Hey all,

I hope this blog finds you well!

Man, oh, man...I know it has been AGES since I have been on this site...I really feel bad about it...I have been thinking about you all, even if I have been delinquent in communicating with you.

For those of you who live in Hawaii, you may have caught a little whiff in the news of some stuff going on with my family...I don't want to go into too much detail, but lets just say that things have been a little crazy...I've had to make a lot of trips to and from Hawaii and that has been distracting from my music...really, travel or no, the whole ordeal has just been distracting, period, so unfortunately things like my MySpace page have fallen by the wayside. It's not for lack of love of you though...just family stuff that couldn't wait. In the end, there are some things that just need to need your attention NOW, no matter what else you have going on.

At any rate, I've spent this week in the studio...my music partner Jim and I decided to do an acoustic album, which is turning out to be super fun! There were so many good songs that didn't make the cut for my "Listen Up" EP or the upcoming fully produced follow up EP (still untitled), so we decided why not just do some low-key acoustic recording with them and release a third EP? Between Jim playing all the instruments and me singing, we have already gotten 7 songs tracked since Tuesday, so things are going fast and we are having a great time! We're not sure if we'll release it before or after the fully produced EP we are finishing up right now, but at any rate, things are moving along. It felt so good to be belting my heart out in front of a mic again! I miss singing so much when I'm not doing it all the time.

Also kind of fun...I got a text from my friend Kelvin last night as I was leaving the studio that Sara Bareillas was playing the Hotel Cafe as a secret "special guest"...he's friends with her so I knew it was legit...so I went down there and lo and behold! It was her! I loved her music already (I was a fan when "Love Song" was just a piano/vocal demo streaming on her website) but she is SO GREAT live. I feel like her CD (though great) doesn't even do her justice. That girl can SING. Plus, I'm in piano lessons right now and Sara is an amazing piano player, so watching her rock out like that was very inspiring! I know you've heard her song, but if you don't have her CD, you should totally get it. The opening act was pretty killer too...it was this all-girl band called Raining Jane...very cool. Anyways, it was fun to be back at the hotel cafe...I haven't been since I played there, so it was fun to be in the audience and just enjoy a really great show at a hip venue...it was hot and sweaty as heck, but totally worth it. :)

Well my peeps...I promise I won't be so long away next time. Thanks for being patient and sticking by me. I'll check ya later...

Hoku*

Hey all,

As some of you may or may not know, today is the one year anniversary of the death of my Dad. I included below the words of my family and I...we wrote these paragraphs for a segment the local paper did about Dad.

I'd write more but it is hard to write anything today. I hope you understand. I love you all. Please enjoy my family's words.



HOKU HO (DAUGHTER):

It's hard to say something small and concise to say about Dad. As is well publicized, he lived an extraordinarily big, full life. Before Dad was gone, I am sorry to say that I didn't truly grasp the size and scope of his fame, his "iconic" status, his influence over the history of Hawaii and the millions of people whose lives he touched with a song, a handshake, a kiss, or just the kindness of his concentrated attention and genuine interest in them during a long, hectic line of autographs.

Though I sat with him, night after night, year after year, for the majority of my adolescence and on into adulthood — watched him interact with his fans, watched their reaction to him — I never really got it. Because that was just him. He was so big ... but he was so humble, so genuine, so loving. He lived small and, I believe, saw himself as small. It wasn't like the fame got to his head, it humbled him more, because he realized that all he had, he owed to millions of people all across the world.

Being able to see, in hindsight, the reality of just how extraordinary my Dad was, I think people should know: He was not just the sweet, fun-loving, hilarious, charming guy when the stage lights were up and the camera was on — he was that way every day and all day! With Dad, where it mattered, what you saw was what you got.

He was the best Dad you could imagine — always hugging and kissing us, always saying "I love you," always telling a funny story or subtly dropping a one-liner that would leave us all (including him) in stitches. All my earlier childhood memories are of us giggling and playing and snuggling and rolling around on the floor. As an adult, he was always telling me how proud he was of me, checking in, calling just to say he was thinking about me or to talk about my day.

I knew I would miss him, but I just didn't realize till he was gone just how much of my life would be missing once he was no longer a daily part of it. I am still surprised sometimes to find that there are yet more things — every day — that I wish he were here for, that I wish I could talk to him about, that I wish I could say to him.

I know that where he is now, he is happy and whole and no longer sick, and that gives me great comfort. Until I get there, all I can do is remember him, remember how much he loved me and know that love is not gone just because he is no longer on this earth. Up in heaven, he is still alive, loving me just as much as before, just as proud of me as he's always been, waiting for me to come join him someday. Until that day comes, I do what I know he would want me to do — face the future and live the fullest life I can.

