This is the current preview version, and still a bit a work in progress. It is nearing completion…with a little music and a more precise audio mix yet to come. ‘Nā Lā I Hala’ roughly means ‘Days Gone By’ in the Hawaiian tongue. This soundscape musically portrays a time journey through the major themes of early Hawaiian history. Below is a text guide to help you follow the story as you listen to the music (times listed in min/sec)… or you can click here to watch the Video Listening Guide 00:00 - 00:22 The Ring Of Fire The piece begins with a glimpse of the Ring of Fire, a 25,000 mile long Pacific rim where around two-thirds of the world’s volcanoes and 90% of the world’s earthquakes reside. 00:23 - 01:47 The March The Pacific plate and the Hawaiian hot spot combine to slowly and inexorably march forward for many millions of years, forming a chain of over 130 volcanic islands that has culminated...so far...in the inhabitable islands we know today and an island now forming at the Lo'ihi Seamount just south of the Big Island. 01:48 -03:26 The Islands (Paradise) The turbulent eruptions subside as the current islands are formed. At first they’re uninhabited, but eventually the work of 'wind, waves and wings'* bring plant and animal life to the islands and the lush beauty of Hawaii takes shape. In this section, drum rhythms are introduced into the musical fabric. During my latest visit to the Big Island, I actually played these drum tones and rhythms on centuries-old log drums and recorded them for use in this and other jams. 03:27 - 04:11 The Explorers Polynesian explorers set forth on the ocean in double-hull canoes not sure what, if anything, they would find in the vast expanse of the Pacific. It is theorized that they used the stars, weather patterns and the migratory travels of birds tohelp them locate these remote islands, thousands of miles from their point of origin. 04:12 - 05:13 The Storm As a night falls along their way, glittering stars appear...only to be obscured by the onset of a vicious gale. Thunder, lightning, rain and crashing waves nearly overcome them...threatening their boats, provisions, journey and their lives. 05:14 - 05:40 The Calm Somehow they weather this disorienting storm...one of several they've encountered during their marathon travels. As the weather calms, they once again gain control of their crafts and fearlessly continue their courageous explorations. 05:41 - 06:05 Land Ho! After months on the ocean wihout seeing land or other humans, they finally spot an idyllically beautiful island on the horizon. Close your eyes and you can hear/see the lush tropical forests, deep green valleys and other pristine landscapes that await them on what is to be their new home. Hear the calls of birds and the singing of whales, and feel the pulsating beauty of life as they first sense the richness of this island paradise. 06:06 - 06:40 The Landing As they approach a sweeping black sand beach, they raise their voices in praise and appreciation to the powers who watched over them during their travels and safely guided them through the vast Pacific to their new land. And then, with their long and tumultuous journey behind them…they rest. 06:41 - 07:38 They Rest The many gifts of Mother Nature envelope them as they melt into the beautiful fabric of their new home. As the sun sets on a day of rest, they ready themselves for the many long days of work it will take to tame and organize the rich resources of this bountiful land. 07:39 - 10:03 Settling In Ashore on the Big Island, the brave explorers are now the first Hawaiians. They build homes and settlements and they thrive for generations in relative peace and plenty. They share their legacies, history and traditions through storytelling, art, dance, music and their deep spiritual traditions.They plant crops, and live off the bounty of the land and the surrounding sea. They build strong families and communities, and grow in numbers and in tribal prestige and solidarity. 10:04 - 11:29 Visitors?  For many years the Hawaiian Islands have been home to countless UFO phenomena. A creation chant, the Kumulipo, even speaks of the first Hawaiians' "descent from the stars". Who knows? But wouldn't it seem that Earth’s most remote land mass might be an attractive spot to setup a base and go unnoticed? 11:30 - 12:44 Evolving As the civilization and communities grow, the Hawaiians are devoted stewards of their fertile lands and the bountiful sea surrounding them. Respecting and caring for these essential resources is not only necessary for survival, but also a deeply reverent and sacred thanksgiving to the deities who watch over and guide them from the spiritual realms. As the population grows to occupy all seven main islands, a distinctive Hawaiian culture and tribal hierarchy is established. 12:45 - 13:53 Powerlust For generations…family, community, peace and order mostly reign. But over time, clashes become more frequent as tribal chieftans, the Ali’i, seek to expand geopolitical boundaries and extend their reach and dominion to other communities and islands. Battles can be brutal as ambitious Ali’i vie for control, dominance and power. Families are torn apart and villages burned to the ground to satisfy the lust for power, land and control over the citizenry and culture. 13:54 - 14:16 The Outlanders Despite the growing powerlust and violence, the native culture remained strong and intact. However, with the arrival of the first European explorers came the beginning of the end of the unique native Hawaiian culture. 14:17 - 15:09 The End After just a hundred years, only remnants remained of the once-thriving society. Cultural mores and traditions were suppressed, native religions were demonized, and even using the Hawaiian’s spoken language was discouraged. Foreign diseases, to which the long-isolated Hawaiians had no immunity, decimated the indigenous population. When a few last-minute additions and final mixing/mastering are done, in probably another month or so, Nā Lā I Hala will be complete. Nā Lā I Hala Musical Work & Video Listener’s Guide © 2025, 2026 - Joey Arata *Special thanks to Daniela Dägele for historical, natural and geological insights. Her deep appreciation for our planet and her knowledge of its incredible history were Inspiring resources as the concept and music of ‘Nā Lā I Hala’ unfolded. Also, many thanks to Jimmy Thornton for contributing exemplary bass guitar work and musical inspiration to the 'Settling In' and ‘Visitors’ movements of Nā Lā I Hala. My bass-playing buddy of over 50 years just keeps improving with time!