6. He Aloha Nō ‘O Honolulu (Lot Kauwe)—instrumental on 6-string guitar in D Major Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D).
Multi-talented singer, musician, dancer, and composer Lot Kauwe wrote “He Aloha No ‘O Honolulu” (Farewell to Honolulu) ostensibly about a ride on the ship Maunaloa from O‘ahu to Kona with a stop on Maui. Considering the number of songs about boats that use kaona (hidden meaning) to discuss a more intimate subject, and with Kauwe being known to set his indiscretions to music, there are most likely other meanings underlying this reference. Many Hawaiian singers have recorded this popular classic. Gabby Pahinui, Sonny Chillingworth, Ledward Kaapana, Keola Beamer, and Moses Kahumoku have all done slack-key versions.
Cyril performs it here in what he calls “E Tuning,” in that the tuning is the same notes as an E Major chord played in the standard guitar tuning. Although Cyril identifies the tuning as E, it is actually tuned down two half steps to sound in the key of D. Since the late 1990s, Cyril has favored this D Major Tuning (D-A-D-F#A-D) over his D Major 6/9 tuning (D-A-D-F#B-E).
The first two verses are again beautifully played in rubato, before Cyril establishes a slow soulful tempo—the epitome of nahenahe (sweet) feeling.