KEALII HO (SON):

I never fully understood the contributions my father made to Hawaii until the latter years of his life, when I was a few years older. I grew up the youngest of his children, so when I was born he was the oldest version of a father he would know. There was nothing lost in his age, however, and he passed on his love and knowledge into making me who I am today.

I cherish every minute my father spent with me, golfing, talking, driving, singing, and especially house work. What I would give for just one more project to work on together. Since I was to be a man someday, he would be stern, more so with me than with my sisters, but he would let his guard down more than he would keep it up. I knew the love he had for me, he showed me every day.

I can only aspire to one day be as caring. He gave me every principal and moral pillar that I live by, and I will always be grateful for that. The greatest accomplishments I have achieved have simply been the ones which garnered his pride. That he was proud I was his son. His love will shine through all of our family and all of the people of Hawaii.

I never understood what my father had done for Hawaii until recently. He connected people to a time when malama wasn't going above and beyond, it was expected. He represented what a Hawaiian should be: embracing who he was and what was happening around him, but not changing his ways for anyone or anything. He was a role model for so many children of the Islands, and rightfully so. He was a Father to, a Friend of, a Brother to, and a Son of Hawaii.

God bless you, Dad. I know you are at peace. I'll forever miss our time together. Thank you for showing me the way. Thank you for teaching me all you knew. Thank you for my voice and the courage to use it. I love you so much, Dad.

KEA HO (DAUGHTER):

My Dad once said, "In life, it's important to partner with luck." To have been blessed with such an indescribably incredible man as a father, I've always known, I'm one lucky girl.

I can say with absolute conviction that my Dad was the most amazing Dad in the world, far surpassing what it means to be a great father. For all that he was, he is an inspiration and testament that a mere man is capable of such far-reaching greatness and love throughout the world, but as a father, in my eyes he was superhuman.

This was a man touched by the hand of God; he had an inherent magnetism and inner light so powerful and bright that it touched everyone around him, and made people just want to be near him. He made perfect strangers feel this way, too, because he truly embodied warmth, love, and what it really means to be kind and nice to people, without expectation of reciprocation or agenda.

A son of Hawaii, he embodied aloha in every sense of the word. He was magical.

To have him as a father was exceedingly special. His children were the jewels in his crown, and he was, and still is, our glory. He always made me feel like the sun rose and set for me, and he would gladly hang the moon for his family if he could. He showed me such tenderness, wisdom and diplomacy, and fiercely tried to protect me from the "barracudas" of the world, at overbearing lengths at times. He always had grace for me, and instead of getting mad about something, would simply start humming a tune. He made me feel unconditionally loved, adored, and the most beautiful girl in the world, always. We shared the same heart, he always told me, and like our own secret language, we simply understood each other — an irreplaceable bond

I will always be trying to recapture, but know I will never be able to attain, with any other person. He treated my siblings and I like royalty, but through his own example showed us that humility and having aloha are the most admirable and important qualities to have, that family comes before all else, and that smiles and laughter are healing. He has lovingly imbued these priceless lessons in my soul where I will carry them forever.

Always thinking of what he could do for others, every day when I was away, at the end of our conversation, without fail, he would ask, "Is there anything Daddy can do for you?" The answer is a resounding "No." Daddy, you have been more, given more, helped more, shown more, taught more, protected more, provided more, cared more, loved more, and surpassed so much more than any daughter in the world could ever ask for.

I can only ask to one day affect my children as extraordinarily as you've affected yours. My most faithful companion, my confidante, my rock, my most loyal friend, and the absolute love of my life, every day his example makes me want to be a better person, and reminds me that kindness is the most underrated virtue.

Daddy, every day I dream of holding your hand, and I know, I will see you again. Until then, my heart beats for you, and everything you would want me to do. Your everlovin' Princess, Kea bug.

LIZ GUEVARA (MOTHER OF KEALII AND KEA):

The greatest lesson Donald taught me was about the true nature of love. Real love, unconditional love. Not the kind that flows effortlessly toward those we favor, but the more important kind where we must push past our limited understanding of others and our wish to have those around us conform to what we think. To let people be and love them as they are.

He had a true Hawaiian heart. He loved people, he enjoyed hearing each person's story and seeing the world through their eyes. His gift was seeing the worth and the promise in each person. His heart went out to those who struggled, having been there himself. He'd always tell me to cut up the boxes neatly for the refuse collectors because they work hard. He never forgot his days of hard work, and was always mindful of workers. He loved his island home. When I'd point out the full moon, or a sunset, or a flowering tree, he'd say nonchalantly, "I was born here, I'm used to it." But he never wanted to go anywhere else. In fact his dream vacation was to get an RV and travel around the Islands into every out of the way place. He spoke fondly of revisiting places like Keanae on Maui.

