‘Hawaii’ makes fine destination

The temperature was chilly Sunday night at the Hollywood Bowl, but the atmosphere was warm and friendly thanks to the engaging performers of “Destination Hawaii,” the final event in KCRW’s World Festival series.

Singer-guitarist Keali’i Reichel, singing “Maunaleo,” perfectly capped the combination when the audience, wrapped in sweaters and scarves, responded to his gentle vocal by waving their open cellphones. In that moment, modern technology (replacing the cigarette lighters of past concerts) came together perfectly with traditional song in a rainbow of light and harmony.

Reichel, Hawaii’s most popular singer-songwriter, offered much more as well. Accompanied by a six-piece group of guitarists and singers, he enlivened his program with performances from the Halau Keali’i O Nalani Hula and the Hula Halau O Kamuela ‘Elua dance ensembles.

Singing originals as well as traditionally oriented material, leavening his songs with entertaining anecdotes and fragments of Hawaiian wisdom, he created a superb blend of music and cultural insight.

The pairing of Reichel’s singing with the ensemble’s dancing (collectively and individually) combined the elegant sensuality and flowing rhythms that are essential to Hawaiian culture -- a reflection perhaps of the shifting, ever-changing tides of the islands’ surrounding seas.

Na Leo, the evening’s opening act, was the female vocal trio of Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima Heine and Angela Morales. Remaining close to their roots, they sang nostalgically (“I Miss You My Hawaii”) and humorously (Annette Funicello’s “Pineapple Princess”), and, like Reichel, reminded us of the immense array of talent that continues to emerge from this relatively small collection of mid-Pacific islands.