Calvin Dorn, founder of Paradise Helicopters, has been flying helicopters for decades. But flying over lava from the Mauna Loa eruption was unlike anything he’s ever experienced.

The day after the eruption on Nov. 27, Dorn took a group of media personnel up into the sky to capture footage of the spectacular event.

In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V hears more from Dorn about his amazing experience flying over lava from the Mauna Loa eruption. 

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Hawaii recording artist Kimie Miner has had quite the year. This past summer, she went to Portugal. But it wasn’t just any trip.

She went to the Azores, where her family is from, to learn more about her Portuguese heritage – and her identity.

In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Kimie about how this trip has inspired some new music coming up, as well as her upcoming Christmas tour. 

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In this episode of Island Beat, we talk about scholarships for Native Hawaiian students.

Hoala Greevy is founder CEO of Paubox, a provider of HIPAA compliant email solutions targeting health care organizations.

Paubox is now offering scholarships to encourage Native Hawaiians to pursue STEM careers.

Billy V chats with Greevy about this unique opportunity for college students.

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Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Stacie Kuulei recently released her newest album called “Sweet Baby.”

The Kauai native started singing at an early age and has kept music in her life through the years.

But when she’s not singing, you can find her in a classroom … as a school teacher.

In this episode, Billy V talks story with Kuulei to learn more about her fascinating life and career.   

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The Hawaii International Film Festival kicks off Nov. 3 with "The Wind and the Reckoning."

The film centers on the real-life events of the 19th century leprosy outbreak and the events of the Koolau Rebellion in Hawaii.

In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V talks to two of the movie's stars: Hawaii actors Jason Scott Lee, who plays Koolau, and Lindsay Watson, who plays Piilani.

They share what it was like working on the movie and overcoming some challenges, including filming during the height of the pandemic and speaking in Olelo Hawaii. 

(Trailer: Lynmar Entertainment)

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It’s been two years since Haleiwa native Thunderstorm Artis made Hawaii proud as a top three finalist on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Since then, it’s been nothing but good things for the singer-songwriter — from releasing new music to touring with big names like Train and Jack Johnson.

One of his songs was even featured in an episode of the hit TV series “Grey’s Anatomy.”

All of that while also keeping busy as a new dad!

In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V catches up with Thunderstorm to get an update on everything he's been up to lately. 

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Ukulele virtuoso and composer Taimane Gardner has a new album out that's four years in the making. 

Her latest album, "Hawaiki," explores her Polynesian heritage and pays tribute to her mother, who passed away in 2018. While listening to the album, you'll hear Samoan lyrics, Tahitian ukulele, Samoan fire knife drumming and more. 

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V catches up with Taimane to talk about  how a trip to Samoa led to the creation of her new album. She also dishes on everything she's been up to, from touring the world to creating her own signature ukulele.

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The ukulele has a distinct sound, but have you ever thought about what it would sound like if it were to come from the late 1800s or early 1900s?

Shawn Yacavone is owner of Ukulele Friend, selling specialty vintage and custom ukulele.

He first became interested in collecting ukulele as a kid. His dad is Italian from New Jersey and his mom is Filipino from Kauai. The story behind the ukulele — with its unique mix of cultures — was similar to his own.

Today, Yacavone acquires and restore these vintage instruments — made as far back as the late 1800s.

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down with Yacavone, as well as musicians Halehaku Seabury-Akaka (with the group Na Hoa) and David Woodward (from the group Walea). They recently performed a benefit concert for Aloha United Way at Kapiolani Community College using some of the historical instruments.

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Roger Bong started Aloha Got Soul as a blog in 2010 and later turned it into a record label in 2015.

Just last year, he found a physical space on King and McCully streets and evolved it into both a record label and store.

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Bill V talks to Bong about how his love for vinyl turned into a record label and how Aloha Got Soul celebrates music across all generations. 

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Johnson Enos is a Grammy-nominated music producer, songwriter and playwright.

Among his many credits: the Lilo & Stitch II soundtrack, Lilo & Stitch Tokyo parade, and work for Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.

He’s also the creative genius behind a musical called “Honu By the Sea,” a family-friendly musical that follows a Waikiki Beach Boy who meets Malia the honu and her ocean friends.

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Enos to get an inside look at his successful music career. 

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