He had machismo in spades so he could afford to be soft ... and he was, he was all heart, and his heart was with his family, his heart was with his friends, his heart was with these Islands.

How could a mere man have so much impact on those around him?

He was at once the anchor and sail in our family.

He bound us together in love, kept us rooted in humility, always saying he wanted us to live simply, as "immigrants." He was the visionary, charting our course, our next adventure, the next challenge to be tackled. It was always a joy watching that sail unfurl with such gusto in the wind. His excitement was contagious. Our direction often a surprise.

Our family has lost its captain, and we are left without anchor or sail bobbing in the water, for now; soon we will remember all he taught us, and raise the next sail in his honor.

DONDI HO:

I am so grateful for my father's life. I loved him dearly ... I just adored him.

If you listen, you will hear my father's soul as his heart sings.

His heart was humble and kind ... rendered by the way of aloha and pono.

Embracing the fullness of life and celebrating in it.

Touching people so genuinely, just being himself, and having so much fun.

Loving deeply.

Sharing his love for our home, Hawaii.

His heartbeat was as strong as a bull, living his life so remarkably big and so full ... seemingly invincible ... like the lives of ten men. He kept us lovingly near as we rode the wave of life with him.

The gift was time itself ... spend with him ... enjoying him and my father enjoying you.

I learned gratefulness by his gratefulness ... how special you were to him.

He was always teaching you and helping your heart to know what is right ... I have thanked him so many times for this.

My father's heart is still with us ... in each of my brothers and sisters, his moopuna, our family that his love ached for. His essence lingers here.

I am sure he sang so beautifully on his way to Eternity, where he will be delighted to see that the Lord was with him all along, granting every gift and opening every door, and the Creator of All was the one that raised him up to such great heights so few on earth will ever see, Who ushered him to share his heart and voice with so many other hearts and everyone he loved.

I have learned that Heaven is so near ... I can almost hear his laugh that I miss so much ... and can hear his heart singing.

I love you Dad.

DONALEI HO:

I couldn't recall the exact day, the verbal transition from "Daddy" to "Dad," though it would be difficult not to recall his knowledge, and the most important lessons taught throughout my life.

It seems like yesterday. I always sat in a chair twice my size, behind his desk, listening intently as his words of wisdom seared my soul. A particular lesson, continually ringing in my ears, and undoubtedly passed on to my own daughters, Kilileo and Lahiki, is one speaking of the value of "true friendships."

He always said, "In your lifetime, you have the choice to choose which friends you want to share in your life. Make sure you choose them very wisely. Also, when you choose a friend, make sure you choose them for life. When things go wrong, only you are to blame. Learn from your bad choices, just as you celebrate the victorious ones throughout life."

I realize today that each of my friends know how deeply I cherish our lifelong friendships. His voice of wisdom never ceases in my mind, my heart, and my soul. I will always be forever thankful to our God for this treasure, illustrious to the world but simply Dad to me. I am learning to cherish the tears of remembrance.

Hey everyone!

Long time no blog...I apologize for disappearing on ya’ll. I hope you’ve missed me. :)

A little update...I’m getting ready to finish up the second half of my album...we’ve got one in the bag, and the week after next I’m going to be finishing up vocals on 4 more songs. That’ll be the last that Jim and I have to add to them, and then they’ll be ready for mixing and mastering. I’m working on writing another this week...I’m thinking one or two more songs would round things out a bit...just trying to give you guys your money’s worth. :) At any rate, I really enjoy the recording process so I’m sad to see it all wrapping up... though the truth is, I doubt I’ll be able to stay away for long!

Okie doke. Well, I wish you all well. And for all of you looking forward to Easter, don’t forget to look past the bunnies and eggs and remember the amazing and world-altering event that this holiday celebrates. He is risen indeed!

Love,
Hoku

Hello All!

Well, last Saturday the 19th, we played the Hotel Cafe, and it was SO MUCH FUN! I've always wanted to play this venue because it has a reputation for always having great music...plus it's just a super hip club. I drop by there all the time, so it was really fun to get a chance to play there for the first time.

The show went great! The stage is very small at this venue so it was a tight squeeze for all 9 of us (me plus 8 band members!) to be on stage, but we made it work and had a great time. My band is literally--no joke--the best band EVER...SO talented and all of them just the coolest guys and gals you could imagine. We are all good friends so we had fun playing sardines for a night. :) I'm used to moving around a lot when I perform, so I was worried I might knock something over into the audience with the limited space, but nobody got hurt and everything went great. :)

My little bro Kealii came up and sang some of the songs he's been writing...he is an AMAZING singer and budding songwriter, so I wanted him to share some songs he's been working on...He's got a cool reggae/Ben Harper thing going on...so awesome. He also sings back-up for me so he's part of the crew! Plus my buddy Brett Young played right before me. He is also ridiculously talented and working hard on his first album so check him out too...his voice reminds me of Gavin Degraw but his songwriting is more sensitive...which is a good thing...just ask the ladies. :) Really cool.

