Focus Hawaii Doug Nawahine
Files
Download TRANSCRIPT_H-629_FocusHawaii_DougNawahine_19941011.pdf (76 KB)
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Description
Hosted by Chad Compton, this 1994 episode of Focus Hawaii features Doug Nawahine, a North Shore musician whose life story blends Hawaiian heritage, mainland upbringing, family devotion, and a deep love of music. Doug reflects on being born in Honolulu, raised in San Francisco and Fremont as the youngest of ten children, and eventually returning to Laʻie at age sixteen when his parents came home to live out their final years. He shares how music shaped his entire childhood—his father played and sang freely as a gift of service, his mother and siblings contributed their talents, and Doug absorbed it all before discovering East Bay soul, blues, and funk during his teenage years. After moving back to Hawaiʻi, he performed with college friends as the “Smiling Souls,” later building a long career entertaining at hotels including the Sheraton Waikīkī and Turtle Bay Resort. He discusses the meaning and responsibility of performing Hawaiian music, the importance of learning the language, and the joy of passing cultural traditions to his children—one daughter learning ʻukulele and his son competing as a hula dancer. Charming, warm, and candid, Doug speaks about adapting to pidgin, communicating with audiences, balancing family life with late‑night performances, and remaining grounded in the values handed down by his parents. The episode includes Hawaiian renditions of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “Silent Night,” showcasing the musical heritage he continues to preserve and share.
Length of Video
00:29:38
File Size
1.7 GB
Archives Call Number
22.FH
Air Date
Fall 10-10-1994
Keywords
Chad Compton, Focus Hawaii, Doug Nawahine, Hawaiian musician, North Shore music, Turtle Bay performer, Sheraton Waikiki entertainer, Hawaiian Christmas music, Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian language learning, family musical tradition, East Bay soul and funk influence, San Francisco Polynesian Ward, Laie community, Kahuku High School, Smiling Souls band, multigenerational music, hula dancing, Hawaiian identity, pidgin English, local musician profile
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities
Recommended Citation
Compton, Chad and Nawahine, Doug, "Focus Hawaii Doug Nawahine" (1994). Focus Hawaii. 40.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/40