From the early days of cylinders and 78 rpm records through CDs and online music files in 2011, Hawaiian “records” have been great presents for all seasons. For people who still appreciate the complete package — the cover art, production credits and cultural information as well as the music — a new CD or two from Hawaii can be a great gift for several reasons.

For one thing, CDs can be wrapped and put under the tree, unlike music files. And with most Hawaiian artists performing somewhere around town this month, that makes it possible to get that gift CD autographed beforehand.

Here are five albums from the second half of the year — four Hawaiian and one pop — that should appeal to fans of contemporary Hawaiian music worldwide. They’re listed in alphabetical order, followed by a seasonal “oldie” that’s worth another listen.  

“E Ho‘i Mai,” by Waipuna (Poki)

Kale Hannahs and Mathew Sproat followed their impressive debut album, “Mana‘o Pili,” with this beautiful project. Almost all the songs are from Hawaii, and most are sung in Hawaiian. Two that have English lyrics fit in nicely. Hannahs and Sproat welcome guests on several tracks — Chino Montero and Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu among them. On others they show they can perform as a solid, self-contained act in the studio as well as when playing club gigs. “‘O Koke‘e,” one of Hannahs’ originals, is a great example of how well they harmonize.

“Hula,” by Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)

Kumu hula Robert Cazimero took a break from being the senior member of the Brothers Cazimero to record this celebration of the traditions of hula. The arrangements remind us he is a talented pianist as well as a great vocalist. From the opening verse of “Keawaiki” to the final line of “Lei No Ka‘iulani,” his voice soars over exquisite arrangements. No information is provided about the meaning or cultural significance of the songs, let alone Hawaiian lyrics and translations, but for people who speak Hawaiian and those who just love the sound of Cazimero’s voice, this album is a delight.

“Kaunaloa,” by Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Kuana Torres Kahele, a founding member of Na Palapalai, steps forward as a solo artist with this beautifully crafted collection of traditionalist Hawaiian compositions. They’re presented as a unified body of work that celebrates his family heritage. Start with Kahele’s clear falsetto vocals and the crisp instrumental arrangements, then add the lyrics, the English translations and the background information in the liner notes booklet, and “Kaunaloa” is everything a Hawaiian album should be. It is also a remarkable demonstration of Kahele’s talents as a vocalist, musician, songwriter and arranger — he plays almost all the instruments and sings almost all the vocal parts.

“Rising in Love,” by Lehua Kalima (Kalima Music)

Lehua Kalima’s solo album is not a Na Leo project re-branded as the work of a solo artist. The vocal arrangements are a distinct break with Na Leo, and the final number, “If You Were Mine,” rocks in ways the trio has yet to reach. On the other hand, Kalima’s voice is as appealing and recognizable as ever. Her skill as a Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning songwriter is evident as well. The title song opens the album on an optimistic but cautious note. From there on, whether singing her own compositions or interpreting the work of other members of her production team, Kalima shows she’s ready for a national mainstream audience.

“Sea of Love,” by Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm)

Raiatea Helm puts her distinctive vocal stamp on an apparently random assortment of 20th-century Hawaiian, hapa-haole and American pop songs, plus “Ka Beauty Mahiehie,” a song written for her by kumu hula Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. The feel is contemporary Hawaiian with retro undercurrents. “Nani Hanalei” is an impressive example of her ability to hold a note. “Sea of Love” and “The One They’d Call Hawai‘i” are two other highlights.

“Merry Christmas to You,” by Henry Kapono (Mo‘i)

Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue’s 1989 album, reissued on CD with new art and packaging in 1998, remains one of the most memorable local Christmas projects of recent decades. Kapono and a few guests — Jerry Santos, Roland Cazimero and the original Kapena (Kelly “Kelly Boy” De Lima, Tiva Tatofi and Timo Tatofi) — did a beautiful job putting their spin on a collection of seasonal standards. The sessions included a bit of improv; note what happened when Ka‘aihue asked Tiva and Timo how to say “Merry Christmas” in Tongan. The final track, “Silent Night (Henry’s Song)” was a lengthy narrative as Ka‘aihue recalled the Christmases of his childhood. It wasn’t commercial, but it closed the album on a note of honest, natural sincerity that many Christmas albums lack.