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Case Details: I wanted to see if you could find out the name of the song that was used in the last scene of the premiere episode of "Hawaii" on NBC last night (Wed., Sept. 1). Thanks for your time!
There were several Hawaiian songs used in the "Hawaii" premiere, and no doubt many more island tracks will be used in future episodes. The song you're asking about specifically, which played when the father was reunited with his kidnapped daughter, was "Hawaii '78" by Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo`ole.
Iz is one of Hawaii's most celebrated musicians, and his songs have appeared in many mainstream Hollywood films and other productions, particularly his "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" medley.
"Hawaii '78" can be found on his album "Facing Future" (1993). You can also find the lyrics online.
The song is one of his more haunting and mournful, and is often seen as an anthem of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. Given its lament of the loss of old Hawaii to urbanization, its use in a TV show about "the other side of paradise" is — to some — ironic.
