Well, we'll have to look into a better mic for the EVO phone, but you can still get a taste of Na Palapalai serenading the happily laid-back crowd at Bishop Museum's Moonlight Mele outdoor concert series this weekend – dig those falsettos! George Kahumoku played slack-key guitar with his buddy (and fellow Lahainaluna High School teacher) on the harmonica. We only had to open up the umbrellas a couple of times as light rain drifted down from Kalihi Valley.

Sadly, Moonlight Mele is a summer series that is now finished for the year (make plans to hit it next summer!), but opportunities abound to see Hawaiian music performed live – and if you're interested in experiencing Pacific culture, there is no better way than through its music. Some suggestions:

Luau

I'm sure we don't need to tell you, but if you're coming to Hawaii, you must hit the luau. Three of Oahu's best are Paradise Cove Luau at Ko Olina, Germaine's in Ewa Beach, and the Polynesian Cultural Center on the Windward side. Your 3DHawaii online editor hasn't been to any of the Neighbor Island luau yet, but word is Smith's on Kauai is terrific. Luau music isn't specifically Hawaiian – it's more a medley of Polynesian cultures – but rhythm and chant are shared among them.

A promising new entry is "Return to Waikiki," which attempts a stripped-down, old-school revue headed by local artist Makana. It premiered this weekend in Waikiki's International Marketplace ... we'll try to get over there soon.

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival

This festival hits Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii to spread the ki hoalu style of guitar playing. Best part? It's free. Oahu's is coming up next weekend with a six-hour celebration at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand, headlined by guitar great Ledward Kaapana, above. Follow us on Twitter to see photos live from the event, or if you're lucky enough to be in town, we'll see you there.