Artists
See artist that play Ko’olau or Pono
Abe Lagrimas, Jr.
– One of finest multi-talented musicians from Hawaii, has taken his form of ‘ukulele jazz to a new level.
Aaron Mahi
Hawaii’s most notable Bandleader. Former leader of the Royal Hawaiian Band.
Anuhea
Performer, recording artist, song writer. Plays Ko’olau and Pono guitars and ‘ukuleles.
Benny Chong
One of the original living jazz Ukulele players. Played with the Don Ho Band for 25 years.
Paul Hemmings
Jazz ukulele player and recording artist. Resides, plays and teaches in NYC
Ledward Kaapana
Multi talented slack key master. Plays Ko’olau and Pono guitars & ‘ukuleles.
Imua Garza
Imua has been playing ukulele all his life. His styles with Opihi Picker’s influenced a generation of local ukulele players
Michael Lande
Composer and co-founder of Music Orange, providing music for commercial television and radio advertising. The often unseen in the music industry is movies, TV, and advertising. And now days more and more advertisements include ukuleles in the background. Michael Lande is a master in the industry. These videos are a sampling of his artistry using his Ko’olau tenor ukulele.
Mika Kane
Makua Rothman
Makua is a surfer, a musician and connoisseuer of the finer things. And, a good guy. Check out his ko’olau
Trey Terada
Founder of Four Strings Studio in Kaneohe, the inspiration and introduction of many of today’s ‘ukulele masters
Craig Brandau
Multi-talented guitar and ‘ukulele recording artist.
Ernie Cruz Jr.
Bruno Mars
Hawaii raised mega star plays Koolau/Pono!
Lyle Ritz
Lyle with one of his Ko‘olau ‘ukuleles.
Mike Keale
Performer and Recording Artist. Mike grew up and played music with his cousin, Israel Kamakawiwa’ole and uncle, Moe Keale.
Marc Gallagher
Marc is a professional ukulele player based in Manchester, England. He plays his Pono ukulele at regular gigs, weddings, and has played at every ukulele festival throughout Europe, including Galway, Grand Northern, Scotland, Berlin, Munich, and Vienna. His current tour to begin this year includes the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic
Amos Lee
Singer/Songwriter. Folk, soul, rhythm & blues
Jimmy Buffett
Legendary Singer/songwriter.
Kelly Slater
A 11 time World Champion surfer. Kelly is also a musician and plays a custom made ko’olau ukulele
Kimo Hussey
Ukulele Teacher, performer, and founder of the Pacific Music Foundation.
Imua Garza
Imua has been playing ukulele all his life. His styles with Opihi Picker’s influenced a generation of local uke players.
Craig Sharmat
Composer and Songwriter for TV and Movies.
Chino Montero
Performer and Recording Artist. Now a legend, Chino will always be known as one of Hawaii’s finest guitar and ‘ukulele masters.
Greg Hawkes
co-founder of the band The Cars (now a devoted ‘ukulele enthusiast).
Henry Kapono Ka’aihue
More popularly known as Henry Kapono, or simply “Kapono”. Solo Singer/songwriter and part of Hawaii’s most famous and largest recording duo C & K (Cecileo and Kapono).
Jin Takuma
Professional recording artist, performer, and teacher in Japan. Performs and records on a Ko’olau Tenor ‘Ukulele with his wife Keiko on guitar and vocals.
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter
Guitarist for Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and even a member of an early Jimi Hendrix band. One of the old “rockers” who discovered the ‘ukulele.
Jesse Colin Young
Singer/songwriter, founding member of the famous 60’s/70’s band “Youngbloods” with their signature song “Get Together”.
Joe Craven
The “Uke of Hazzard” Violinist and percussionist for the David Grisman Quintet
John Valentine
John is a Singer, Guitarist, and Ukulele player and whatever else you put in his hands. He is an incredible talent from the islands. John helped his nephew Bruno Mars in his early years.
Jon Prown
Performer and Recording Artist
Kalei Gamiao
Performer and recording artist. When not touring, Kalei assists Hawaii Music Supply in sales and instrument demo’s.
Larry Spalding
Master harmonica player, famous locally for his Hapa recording “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai” and pictured in concert with his Ko’olau Solidbody 8-String Baritone.
Michael Kaplan
Leads The Ukulele Cowboy Society
Nico’o
Ukulele performer and recording artist from France.
Bart Simpson
More known for his acting skills but this closet ukeist can really jam!
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Wahiawa Police Department – Our Famous Wahiawa ‘Ukulele Band
Well…. not really famous, but how many city police stations look like this? This is “Law enforcement with Aloha” Pictured are members of the Honolulu Police Department, Wahiawa Division jamming and taking lessons during lunch break. Maybe this is a solution to the stress of “law and order” I think the “chief” at the time put a stop to this, insisting that while the world was falling apart, these guys were having too much fun. In truth, these 10 minute jams were the solution to not letting this world get the best of them.