Mike Kaawa Headlines Lahaina’s Free Concert Series

Master slack key guitarists Mike Kaawa will headline the Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s free monthly Hawaiian Music Series concert on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in front of the Baldwin Home Museum at the corner of Dickenson and Front Streets in Lahaina.

Mike .Kaawa portrait. Photo Courtesy

A Hawaiian master 12-string guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Mike Kaawa is one of Hawai‘i’s most highly regarded musicians.

He started performing at a young age and briefly flirted with rock-and-roll before committing himself to Hawaiian music and becoming known as “The Hawaiian Boy” in the 1970s. Describing his musical style as “Hawaiian with attitude,” Mike has created a distinctive, robust sound and vocal expression that comes straight from the heart.

He’s a regular performer at Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festivals and popular venues around Hawai‘i.

Kaawa often teams up with master slack key guitarist, Led Kaapana. The duo released “Force of Nature” in 2008, which garnered a Grammy Award nomination for Best Hawaiian Music Album. He has also performed with Kaapana, Dennis Kamakahi and Nathan Aweau as The Hawaiian Legends.

Kaawa released four solo albums in his career, including “Kuapaka‘a” (2012), two albums with the band, “Nā ‘Oiwi” (featuring Dennis Kamakahi) as well as his record with Led Kaapana. He has been featured on three Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar compilation albums.

Limited seating will be provided on the lawn; blankets, mats and low beach chairs are allowed.

This ongoing Hawaiian Music Series program is sponsored by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and Outlets of Maui with support from KPOA 93.5FM.