 MIKE
KAAWA is Hawaii's finest 12-string guitar player and one of the
best known and highly regarded musicians in Hawaii. He describes his music as “Hawaiian with an attitude”.
Mike’s music journey began at the early age of 10 when he and
fellow baseball buddies, Greg Sardinha and Ben Vegas formed their very
first band. The group performed steadily at their Palolo baseball
team’s parties and events. The band lasted until Sardinha and Vegas
decided they wanted to play rock ‘n roll music. Mike, being true
to his Hawaiian roots, said farewell, and was replaced by then young
Mackie Freary.
Since then, Mike Kaawa’s career has spanned nearly 4 decades
participating in several prominent groups of their time, including:
- Na Keonimana (Kelii Taua, Alan Pokipala, the late John Kekuku, Mike
Kaawa)
- Anuenue (Moe Keale, Imaikalani Young, Paul Martinez, Mike Kaawa)
- Hokulea (Kelii Taua, Roland Cazimero, Dwight Hanohano, Kalani
Whitford, Mike Kaawa)
- Mike Kaawa Trio (Imaikalani Young, Eddie Palama, Mike Kaawa)
- Brown Company (Chucky Boy Chock, Mike Kaawa)
- Par Three (Darryl Gonzales, Joe Barinobas/Jensen Richards, Mike
Kaawa)
- Native Hawaiian Band (Ledward Kaapana, Gary Haleamau, Haunani
Apoliona, Milton Lau, Mike Kaawa)
- Na Oiwi (Dennis & David Kamakahi, Jon Yamasato, Mike Kaawa)
Mike Kaawa is an illuminating performer who has brightened some of
Hawaii's most popular stages and has captivated audiences with his
enchanting stage presence and vocal abilities. With strong
instrumentation and distinct vocal expression straight from his heart,
Mike has created his own unique sound only few musicians have
achieved.
For more information on Mike, visit his
website.
Mike last performed in The Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key
Guitar Concert Series at The Napili Kai Beach Resort, Maui on
December 5, 2007.
Mike previously performed in this series at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui on March 30, 2004. |
