Unwind with Live Hawaiian Tunes at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

In Hawaii, a growing number of homegrown composers and musicians are taking Hawaiian music from its backyard and carport origins onto the stage, performing for both local audiences and visitors from far and wide. Artists like Kawohi Kamaka, Ramon Camarillo, and Kevin Haleamau and Brian McCree transcend time with their vocals and notes at OUTRIGGER Kona and Resort’s new dining venue, PIKO.

Music is a family business

Performing since he was 16 years old, Kamaka still recalls his first gig at the once beloved “Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel.”

“I played with my parents, Alfred and Jocelyn, who have always been my inspiration,” says Kamaka, who is also an accomplished hula dancer, learning from the legendary Kumu Hula George Naʻope. “Music is in my DNA. I’d like to believe that I have my dad’s voice, especially when it comes to singing Hawaiian music.”

Performing Mondays at Piko, Kamaka says he enjoys playing Island Reggae, but notes that his genre covers a lot of ground, from Country and Jazz to ’60s and ’70s Rock to Blues and R&B.

“It all depends on the audience; I cater to what people are in tune with,” says Kamaka, before one of his shows on Monday night. “I like to read the room. If I sense that they want to hear some Hawaiian music and old Hawaiian music, I keep those songs in my pocket until someone requests them.”

The guy with the ukulele

Born and raised on Oahu, Camarillo began playing ukulele in the fourth grade at Manana Elementary and became known as “the guy with the ukulele,” among his former classmates.

“My first paid gig was when I was 17 years old,” Camarillo recalls. “I remember playing for a formal dinner at a local McDonald’s restaurant – yes McDonald’s – linen tablecloths and all.”

After living in the East Coast during the 1990s and playing music with Halau O ‘Aulani under the direction of Kumu Hula Wayne Panoke, Camarillo found his love of traditional Hawaiian and Hapa-Haole music (a genre that usually features English lyrics with a sprinkling of Hawaiian words).

“One of my mentors is Eddie Kamae who taught me to appreciate the legacy of Hawaiian music,” says Camarillo, who appreciates Piko’s open air and relaxing atmosphere on Tuesdays. “I play and sing classic Hawaiian music – think Makana Sons, Gabby Pahinui, Palani Vaughn and others – and classic Hapa-Haole music, like “Moe Keale,” some Braddah IZ and Nedward Kaapana.

Like Kamaka, Camarillo says he also reads the audience, throwing in some tourist favorites like “Blue Hawaii,” “I Am Hawaii” and “I’ll Remember You.”

“If it seems like the guests are kupuna (elders) returning for a 50th anniversary,” says Camarillo, who plays at Piko on Tuesdays, “I’ll sing songs that respond to that era of music.”

Showcasing the kani ka pila spirit every Friday night

Familiar faces in the Hawaii Island music scene, Kevin Haleamau and Brian McCree jam on stage on Friday nights with their respective instruments – ukulele and standup acoustic bass. The natural resonance and woody tone of McCree’s acoustic bass harmoniously complements Haleamau’s unorthodox ukulele strums.

“Kevin is a self-taught ukulele player so he doesn’t use the standard strums,” say McCree, a jazz musician who faithfully tunes in to local radio station KKNE-AM940 to listen and learn the music of old Hawaii. “He comes from a paniolo (cowboy) family where it is common to break into spontaneous kani ka pila (backyard jams). It’s a blessing to be able to play with someone with that history and tradition.”

Performing the spectrum of modern Hawaii Pop and old Hapa-Haole tunes, Haleamau and McCree stay true to the sound of Hawaii music, not wanting – in McCree’s words – “to appropriate their (Native Hawaiians) culture.”

“There are so many traditions in Hawaii and we need to stay respectful of them,” says McCree. “I feel honored to be embraced by the local community, especially among local musicians.’”

Camarillo has his own reasons for feeling gratitude.

“I am grateful that OUTRIGGER still recognizes the value of Hawaiian music and supports the cultural programs by Kumu Keala Ching and Nani-girl,” Camarillo says. “There are very few places to hear Hawaiian music in Kona.  I worry that Hawaiian music is slowly being lost. It is up to places like the OUTRIGGER to help it thrive once again.”

In addition to Kamaka, Camarillo, Haleamau and McCree, Piko showcases the talents of other local musicians who fill out the schedule for the rest of the week. Be sure to enjoy the lilting songs of Hawaii during your visit – adding another memorable memory to share back home.

“The guests really seem to appreciate the live music,” Kamaka said. “I absolutely love playing here; music just reverberates around the entire resort in this open-air venue.”

As you plan your Hawaiian escape, make sure to include the vibrant cultural experience of live music at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. Every night at Piko, you'll be transported by the soulful melodies and rich history of Hawaiian music performed by talented local artists. Book your stay now to immerse yourself in the sounds, sights and spirit of Hawaii at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa – an experience you’ll cherish long after you leave.

Schedule subject to change without notice