Just take a look at the concert listings in Honolulu’s daily newspapers and you’ll find a number of top-notch Island performers making appearances around town. Some play traditional Hawaiian music, while others present more contemporary stylings. Whatever your preference, these vocalists and musicians have raised the quality of Island music to an entirely new level.
Kealii Reichel
A gifted composer and musician, Kealii Reichel is one of Hawaii’s most revered and respected performers. His blend of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music has captured the attention of music lovers across the world (his recordings are fixtures in Billboard magazine’s World Music charts). He’s opened concerts for everyone from Celine Dion and Sting to Bonnie Raitt and LeAnn Rimes. Reichel has also performed at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
Na Leo Pilimehana
When it comes to sweet vocal harmonies, nobody does it better than Na Leo Pilimehana (in Hawaiian, the name translates to “voices blending together in warmth”). Since their debut in 1984, this award-winning trio has soared in popularity, both in Hawaii and beyond. In fact, their 1996 CD recording, “Island Breeze,” is the all-time best-selling Hawaiian album in Japan.
Brothers Cazimero
For more than a quarter-century, the Brothers Cazimero have been synonymous with Hawaiian musical entertainment. Their annual Lei Day concerts at the Waikiki Shell remain a much-anticipated tradition for local residents and visitors. The duo’s musical talent and showmanship have allowed them to perform around the globe, from New York (as special guests with the New York Pops to the World Expo in Brisbane Australia.
Makaha Sons
Similarly, the legendary Makaha Sons continue to delight audiences with their special brand of traditional Hawaiian sounds. They have performed for former U.S. President Bill Clinton and appeared on NBC’s “Today Show.”
Others
Hawaii’s “A-List” of musical talent goes on and on, from Henry Kapono and Kapena to Amy Hanaialii Gilliom to Willie K. In Hawaii’s entertainment galaxy, there is no shortage of stars.