During four years in Hawaiʻi pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Kekoa met mentors and cultural figures who had a profound influence on his artistic vision, and he continues to maintain meaningful exchanges with them. After returning to Korea, Kekoa began his music career in 2014 as the leader of the band Māpukiki, which was selected as a finalist for the 2015 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
In 2020, he released his first full-length solo album, and in 2023, he showcased his songwriting abilities by contributing an original track to Disney Plus’s hit drama Moving.

Since then, he has been recognized as one of the most consistent artists promoting Hawaiian music and hula culture in Korea. Through performances at Hawaiian music festivals as well as appearances on TV and radio programs in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, he continues to introduce Hawaiian cultural arts and lifestyle to Korean audiences alongside his musical activities.

Instagram @kekoa_don
https://www.youtube.com/@kekoatv