Danny Kaleikini, Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha, has supported the Ukulele Festival since 1972. A legend in Hawaiian entertainment drawing audiences from around the world for well over 40 years, Danny is the spiritual and physical embodiment of aloha. Through his music, cultural promotion, historical awareness and charity, he touches the hearts of millions.

Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta, internationally renowned musician, began playing the ukulele when he was only 7 years old. Influenced greatly by Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Eddie Kamae, this exceptional musician is credited for elevating the ukulele to a solo instrument of virtuoso status. Ohta-san's diversity and style reflect his lyrical sense and is respected as the height of ukulele artistry. Ohta san is the world’s most prolific ukulele recording artist.

C&K’s legacy is a great part of the history of Hawaiian music. More than three decades ago Cecilio Rodriguez and Henry Kapono joined talents to become “C&K” one of the most popular and enduring duos of all time on the Hawaii music scene. C&K’s music is firmly rooted in Hawaii's culture and firmly rooted in the hearts of 3 generations of fans.  Their  impressive list of compositions and perfectly blended harmonies have produced hit after hit and have become local standards. 

Jake Shimabukuro’s first formal ukulele lessons started when his mom brought him to Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios. Since then, Jake has become one of the world’s most exciting and innovative players with his lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques. A true showman, he dazzles audiences with intricate strumming and picking, electrifying high-energy grooves and deeply felt melodic ballads.

Herb Ohta, Jr. represents a new generation of ukulele players devoted to Hawaiian music and influencing people to pick up the best known Hawaiian instrument. Herb Jr.’s style is reminiscent of his famous father, but distinct and recognizable as his very own. There is a graceful nahenahe (soft, sweet, melodious) quality that is very Hawaiian, reflecting the inspirations of ukulele virtuoso Eddie Kamae and slack-key guitar great Ledward Kaapana.  Ukulele is in his genes… Hawaiian music is in his blood.

Natalie Ai Kamauu started turning heads when she was just a teenager, singing alongside her father, Howard Ai, for Halau Hula Olana. It wasn't long before Natalie began stealing the show. Although she garnered the coveted title Miss Aloha Hula, it was her angelic voice that really caught people's attention. As she did in 2006, Natalie repeats her win of the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Best Female Vocalist of the Year.

Bryan Tolentino is a self-taught ukulele player who began playing the ukulele at the tender age of 10. His early influences were the "Sons of Hawaii" and "Sunday Manoa."  His debut CD, Ka 'Ukulele Lele, is an instrumental and vocal reflection of Bryan's passion and love for the ukulele and Hawaiian music. Bryan’s blend of Hawaiian, contemporary and original songs establishes Bryan's creativity and diversity with the ukulele.

Since 1969 Tommy D has been an entertainment fixture in Hawaii playing clubs, performing as Roy Orbison in Waikiki’s Legends In Concert and acting and doing stunt work in Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I. and Starsky and Hutch. His musical styles range from blues to country to the oldies but goodies, rock and folk music playing with The Beach Boys, The Monkeys, Neville Brothers and Righteous Brothers. In 2007, Tommy D, picked up the ukulele and has never put it down since. Tommy D is a decorated Vietnam veteran, composer and animal caretaker.

Nick Acosta, 13 years old, was born with one hand and arm. Nick started ukulele lessons with instructor Royanne Labuguen and at the age of 9 she brought him under the wings of Roy Sakuma.   Nick has become an ukulele extraordinaire inspiring many. Roy Sakuma says, “You think Nick has limits, but he just works around it.” His mom Kim never taught him the words “you can’t” always encouraging Nick ‘you can do whatever you put your mind to.' Nick also plays football, soccer, and is a brown belt in karate.

Roy Sakuma Ukulele 800-pc. Ukulele Band - The finest ukulele players in the world are showcased at the Ukulele Festival but they know that the real stars are the children of the 900-pc Band. Wherever you turn you see kids clutching ukuleles, as the sun smiles above the monkeypod trees that shade Kapiolani Park. Five year olds barely twice the size of their ukes, 10 year olds with knobby knees, gangly 12 year olds and teenagers practicing their intricate chords.

Hookani Pila – Hilo, HI

James Hill
So how does a kid from Canada become what the Honolulu Star-Bulletin calls a “rare peer” of Hawaii’s premier ukulele players? Nearly three thousand miles east of Honolulu is James' hometown of Langley, British Columbia, where ukulele instruction has been mandatory in many schools since the late 1970s and where James was introduced to the ukulele at the age of nine. To his fourth grade classmates, the ukulele was a means to an end, a way for them to dip their toes into the vast ocean of music. For James, the uke was a sea of possibilities unto itself and inside its tiny wooden shell he saw his life in music. He was hooked.

Nico Salsac - I grew up with the sound of rock , blues and flamenco. I discovered ukulele 10 years ago while on a surf trip in Tahiti. Since then I left the guitar for the happy sound of the ukulele. I can't live one day without playing the ukulele. Performing in Hawaii's Ukulele Festival has always been a dream and now it's reality. I have such respect for all the performers that will play because they have all inspired me. This is a great honor for me!

Yuji Igarashi & “Kolohe” Imamura – Japan - ukulele artists and teachers

George Matsushita – In 1949, while a student at the Japan College of Music (Japan’s oldest music college), George Matsushita started his professional Hawaiian singing career in Japan.  He has performed with a who's who list of Hawaii's musicians:  John Piilani Watkins, Lena Machado, Leinaala Heine, Genoa Keawe, the Mahaka Sons, Danny Kaleikini. George Matsushita was recognized in 1978 by Gov.George Ariyoshi and in 1995 by Gov. Ben Cayetano for his contribution of Hawaiian music and culture in Japan.

Nihon Ukulele Association was established in 1959 by Harry Haruhiko Haida, who brought Hawaiian music to Japan in the 1920's. NUA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009 and currently has a membership of 250 amateur ukulele players. NUA has monthly practice sessions practicing the ukulele and singing and arranging Hawaiian songs.

Japan's reknown YAMAHA Music School of Ukulele was established in 1977 and now has more than 400 students. Students learn the Ohta-san style solo technique based on ukulele master Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta. Lessons are available for beginners to advanced students and is reknown in Japan. "We are looking forward to this year’s ukulele festival and presenting an exciting performance".

Sunset Strummers – San Diego, CA Back by popular demand, the Sunset Strummers have about 70 members mostly seniors, but they welcome children, too. Directed by Hawaii born Eleanor Nedjar.

Da Hawaii Seniors of Cerritos, California organized in 1998 to foster the Spirit of Aloha and continue the legacy of Hawaii’s cultural heritage. They were awarded the coveted Mayor's Sweepstakes trophy in the City of Cerritos' 50th Anniversary Parade. In 2004 they warmed the hearts of our Ukulele Festival crowd. Here they are again... celebrating and embracing Ukulele Festival Hawaii’s mission of laughter, love and hope!