I sang 3 brand new songs I've been working on too...They are called "We're More", "Mercy", and "Love is More". There is some talking about putting out a second EP but I can't confirm or deny that yet. Still in talks about that one so stay tuned.

Probably the most rewarding part of the whole night at the Hotel Cafe was how many of you showed up! I was so happy to meet some of you face to face...some longtime fans (Shout out to Bryan and Lee!) and some brand new ones. I love to connect with my fans, so please...if you make it to a show, come and say hi.

Okay! Well, that is pretty much it! Hope all of you are well and enjoying your New Year...I'll be back in touch soon!

XOXO
Hoku*

Hello All!

I hope all of you are doing well and all you Southern Californians are steering clear of the fires! It is crazy around here!!! The air quality is so bad right now, but I am trying to count my blessings and be grateful that my home is still standing! I am sending all my love and prayers to the victims of the fires...I am so sorry for all that you have lost.

For those of you who braved the overcrowded highways to come see my show and be a part of my CD release party on Tuesday at the Roxy, thank you! It was SUCH a blast!!! I had so much fun and it was so great to reconnect with some of you and also to meet a few new faces...it was just a completely fun and fabulous night! If you missed it, keep checking in to stay posted on when my next show will be...

It's late, so I'm headed to bed. Take care, and I'll check in again soon.

Hoku

Hey All,

How are you? I hope you are well. I am a busy bee gearing up for my big CD release party at the ROXY in LA...so much fun!!! I can't wait! It's open to the public, so if you live in the area, you should come check me out! You can pick up your tickets at ticketmaster.com or you can call the Roxy's box office. I would love to see your smiling faces in person, all my fellow SoCal-ers!

Also, check out the new video we just put up of me doing a radio interview with Island 98.5 the morning of my first show with Gwen...it's the first time my single "If You Don't Want My Love" has ever been played on the radio, so that was fun. There are a few little clips of me backstage at the show and getting ready and whatnot...there is more of that to come. There is A LOT of video we are editting as fast as we can so you guys are in for much more exciting stuff in the future...

For those of you who are coming to the Roxy on the 23rd, I'll see you there!!! It's gonna be a huge bash, so be sure and come find me and say hi!

XOXO
Hoku*

Hey friends!

Okay I know it has been RIDICULOUSLY long since I blogged last, but so much has been going on I have been SWAMPED beyond belief...still no excuse to neglect the most important people in my world...but I swear I'm doing it all for you. :)

Quick update...Yes I did open for Gwen Stefani for two nights in Honolulu and it was OFF. THE. HOOK. I just want to give a special shout out to all my Honolulu sistahs and braddahs who came to support their local girl! You guys ROCKED. I cannot tell you what a rush it was to look out at all of your smiling faces...you guys made my year! You all showed up for me in a major way...thank you. That was the most fun I've had in a long time. :) We got plenty of video: behind the scenes, on stage, etc...all being edited as we speak in preparation to be brought to you.

I also did a mini promo tour of sorts while I was in Hawaii...visiting radio stations, talk shows, etc. Clips of that coming soon as well.

Also, as you can see, we have put hard copies of my CD up for sale on this site...FYI, the first 500 come with a personalized autograph from yours truly so hit me up! We got the first batch shipping out tomorrow...

I'm back in LA this week...I promise it won't be so long till my next blog. Till then...

Aloha,
Hoku*

Hey everyone!

Great news...I'M ON iTUNES!!! That's right, it's official. I am SO EXCITED right now.

This has been SUCH a long time coming--as you know--but you guys have all stuck with me through all that I have had to face and overcome to get here. Thank you for your support...I feel that I owe so very much to you all.

This album is really for you guys...I believe that music should be a democracy and that the fans should dictate to the record companies what they want to hear. So go cast your vote!...prove to the world that you want to hear more from me. You make it happen...I can do nothing now but sit back and wait for you to speak...

The journey is just beginning...I look forward to walking every last mile with you by my side...

Love,
Hoku*

Hey all...

Thought I'd just give you a little update to let you know what I'm up to...we started rehearsals with my band this past Sunday and they are GREAT. We all meshed so well that by the end of last night's rehearsal we are just details away from being ready to hit the stage! Normally, it takes awhile to get everyone sounding great and on the same page, so it feels great to be this ahead of the game this early on. We are all super excited to get in front of you guys in Hawaii for the Gwen show...

For those of you who won't be able to catch us for the Gwen show, we should be adding more dates very soon...keep an eye out to see if we are playing near you!

Till, then, have a great week and I'll check in again soon!

Love,
Hoku*