This is the current preview version, and still very much a work in progress. Much more 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. Here’s a brief guide to help you follow the story as you listen to the music (times listed in min/sec)… 00:00 - 00:23 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. 00:24 - 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. 01:48 -03:26 The Islands 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 a 2024 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 - 04:10 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 to help them locate remote islands, which laid thousands of miles from their point of origin. 04:11 - 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 - 05:36 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. 05:37 - 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 whales, and feel the pulsating beauty of life as they first sense the richness of this island paradise. 06:06 - 07:39 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 wilderness to their new land. And then, after a long and tumultuous journey…they rest. This is the story so far, as of 7/01/25…more to come! Here’s where we go next... Ashore on the Big Island, the courageous explorers are now the first Hawaiians. They build homes and settlements, plant crops, and live off the bounty of the land and the surrounding sea. They thrive for many generations in relative peace and plenty and share their legacies, history and traditions through storytelling, art, dance and music. Nā Lā I Hala © 2025 - Joey Arata *Special thanks to Daniela Däegele for historical, natural and geological insights. Her course Hawaiian Islands: Island & Landscape Formation and Nature is serving as a great resource as the music of ‘Nā Lā I Hala’ unfolds. Visit Daniela at https://www.earthyme.de/