Kawika's interest in music began at an early age, when, inspired by his father, he spent many hours alone in his room "jamming"; he was known to miss chore-time, but never a meal! Some of his fondest memories are of their "garage" jam sessions, when "Pops" Gabby Pahinui would show up with his guitar and bottle of vodka. This is what inspired Kawika's passion for ki-ho`alu. Today, Kawika continues to perpetuate the art of ki-ho`alu in his sound recordings and annually at the Slack Key Festivals. He also continues his relationship with the Pahinui `ohana via Martin Pahinui, who is one of his favorites when performing gigs together around town.

At the age of 17, Kawika entered the professional music scene, joining Chucky Boy Chock and O`ahu Brand, then Palani Vaughan. Over the next couple of decades, Kawika contributed his musical talent to some 30 recording projects and has collaborated or performed with artists such as Kekolu, Leon and Malia, Kawehi Lindsey, Jesse Rivera, Kapena, Pierre Grill, Na Leo Pilimehana, Kelly Boy Delima, Del Beazley, Alex McAngus, and the Native Hawaiian Band (Pahinui Brothers, Dennis Kamakahi, George Kuo, Mike Kaawa, Milton Lau). As a studio musician, he has also offered his guitar stylings to enhance jingles and theme songs for radio and television ads.

In addition to releasing albums and performing in numerous local venues, Kawika had the pleasure to contribute his musical talent to one of Hawaii's most authentic and unique cultural productions to enter the Hawaiian tourist marketplace. Released in January, 2002, TourTalk-O`ahu became O`ahu's "first audio driving tour". When asked about why he participated in such a unique, niche product he responded: "TourTalk's mission is to acquaint the listener (both visitor and kama'aina) with Hawaii's rich, cultural history, past and present."

Although a carpenter by trade, he is now an ordained Pastor of a small "local-style" fellowship, which is his second ohana, as its name indicates: "Ka Ohana o Ke Aloha" (Family of aloha/grace). "Casual simplicity, filled with aloha is who we are". It was on Kawika's heart to start a fellowship where people are free to worship their Creator, just as they are, bringing in their God-given treasures within them and their cultures such as music, instruments, hula and other forms of dance.

Kawika's first solo recording project, "ALANA", finally emerged in 1996 and continues to captivate many with it's soothing combination of contemporary and traditional Hawaiian tunes, along with ki-ho`alu. Throughout the years, many hula halau have been dancing to the music on this recording, as well as his second solo release, "ONE HEART/ONE VOICE", which was released in 2001. Both projects share his mana`o (feelings) in Kawika's unique way. In between, he released a project with Del Beazley and Dwight Kanae, under the name "3-D, In Living Color." The notable feature in this recording is the exceptional talent each of them has in guitar stylings, song-writing and voice. His work on the "SLACK-KEY PRAISE" CD with Leon Siu is appreciated by some of the best in the business. The listeners of this recording will agree it is like receiving a musical lomi-lomi (massage).

Today, Kawika is currently of member of "Kaukahi". This band was honored to receive three awards at the prestigious 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. They were awarded Group of the Year, Song of the Year for Kawika's "Life in These Islands", which is the title cut and name of their debut CD, and Kawika's son, Dalen Kahiapo, and Todd Schlosser of Worldsound, were presented the award for CD graphics.

Serving God and others are a priority, and is reflected in Kawika's lifestyle and music. "Love for the islands, it's people, `ohana, and Ke Akua (God), are what inspires me, while staying committed to perpetuating 'true' Hawaiian music, the culture, and the art of ki-ho`alu."

Kawika is also featured on our newest and just released compilation CD: Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Vol 2  (2009 Daniel Ho Records) which just won the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards for Best Hawaiian Music Album!

For more information on David, visit his website: www.kawikakahiapo.com

Kawika last performed in The Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series at The Napili Kai Beach Resort, Maui on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. 

David previously performed in this series on March 4, 2009 and before that on September 24 and January 23, 2008 and September 5, 2007 and before that at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on November 29, 2006. Before that Kawika performed in this series on November 9 and May 17, in 2005 and before that on September 14, and April 6 of 2004.