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About Alan Akaka
Master of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar
Alan L. Akaka is one of the world's top steel guitar players
and the former president of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association.
He is also the former director of the Kamehameha Schools
Marching Band and the founder and former director of
the Kamehameha Schools Na Opio Singers and Ensemble.
His father, United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka, was the
former director of the famous Kawaiahao Church Choir and
he played an important role in Alan’s early music development.
Copyright ©
Kathleen Walling Fry
Early Life and Education of Alan Akaka
Full Name: Alan L. Akaka
Born: June 13, 1956
Father: United States Senator Alan L. Akaka
Mother: Mary Mildred Chong Akaka
Siblings: 3 brothers and 1 sister
Graduated from Kamehameha High School in 1974
Received Bachelor of Music Education and Master of
Music Education Administration degrees from
the University of Hawaii.
Performance Career of Alan Akaka
Alan Akaka and the Islanders began performing
at the Halekulani Hotel's House Without a Key in 1983
and they continued to perform there for many years.
Alan and his company AIS Entertainment
began producing an annual steel guitar concert
in 1991. The 1991 and 1992 concerts were held
in the clubhouse of the Ala Wai Golf Course
and the 1993 concert was held in Princess
Keelikolani Auditorium of the Kamehameha Schools.
He performed for many years with the legendary Genoa Keawe
at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel (now a Marriott). After
Genoa Keawe passed away in February of 2008, Alan Akaka
continued to perform with members of her family.
Today Alan Akaka can be seen performing
almost every Thursday evening, with the Genoa Keawe Ohana,
at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa at
2552 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu.
More About Alan Akaka's Career
Former president of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association,
Former Director of the Kamehameha High School Marching Band,
Established and directed the Na Opio Singers and Ensemble
at the Kamehameha Schools
He taught Hawaiian music, languages, and appreciation
classes at the Kamehameha Schools and directed the Kamehameha
Performing Arts Academy.
He emceed and performed at the Hawaii State Society's 2009
Presidential Inauguration Ball in Washington, DC
Today Alan Akaka is the director of
Ke Kula Mele Hawaii o Akaka the "Alan Akaka
School of Hawaiian Music" in Kailua, Oahu.
Recordings of Alan Akaka
Alan Akaka has been producing records with the Islanders
since 1988 and over the years he has played steel on
the albums of some of Hawaii's most legendary singers
and musicians including Benny Kalama, Sonny Kamahele,
Genoa Keawe, Nina Kealiiwahamana, Darlene Ahuna, Owana,
Gary Aiko, Ed Kenney, George Paoa, and many others.
Legends of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar: Past, Present, and Future
Hawaiian Steel, Volume 3 (2004)
Photos of Alan Akaka
Picture of Alan Akaka With Senator Daniel Akaka
Sounds of Hawaii Will Serenade Washington DC (2009)
Alan Akaka at Amy Hanaialii's CD Release Party (2008)
Alan Akaka to Kick off 2004 Steel Guitar Festival (2004)
See also:
Photos of the Genoa Keawe Ohana
Other Hawaiian Steel Guitar Musicians
Hawaiian Music Artists A to Z
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Related Links
Hawaiian Music Artists - Main Menu
About Hawaiian Music
Hawaii for Visitors
Elsewhere on the WEb
MySpace Alan Akaka Page
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