I spent my formative years in Hawaii (4-14 years old, from 1980-90) and the radio there was and still is just as corporate as the rest of America. I had to listen to the Jets, Expose, and MC Hammer throughout this time period. I go back every Christmas and their big radio show is Alice Cooper's, whose show apparently originates from California. Your best bet these days while there is the University of Hawaii's radio station which is pretty much the only free-format station in the islands, I forget the number on the dial. Check out Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Facing Future" if you want to hear what the locals are into, i.e. Eddie Vedder covers these songs when Pearl Jam rolls into town and it makes front page headlines the next day. Also Keola & Kapono Beamer's "Honolulu City Lights" is a true local classic. Yes, Reggae is popular there, but there was an insipid trend of music in the early '90s called "Jawaiian" music which mixed reggae with ukuleles and the sort. It thankfully was extinguished within two years. Not a fan. HAVE FUN!!!
