November 22nd, 2009 
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In a simple and unpretentious set of songs for voice and slack-key guitar, Dennis Kamakahi shows why the music of Hawaii has such an allure for people around the world. Joined by his son David (ukulele and vocals) on a number of tracks, this guitarist exhibits excellent musicianship, warm personality, and a love of family and the music that comes from it. The set includes original songs in traditional styles, some classic Hawaiian tunes (including a lovely version of Queen Liliuokalani’s “Moanalua”), and the almost-required pop or show tune, in this case an interesting instrumental duet of the theme song from the movie “Around the World in 80 Days,” a showcase for David Kamakahi’s wonderful ukulele style. Dennis’s version of the traditional mele “He ‘Ai No Kalani” shows off his jaunty country style of picking the guitar, and a tune he picked up from his time with Eddie Kamae’s Sons of Hawaii band. Nothing shocking, innovative, or adventurous here, just excellent playing and singing from two fine musicians. That’s more than enough, thank you. –Louis Gibson
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This is a wonderful CD, words can not express the depth and richness of this artist’s voice, complimented in beatiful harmony with his son. His talent with the slack key guitar is beyond measure. Looking forward to the concert.
Rating: 5 / 5
I’m a huge Hawaiian Music Fan, just ask my husband! This is one of my top 10 favorite CD’s of all time. I will listen to this CD until the end of my days!
Dennis Kamakahi has a way of writing music that delves deep into the hearts of his listeners and stays there. The rhythms of his songs haunt you long after the songs are over and leave you wanting more. I just can’t get enough of his music!!!!!! He is my favorite songwriter and his voice has a sweet comforting sound. He is tops when it comes to Slack Key guitar and if you’ve never heard Slack, my friend, you’re in for a treat! With this being said, Dennis Kamakahi’s son David joins him on this CD. David is a chip off the old block and adds even a deeper dimension to the sound. Harmony between Father and Son are absolutely beautiful! I know you will treasure this CD as much as I do. Torie Brown
Rating: 5 / 5
Dennis and David (father and son) have put a wonderful album together. I like almost every song. My favorite is track one, Ulili E. My least favorites are tracks 6 and 7…the latter just because I don’t like that particular song. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Bono, or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir could sing it and I’d still hate it. I enjoy Dennis and David’s harmony, as they sing and play together. Nice work. Do some more!!
Rating: 5 / 5
As others have mentioned, the gentle loveliness of Kamakahi’s music truly restores the soul. Even my baby niece loves it. Best calming bath-time music ever. This all-ages album by a master Hawaiian slack-key guitar musician and composer just overflows with love. (Forget all preconceptions of hokey Hawaiian music, and listen to the samples. This is NOTHING like that other stuff.) People have said it helped heal them when they were suffering physical or psychic trauma. I just find that its beauty lets me see the world as a better place.
It wasn’t until I started listening to other Hawaiian slack key musicians, including a number who are respected virtuosos, that I realized what a unique achievement ‘Ohana is. Kamakahi has the musicianship to step out of what is customary and strip the constant background strumming and embellishment on top of embellishment that often muddy the beautiful old songs. His playing gives the loveliness and dignity the songs, old and new, deserve. To clarify, he does use embellishment, but only exactly where it works. That is not a minor achievement, and I’m sure it took a lifetime to gain such mastery that to some it sounds easy. It’s like Picasso creating a masterful sketch with just a few, perfectly placed lines.
It makes me deeply grateful that all I need do is listen.
Rating: 5 / 5
I was first introduced to Dennis Kamakahi as he toured with Led Kapana and Cyril Pahinui on the 2006 Hawaiian Slack Key Masters Tour. I was immediately struck by his superb vocals. This album does not disappoint!!
Playing with his son, he showcases his exquisite song writing in his own voice, which is certainly in the same league with Keola Beamer, Kei’eli Reichel and Pahlani Vaughn. In addition he explains the music between songs, giving those not so familar with Hawaiian language, music and culture a basic framework in which to listen. One need not be a fan of Hawaiian music to enjoy this disk; if you are. it is a must-have for your collection.
Rating: 5 / 5