"Ho'opono" by Kalae Miles; 'Aumakua Records

• Genre: Contemporary Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Kalae Miles has a storied past; now he's working on his present — and presence. As a Waimanalo-born lad, he found spots in youth ensembles such as the Honolulu Boy Choir (at age 9) and the Hawai'i Children's Opera Chorus, and Keiki Music School. As a youth, he studied falsetto with Richard Ho'opi'i and voice and 'ukulele with Kahauanu Lake.

Now, with his first CD, he's eager to learn if his early training and experience have helped to mold a performing career. There's commercial potential in his in-Hawaiian version of "What a Wonderful World," retitled "He Nani Ke Ao," with an 'ukulele-only accompaniment inspired, clearly, by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. No, it's not imitation; mostly, it's an expression of his earnest and simple style.

Indeed, there are honest and poignant revisits to other familiar tunes, like "Hi'ilawe," "Pua Lililehua" and "Moanalua," and Miles' vocal texture and tone are suited for the Hawaiiana of old. He even writes in the era of yesteryear, as witnessed by "Ka'olu."

Thus, when he imposes a modern touch in "E Ho'olohe I Na Keiki," with midway English-language inserts that break the mood and stun the ears — Miles is miles from comfort and ease. Better he adhere to the flow of Hawaiiana that clearly is in his heart.

• Our take: Miles shows mixed blessings here — demonstrating a core of genuine soul and savvy, with a few flaws. It's like discovering a gem, only to discover smudges or cracks in purity.

• Genre: Reggae, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: Pohaku is Daniel Keliikoa, guitar and vocals; Ka'ao Wilhelm, vocals; Adam Marques, drums; and Garrett Sevellino, bass guitar. It sashays from reggae to roots, from rhythm 'n' blues to Island contemporary, with a sound targeting the young and young at heart.

"I Love You," with hooks that recur upon multiple listenings, is one of the highlights here — in a sweet, rockaballad motif.

Ditto, "Sweet Like Candy," which has a lot of bounce in the rasta-roots tradition.

The title tune is a tad more upbeat, with genre-appropriate repetition and staccato lyrics.

• Our take: Pohaku fans are likely to move and groove to this one.

• Genre: World music.

• Distinguishing notes: Ricky Hana multitasks on this, his first CD; he's singer, composer, guitar and 'ukulele strummer, producer, sound mixer, session master, photographer, etc. His zeal to be a do-all-and-everything dude cannot be denied as he shares a variety of styles, from a rock-edge glimpse of Island living in "Summer Waikiki," to a mini-down-and-out novelty dubbed "No Money, No Honey" with a voice that uses upper registers (and whistling).

There's a serious musician looming here, too, with a ki ho'alu-laced and tranquil "Sunrise Haleakala" (the best track on the disc) as well as the audaciously titled "Cockroaches ... Ready ... Set ... Lights On!" that suggests, through rhythms (but not words), what he intends to depict with frenzied humor. Oh, there's an obvious surf ditty, too, "2nd Reef Pipeline," that would nicely fit into a film's surf scene.

• Our take: Perhaps with a producer who can define and set boundaries, Hana can find a niche that is palatable for a hana hou; this effort is a collision of styles that lacks focus.