Hawai‘i Sons, Inc. PO Box 8230 Honolulu, HI 96830 (808) 951-7316
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Sons of Hawaii

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Sons of Hawai'i History & Band Bios


It Begins
In the early days of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance, beginning in the early 1960s, some of the leading voices were musicians and singers who were looking for a way to express themselves through their music. Among the most influential groups of that era to lead the way were the Sons of Hawai‘i, led by Eddie Kamae, who was already famous for his ‘ukulele styling along with the renowned vocalist and slack-key guitar virtuoso, Gabby Pahinui. They proved to be pioneers in the resurgence of Hawaiian music.

The story unfolds in Waimanalo, on the windward side of Oahu, in 1958, when Eddie and Gabby first got together with bassist Joe Marshall and the brilliant young steel guitar player, David “Feet” Rogers who was only seventeen at the time. A year later, they opened at Honolulu’s “Sandbox,” a nightclub on Sand Island, where they became an instant sensation known for their authenticity of sound, bringing new life to traditional Hawaiian music.


Through the Years
Eddie Kamae and the members of the Sons of Hawai‘i continue to perpetuate the sound and soul of Hawaiian music. In the 1970s, David “Feet” Rogers, Joe Marshall and Dennis Kamakahi along with their leader, Eddie Kamae, recorded an album every year with many original songs introduced for the first time that were written by both Kamae and Kamakahi. Dennis has gone on to be one of Hawai‘i's honored contemporary composers.


And today, still going strong as The Sons of Hawai‘i - A Sound, A Band, A Legend
The Sons of Hawai‘i’s music spans generations with strong rhythm, lyrics and emotion – the heartbeat of Hawaiian sound, featuring an exceptional group of musicians Eddie has gathered around him in recent years - Mike Kaawa on rhythm guitar, Paul Kim on steel, Analu Aina on bass and Ocean Kaowili on guitar and bass.