‘Ukulele Instructor

Abe Lagrimas Jr. is a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Hawaiʻi who is widely recognized for his proficiency on the drums, vibraphone, and ʻukulele. After studying at the Berklee College of Music and competing in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums Competition, he built an international career as a performer and a multiple-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award recipient. Beyond his performance work, he is a dedicated educator and author who has shared his musical expertise through instructional books and online instruction.

‘Ukulele Instructor

Alan Akaka is a renowned Hawaiian steel guitarist and educator who has dedicated his career to mastering and promoting the unique, lilting sound of the instrument. As the founder of the Ke Kula Mele School of Hawaiian Music and a 2012 inductee into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, he works extensively to preserve and perpetuate traditional Hawaiian musical forms for a global audience. Through his performances with "The Islanders" and his commitment to teaching students worldwide, he continues to share the history and artistry of the steel guitar as a vital pillar of Hawaiian culture.

‘Ukulele Instructor

Bryan Tolentino is a highly respected 'ukulele virtuoso known for his masterful accompaniment style, which he affectionately calls "fairy dusting." With a career spanning over four decades, he has contributed to dozens of award-winning recordings, including Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Grammy-nominated albums alongside many of Hawaiʻi’s most prominent artists. Beyond his prolific performance and session work, he is a dedicated educator who shares his deep musical knowledge through workshops and instructional programs for students around the world.

‘Ukulele Instructor

Jeff Peterson is an acclaimed Hawaiian musician and composer widely recognized as one of the most versatile slack key guitarists of his generation. Having contributed to two Grammy Award-winning recordings and earned numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, he has established a reputation for blending traditional island sounds with jazz and classical influences. Through his extensive discography and dedication to teaching through platforms like his online workshop, he continues to play a vital role in preserving and evolving the art of the slack key guitar for a global audience.

‘Ukulele Instructor

Jody Kamisato is a celebrated ʻukulele performer, educator, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to sharing the joy of music with students of all ages. After beginning his performance journey with the Honolulu Boy Choir at age eight, he founded the Kaimuki-based studio Ukulele Hale in 2007 to provide professional instruction and performance opportunities for the next generation of musicians. As a passionate ambassador for the instrument, he continues to tour globally and lead community projects that celebrate the ʻukulele as a vital part of Hawaiian culture.

Kumu ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio is a dedicated educator, composer, and musician who plays a key role in the revitalization of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) through his teaching and community outreach. As a member of the acclaimed musical trio Keauhou, he has garnered numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for his commitment to preserving and performing traditional Hawaiian music. Beyond his stage career, he serves as a kumu ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and reaches a global audience through his educational social media initiatives and online classes.

Kumu ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

Dr. Kalehua Krug is a prominent Hawaiian scholar, educator, and traditional tattoo artist who is deeply committed to the preservation of Hawaiian language and cultural practices. He currently serves as the principal of the Hawaiian charter school Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao, where he integrates aloha ʻāina and indigenous philosophy into his leadership to guide the next generation. In addition to his contributions in education, he is an accomplished musician and lyricist whose songwriting talents have been recognized with nominations at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.

‘Ukulele Instructor

Dr. Kamuela Kimokeo is a distinguished Hawaiian musician and award-winning member of the group Hiʻikua who has spent his career performing traditional music across the globe. He currently serves as the Director of the Hawaiʻi Music Institute and leads the music program at Windward Community College, where he plays a pivotal role in preserving and teaching local musical forms. Through his deep commitment to education, he was honored with the University of Hawaiʻi Regents' Medal for Excellence in Teaching in 2023 for his success in guiding the next generation of Hawaiian artists.

‘Ukulele Instructor

Neal Chin is an accomplished Maui-born musician and educator known for his versatile approach to the ʻukulele across multiple genres, including jazz, folk, and Hawaiian music. With over two decades of professional experience, he has earned multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominations for his solo albums and contributed to various collaborative projects. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, he continues to share his passion for the instrument through concert performances, workshops, and private instruction for students worldwide.

‘Ukulele Instructor

Pomaikaʻi Keawe is a renowned Hawaiian vocalist and educator celebrated for her mastery of traditional haʻi, or female falsetto singing. As the granddaughter of the legendary "Aunty" Genoa Keawe, she carries forward a profound family legacy by preserving and performing classic Hawaiian melodies. Beyond the stage, she is deeply committed to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i through community workshops and mentorship.

‘Ukulele History Instructor

Shawn Yacavone is a prominent ʻukulele historian, educator, and the owner of the Honolulu-based retail showroom Ukulele Friend, which specializes in vintage and custom instruments. As a passionate advocate for cultural preservation, he has dedicated his career to identifying, repatriating, and documenting rare pre-1900s ʻukulele to ensure their history is saved for future generations. His commitment to the instrument extends beyond collection, as he frequently works to educate the public on the instrument's rich evolution within Hawaiian society and the broader global community.