Hawaiian Son
The Life and Music of Eddie Kamae - Sons of Hawai‘i

Measured by the many teachers Eddie Kamae has met along the way he and author James D. Houston have charted Eddie’s very personal odyssey across the backdrop of twentieth century Hawai‘i. The book generously illustrated with historic photos and drawings in sepia and black and white, Eddie tells of the dancers, musicians, story-tellers, elders and kupuna who have guided him in his lifelong quest to reach the sources of the rich musical traditions of Hawai‘i and reclaim his own cultural heritage.

The book explores the origins of the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissnace through Eddie’s life and career as a singer, composer, inspirational performer, teacher and filmmaker. It includes memories of Eddie’s family and formative years in Honolulu and Lahaina, his early development as an instrumental virtuoso, and the story of his pioneering band, The Sons of Hawai‘i. It also focuses on the evolution of his second career as director of the documentary films in his award-winning Hawaiian Legacy Series. A leading force in the Cultural Renaissance of the past thirty years, Eddie’s insights document and illuminates disappearing cultural traditions and old Hawaiian ways.