics and meaning of the song from the flash video with Kaliko Beamer Trapp. I took out my ukulele and sang until my eyes filled with tears. I really miss Hawaii and for a moment, I was home."

Angela
Atlanta, GA

"I was worried that the video would be too small to see the finger placement on the strings, but it was fine. I enjoyed the lesson."

Martin
Las Vegas, NV

"Aloha KB, I just wanted to let you know that your lessons are a magnificent experience, easy for us beginners to follow. These last few days of study on your website has brought me back to a feeling of aloha that I remember so. Those of us who are fortunate enough to spend time in Hawaii, and be transformed into a loving relationship with local people and their Ohana's can only dream of a life that once was. Your Kupuna ,I am sure, are very proud of the way you share" KI Ho'alu" so that beautiful sound can be shared and felt. My friend George Ahuna of Oregon new how I loved Hawaiian music and started me on the baritone Uke, but when I picked up a guitar at a garage sale and played a little from your lessons, I found that I have become fully committed to spending as much time as possibe to just play what I could, and try to recreate that sweet sound. Mahalo for your lessons, mahalo for your books.

Aloha Nui to Muanalani, and your Ohana
A Hui Hou... "

Tim
Portland, OR

"Thank you!
Thanks for resending - I got it this time! And I'm very pleased. Nona and her lessons are just what I hoped for. A real breath of Hawaii and my childhood. She is just the person I want to sing to me and show me how to play.

I hope you all are doing well.
Many thanks,"

Karen
Unknown Location

Aloha,

Thank YOU for your quick reply and especially for the free lesson!
I have already finished the Kaulana Na Pua lesson, and I not only
enjoyed it but also learned a lot! Just great. I hope your
online program will grow with more lessons so that ki ho'alu
students all over the world can enjoy this beautiful music at home!

BTW, if there is anything else that I can, please let me know.
I will be very happy to be a part of your ohana with lots of
aloha spirits! Also, please give my regards to Keola and
Moanalani. My wife and I participated in the music camp once,
when you still had the camp on the Big Island.

Mahalo,
Aki
Tokyo, Japan

Thanks so much for your prompt reply. This is my seventh or so study piece from the Beamer 'Ohana.
Odly enough, I spent hours and hours studying during my recent vacation on Molokai. I am using Keola's on line pieces and both Mark Nelson's books, including their colaboration book. I have played the guitar for forty years and feel I have finally found music that suites my style and spirit. Molokai is truly a spiritual place and I fully understand why Keola hosts his camp there. My wife studies ancient Hula and we attended the Hula Piko. She was fortunate enough to share in the night chants and dancing with Kumu John ke'anuenu Ka'imikaua and his group as they offered prayers to the female originater of Hula on Molokai. Her spritual experience was powerful and life altering. His loss is palpable to us and we share with all who miss his teaching, sharing and guiding.

Something is leading us forward and we are eagerly following. Again thanks for your reply and Keola's generous sharing of his music and thoughts.

Aloha and Mahalo,

Lawrence 'Larry' Larson
Oyster Bay, Olympia Washington

I love the video. It is worth at twice the price!

Greg
Falcon, CO