Ali‘i Keana‘aina Shares Music From His Heart
By Shirley Stoffer He is an imposing figure, being of large build, with a full head of long, wavy hair. Carved bone earrings spiral through his earlobes. He smiles, and any feeling of intimidation one might have first felt in…
Intent is Everything to Luthier Dennis Lake: The Making of an Expert
By Shirley Stoffer When I make an instrument,” luthier Dennis Lake says, “my intention is everything. If I know who I’m creating it for, they are in my head the entire time I’m making the instrument.” Since his early 20s,…
Under the Radar: Ben Kaili is His Own Man
By Shirley Stoffer He appears at most of the major Hawaiian music events on the island of Hawai‘i and neighboring islands, playing slack key guitar and singing in his sweet, nahenahe style. He shares traditional Hawaiian music at music festivals…
A Breath of Fresh Air—Lena Naipo and Kahulanui
By Shirley Stoffer Aloha, Hawaiian music fans! Remember the excitement you felt the first time you heard the sweet harmonies of the group, Hui ‘Ohana? Or when you first heard the banjo, fiddle, and dobro on Peter Moon’s Sunday Manoa…
Carly Smith: A Humble Powerhouse of a Musician with Deep Musical Roots
By Shirley Stoffer Carly Smith has music in her blood, and music IS her lifeblood—it’s what makes her tick. “Music is medicine to me. It’s part of every aspect of my life,” she says. Carly hails from a family that…
Community Building with ‘Ukulele: Andy Andrews and Fun with P.U.K.A
By Shirley Stoffer Andy Andrews, co-founder of the legendary ‘Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz in California, is now bringing his love of people, music and fun to the Big Island of Hawai’i. Those of us who know him were certain…
Driving Fast with Brittni Paiva: A Young ‘Ukulele Virtuoso Speeding Toward Stardom
By Shirley Stoffer The music world keeps opening new doors for Brittni Paiva, the 23-year-old ‘ukulele star from Hilo. She has been making music since the age of four, when she started playing piano. At age 11, her uncle gave…
Konabob and the Unique Kona Walkingbass
By Shirley Stoffer Bob Stoffer, known as “Konabob” to many people in Hawai’i and around the world, had loved Hawai’i and Hawaiian music for a long time before moving to the island. He listened to Hawaiian music at his bakery…
A Passionate Kanaka Maoli*: Keoki Kahumoku—Inspiring the Next Generation with ‘Ukulele, Guitar and Life Skills
*Native of this land By Shirley Stoffer Keoki Kahumoku is a passionate guy. His beautiful musical talent comes naturally, genetically, from a family that’s well-known in Hawaiian music. But it’s almost secondary to his passions — about many things, from…
