Kawika Kahiapo - Hawaiian Slack Key Musician & Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner

Though now living in beautiful Waimānalo, Kawika grew up in the small town of Kane`ohe on the windward side of O`ahu. One cannot think about the windward side without images of the breathtaking Ko`olau mountain range, lush, green valleys and the magnificent ocean views. Born to Samuel (Uncle Sam) and Josephine (Aunty Jo) Kahiapo, Kawika is the 5th of 6 children. Kawika's interest in music began at an early age, when, inspired by his father, he spent many hours alone in his room strumming along.  Some of his fondest memories are of their "garage" jam sessions, when "Pops" Gabby Pahinui would show up with his guitar and bottle of vodka. This is what inspired Kawika's passion for ki ho`alu (slack-key guitar). Today, Kawika continues to perpetuate the art of ki ho`alu in his sound recordings and annually at Slack Key Festivals. He was honored as the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Slack Key Artist of the year.  At the age of 17, Kawika entered the professional music scene, joining Chucky Boy Chock and O`ahu Brand, then soon thereafter found himself on stage as a member of  Palani Vaughan's Kings Own. He married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Yano, and they have been blessed with five children and three beautiful grandchildren.  Over the years, Kawika has contributed his musical talent to some 108+ recording projects and has collaborated or performed with artists such as Jack Johnson, Kaukahi, Palani Vaughan, Melveen Leed, Brother Noland, Leon and Malia, Kawehi Lindsey, Jesse Rivera, Kapena, Pierre Grill, Na Leo Pilimehana, Kelly Boy Delima, Del Beazley,  Native Hawaiian Band ,Cyri Pahinui, Amy Gilliom, Dennis Kamakahi, Daniel Ho, Paula Fuga, Martin Pahinui, Rene Paulo, and Walt Keale.   Besides being a recording artist and an ordained minister, Kawika is also on the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation board, a non-profit organization that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai'i. This is the reason many of you may have seen Kawika emceeing the Kokua Hawai'i Festivals and jumping on stage with Jack Johnson at some point during the concert. This is one of the ways Kawika is able to be a blessing to the community and our 'aina.  
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