Kani Ka ʻŌpala: How Can Garbage Sing?

By Benjamin Fairfield

A story and hands-on exploration of music made from rubbish

"What is garbage?" Asks Baba.
"Garbage is something nobody wants or needs," I say. "It's junk Rubbish Trash Something worthless . . . Like that potato chip bag."
Then he asks, "Hey, do you think our little chip bag friend can sing?"
"No, silly " I say.
"Everything has a voice," he says.
"So it's not worthless?"
"Everything has worth," he says. "I ola ʻoe i ola mākou nei. When they thrive, we thrive."

An interactive book for teaching keiki about the importance of reusing, recycling, and taking care of our island home, Kani ka ʻŌpala tells the story of a father and daughter who turn trash into musical instruments--and shows you how to do it too

Scan the QR codes inside the book to listen to music played on the author's homemade instruments.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DRVSQRX1
• ISBN13: 9798880700615
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.6" x 10.1"