Experience the spirit of Kauai with live Hawaiian music

As the world changes, the continued practice of Hawaiian music acts as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing Hawaiians to remain connected to their ancestors while adapting to modern influences. At Shutters Lounge at the OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa, stellar talents like Kauai’s Chanel “Wai” Flores, Linda Tani and Tommy Tokioka have seamlessly maintained a connection between the past and the present through melody and verse.

Generations of local musicians

A longtime Kauai musician, Chanel “Wai” Flores was initially inspired by her late grandfather, Ronald Kalani Flores, a member of the one-time popular band Paradise Serenaders. Performing since high school, Flores’s vocal range includes the traditional falsetto, but her breadth of music genre is impressive.

“In addition to Hawaiian music, I also sing Country, Top 40, Reggae, R & B and Polynesian songs,” says Flores, who performs Mondays and Wednesday at Shutters Lounge, from 6 to 8 p.m., with her sister Sky Flores. “Hawaiian music is so special, and it has evolved over time, just as our knowledge of mele (song) has.”

A local favorite, even amongst celebrities

An established producer, singer, songwriter, musician, producer and entertainer, Tokioka has also long been one of Kauai’s favorite entertainers, even among visitors like former Journey frontman Steve Perry, who searched for Tokioka’s gig after being told by many local residents that he had to see his show.

“I was in a studio one day and I told my engineer, David Tickle, that I wish Steve Perry would sing backup for me,” Tokioka recalled. “Four days later, David calls me and asks, “Do you believe in angels?’ Steve Perry is on island.”

Perry eventually agreed to sing backup on “I Wish You Were Mine” and “An Angel Above Me,” songs that Tokioka performs with Amakua during his shows on Fridays, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“I’ve been playing music for decades now,” says Tokioka, who was recently invited to be on the same concert ticket with Jason Momoa’s band, ÖOF TATATÁ. “I am a lead singer, and I can play lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass and the drums.”

At Shutters, Tokioka’s voice booms with songs that harken to past Rock Classics, but also evoke the present with Island Reggae. “We have a lot of fun, and people always get excited to see us when we’re there,” Tokioka says. “It’s a great atmosphere, and we make a lot of friends, many of whom are returning visitors that make a point of coming to our show.”

A playlist for everyone

Linda Tani and Haunani Kaui of Tropical Grove elicit a similar excitement when they take the stage on Saturday nights, from 6 to 8 p.m. Singing Contemporary, Jazz, Oldies and Hawaiian songs, the duet enjoys the playful interaction with the audience, especially when they perform their Hapa Haole songs.

“And we always have to throw in the mix, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Mustang Sally,” says Tani, whose mother once participated in Kauai’s “Battle of the Bands” with her group Black & White. “I leave the Hawaiian songs to Haunani who can get the crowd going when she sings ‘The Hukilau Song.’”

A strong advocate for local musicians, OUTRIGGER is intentional in promoting Hawaiian mele, highlighting the importance of perpetuating Hawaiian music. At OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa, music can be heard throughout the week at Shutters Lounge.

“The crowd loves the singalongs,” says Tani, who initially started at Shutters as a fill-in for Tokioka. “We get the whole lounge singing, and we have a lot of fun.”

Flores says she can relate to the audience.

“I try to convey the aloha spirit in my music,” Flores says. “That’s what I hope their biggest takeaway is after seeing my show – aloha, which permeates through music.”

Live music, tasty bites and the perfect way to end your day

Live Hawaiian music is featured nightly at Shutters Lounge at OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa. Huddle around a fire pit on the patio, sip on a cocktail and enjoy the evening with the sounds of Hawaii.

Schedule subject to change without notice