Artists

See artist that play Ko’olau or Pono

Abe Lagrimas, Jr.

– One of finest multi-talented musicians from Hawaii, has taken his form of ‘ukulele jazz to a new level. 

Aaron Mahi

Hawaii’s most notable Bandleader. Former leader of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Anuhea

Performer, recording artist, song writer.  Plays Ko’olau and Pono guitars and ‘ukuleles.

Benny Chong

One of the original living jazz Ukulele players. Played with the Don Ho Band for 25 years.

Paul Hemmings

Jazz ukulele player and recording artist.  Resides, plays and teaches in NYC

Ledward Kaapana

Multi talented slack key  master.  Plays Ko’olau and Pono guitars & ‘ukuleles. 

Imua Garza

Imua has been playing ukulele all his life. His styles with Opihi Picker’s influenced a generation of local ukulele players

Michael Lande

Composer and co-founder of Music Orange, providing music for commercial television and radio advertising. The often unseen in the music industry is movies, TV, and advertising. And now days more and more advertisements include ukuleles in the background.  Michael Lande is a master in the industry. These videos are a sampling of his artistry using his Ko’olau tenor ukulele.

Makua Rothman

Makua is a surfer, a musician and connoisseuer of the finer things. And, a good guy.  Check out his ko’olau

Trey Terada

Founder of  Four Strings Studio in Kaneohe, the inspiration and introduction of many of today’s ‘ukulele masters

Craig Brandau

Multi-talented guitar and ‘ukulele recording artist.

Ernie Cruz Jr.

The late Ernie Cruz Jr. A sad loss of not only a good man with a big heart, but also an excellent musician. From the team “Ka’au Crater Boys” to his solo career, Ernie was a proud member of our Ko‘olau and Pono endorsements. This video shows one of his favorites, his Ko‘olau mango guitar.

And as the song mentions, we look forward to seeing Ernie again … “one day soon”

Bruno Mars

Hawaii raised star plays Koolau/Pono!

Lyle Ritz

The late master. Recognized and respected by the entire ‘ukulele world as the one of the greatest jazz players of all time. His sophisticated fingerstyle and technique was admired by all who enjoyed his music.

Lyle began his career playing bass, upright and electric. He was primarily a studio musician, and for several years part of the “Wrecking Crew” …. a group of the finest musicians who played backup instrumental for almost every rock band on the 60’s and 70’s, including the Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Herb Albert, Sonny and Cher, Ray Charles, and even Frank Sinatra.

Eventually he decided to put his bass to rest, and follow his original love for the ‘ukulele. And then we were honored with his love for Ko‘olau ‘ukuleles.

Photo is Lyle with one of his Ko‘olau ‘ukuleles. 

Mike Keale

Performer and Recording Artist. Mike grew up and played music with his cousin, Israel Kamakawiwa’ole and uncle, Moe Keale.

Pictured here with his Pono guitar, Mike also loves his Pono mango tenor ‘ukulele.

Marc Gallagher

Marc is a professional ukulele player based in Manchester, England. He plays his Pono ukulele at regular gigs, weddings, and has played at every ukulele festival throughout Europe, including Galway, Grand Northern, Scotland, Berlin, Munich, and Vienna. His recent tourr included the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Kentucky USA

Amos Lee

Singer/Songwriter. Folk, soul, rhythm & blues

Jimmy Buffett

Legendary Singer/songwriter.

Kelly Slater

An 11 time World Champion surfer. Kelly is also a musician and plays a custom made Ko‘olau Tenor 8-String ‘ukulele

Kimo Hussey

Ukulele Teacher, performer, and founder of the Pacific Music Foundation.

Imua Garza

 Imua has been playing ukulele all his life. His styles with Opihi Picker’s influenced a generation of local uke players.

Craig Sharmat

Composer and Songwriter for TV and Movies.

Chino Montero

The late Chino Montero was a model musician for all of Hawaii musicians. His loss is felt by all here who appreciated his professional abilities, conduct, and attitude. Most of his years he played guitar, ‘ukulele, and vocals for major Hawaiian bands. And will always be remembered as a gifted professional artist.

Ernie Cruz Jr.

The late Ernie Cruz Jr. One of Hawaii’s greatest contemporary musicians.  And a man with a big heart and a big smile.  

Greg Hawkes

co-founder of the band The Cars (now a devoted ‘ukulele enthusiast).

Henry Kapono Ka’aihue 

More popularly known as Henry Kapono, or simply “Kapono”. Solo Singer/songwriter and part of Hawaii’s most famous and largest recording duo C & K (Cecileo and Kapono).

Jin Takuma

Professional recording artist, performer, and teacher in Japan.  Performs and records on a Ko’olau Tenor ‘Ukulele with his wife Keiko on guitar and vocals.

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter

Guitarist for Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and even a member of an early Jimi Hendrix band.  One of the old “rockers” who discovered the ‘ukulele.

Jesse Colin Young

Singer/songwriter, founding member of the famous 60’s/70’s band “Youngbloods” with their signature song “Get Together”.

Joe Craven

The “Uke of Hazzard” Violinist and percussionist for the David Grisman Quintet

John Valentine

John is a Singer, Guitarist, and Ukulele player and whatever else you put in his hands. He is an incredible talent from the islands. John helped his nephew Bruno Mars in his early years.  

Jon Prown

Performer and Recording Artist

Kalei Gamiao

Performer and recording artist. When not touring, Kalei assists Hawaii Music Supply in sales and instrument demo’s. 

Larry Spalding

Master harmonica player, famous locally for his Hapa recording “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai” and pictured in concert with his Ko’olau Solidbody 8-String Baritone.

Michael Kaplan

Leads The Ukulele Cowboy Society 

Nico’o 

Ukulele performer and recording artist from France.