Tracklist:

• Hawaiian Blues
• Serenade
• Lovely Guitars
• Hawaiian Bounce
• Swinging Palm Trees
• Sunset
• Guitar Chant
• Hawaiian Light
• South Sea Island
• Luau Lei

Notes:

Released in 1962 under Coronet Records, Hawaiian Moonbeams is a vinyl LP that captures the essence of Hawaiian and Pacific-inspired music. Though credited to an “Unknown Artist,” the album delivers a collection of instrumental tracks that evoke the serene beauty of island life. With a blend of folk, world, and country influences, the record transports listeners to a tropical paradise through its soothing melodies and rhythmic arrangements.

The album features ten tracks, including Hawaiian Blues, Serenade, Lovely Guitars, and *Swinging Palm Trees. Each piece showcases the gentle sway of Hawaiian-style guitar work, creating an immersive listening experience. The B-side continues the journey with compositions like Sunset, Guitar Chant, and South Sea Island, reinforcing the album’s dreamy, atmospheric quality. Notably, the record was also released in stereo under the title Hawaii Goes Percussion, with only one track title altered.

The artwork for Hawaiian Moonbeams was designed by Sam Suliman, adding a visual complement to the album’s tranquil soundscape. The cover imagery, along with the music, reflects the romanticized vision of Hawaii that was popular during the early 1960s. This aesthetic was often embraced by record labels seeking to capitalize on the growing fascination with Polynesian culture and exotic themes.

Despite the anonymity of its performers, Hawaiian Moonbeams remains a charming relic of its era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into mid-century Hawaiian-inspired music. The album’s gentle instrumentation and evocative compositions continue to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of vintage Hawaiian recordings. Its presence in the Coronet Records catalog highlights the label’s contribution to the broader landscape of easy-listening and world music during the time.