Island Emory takes The Little Grass Shack to Kauai for a journey through the island’s historic irrigation tunnels—remarkable structures carved through volcanic rock that helped transform agriculture and life on the Garden Isle.

Learn why plantation-era irrigation systems were needed, how thousands of workers—including Native Hawaiians and immigrants from Japan, China, the Philippines and Portugal—helped build them, and how engineers used gravity, precise angles, ditches, flumes and tunnels to move water across Kauai’s rugged terrain.

Emory also shares his own experience tubing through the tunnels and explores how these once-essential agricultural lifelines have become historic landmarks and visitor destinations. Along the way, the conversation turns to preservation, safety, cultural respect and the importance of remembering the labor and sacrifice behind the places visitors enjoy today.

Plus, enjoy nearly two hours of Hawaiian music, island favorites and the spirit of aloha from 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV.

The Little Grass Shack — your source for island stories, island music and the spirit that connects generations.

Grammy-nominated Hawaiian and Polynesian singer-songwriter Josh Tatofi joins Island Emory on The Little Grass Shack for a conversation about the music, family, faith, and island roots behind one of contemporary Hawaiian music’s most recognizable voices.

Tatofi shares how growing up in Hawaii, singing in church, and watching his father perform with Kapena helped shape a sound that blends traditional Hawaiian music with R&B, soul, reggae, and country influences. He talks about musical inspirations ranging from Motown and Luther Vandross to Teddy Pendergrass, his connection to Hawaiian music wherever he travels, and why family remains at the center of his journey.

The conversation also looks ahead to Tatofi’s return to Las Vegas and his performance at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, along with his upcoming album Paniolo Country. Recorded in Nashville, the project explores the connection between Hawaiian paniolo culture and country music. Tatofi also discusses recording “Baby Blue,” a song his father recorded 25 years earlier, and performing it at the Grand Ole Opry.

Plus, enjoy the Hawaiian music, island sounds, and aloha spirit that have made The Little Grass Shack a longtime home for Hawaii and the Pacific on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More in Las Vegas.

Hosted by Island Emory.

Explore Mauna Kea, one of Hawaii’s most sacred and remarkable places, on this episode of The Little Grass Shack with Island Emory.

Discover the cultural and spiritual significance of Mauna Kea, its incredible height from the ocean floor, unique alpine environment, connection to Native Hawaiian traditions, and its importance to modern astronomy. Island Emory also explores the continuing conversation surrounding stewardship, preservation, science, and respect for this sacred place.

Along the way, enjoy the Hawaiian, island and reggae music that makes The Little Grass Shack your source of aloha.

The Little Grass Shack celebrates Hawaiian culture, island music, reggae, the people of Hawaii and stories from across the Pacific.

Listen to The Little Grass Shack on 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More in Las Vegas.

Set a course across one of Hawaii’s most demanding stretches of open ocean as Island Emory explores the history, tradition, preparation, and meaning behind the Molokai to Oahu canoe race on this edition of The Little Grass Shack.

The journey crosses approximately 41 miles of the Kaʻiwi Channel, where strong currents, shifting winds, powerful swells, and rapidly changing conditions challenge even experienced paddlers. Emory looks at the race’s roots in Hawaiian open-ocean navigation and inter-island travel, as well as the teamwork, discipline, endurance, and respect for the ocean required to make the crossing.

Learn how six-person outrigger canoe crews prepare for the challenge, the importance of timing and crew chemistry, the critical role of steersmen, and the months of physical and mental preparation that take place before race day. The episode also examines safety, escort boats, communication, hydration, and the cultural responsibility that accompanies crossing these historic waters.

For Emory, the story also carries a personal connection, with his mother from Molokai and his father from Oahu. The race becomes more than an athletic competition—it represents perseverance, unity, trust, tradition, and the connection between Hawaii’s past and present.

Along the way, enjoy the island music and Spirit of Aloha that make The Little Grass Shack your destination for Hawaiian culture, music, tradition, and a stress-free world.

The Little Grass Shack with Island Emory airs on 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More, the Ninth Island.

Original air date: August 16, 2026.

Originally aired August 9, 2026, this episode of Little Grass Shack with Island Emory explores the remarkable history of the ukulele, tracing its journey from Portuguese immigrants arriving in Hawaiʻi aboard the Ravenscrag in 1879 to becoming one of the world's most recognizable symbols of Hawaiian culture. Along the way, listeners discover the pioneering instrument makers, the support of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, the innovations of early Hawaiian musicians, and how the ukulele grew into a global musical phenomenon while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of aloha.

Complementing the educational features is a vibrant soundtrack of contemporary and classic island music celebrating Hawaiian culture, community, and the enduring spirit of aloha. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Hawaiian music or discovering the ukulele's rich heritage for the first time, this episode offers an inspiring journey through one of Hawaiʻi's most treasured cultural icons.

Originally Aired: August 9, 2026

Little Grass Shack with Island Emory
Broadcast on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More – Las Vegas, Nevada

Join Island Emory on this episode of Little Grass Shack as he explores the delicious history of Leonard's Bakery and the iconic Hawaiian malasada. Discover how Portuguese immigrants introduced malasadas to Hawaii, how Leonard's Bakery transformed the sweet treat into a worldwide sensation, and why these sugar-coated pastries have become a beloved symbol of aloha, family, and island culture. Along the way, enjoy the best in Hawaiian and island music while celebrating Hawaii's rich multicultural heritage. Whether you're planning your next trip to Oahu, reminiscing about the islands, or simply love Hawaiian food and music, this episode brings the spirit of aloha straight to you. New episodes of Little Grass Shack air Sundays on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More and are available as a podcast

Join Island Emory on The Little Grass Shack as we explore the rich history and lasting legacy of Suisan Fish Market, one of Hawaii's most iconic seafood destinations. From its founding in 1907 by Japanese immigrant fishermen to surviving devastating tsunamis and becoming one of the state's premier seafood distributors, discover how Suisan has shaped Hawaii's fishing industry and local culture. Learn about the famous poke counter, support for local fishermen, sustainable seafood traditions, and why Suisan remains a must-visit destination on the Big Island. Plus, enjoy the best in island music, Hawaiian culture, and the spirit of aloha on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More

Journey through the remarkable history of the Royal Hawaiian Orchestra on this episode of The Little Grass Shack with Island Emory. Explore how Hawaii's royal musicians shaped the sound of the islands—from King Kamehameha III and King Kalākaua to Queen Liliʻuokalani and legendary bandmaster Henry Berger. Learn how the orchestra evolved into today's Royal Hawaiian Band while enjoying a blend of traditional Hawaiian music, island reggae, contemporary Hawaiian favorites, and the spirit of aloha. Originally aired July 19, 2026, on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More in Las Vegas.