Virtuoso, songwriter, singer and producer, Taimane, is best known for her fierce and inventive style of playing the ukulele helping the hapa Samoan (part caucasian and part indigenous Samoan) artist earn four Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards and garner over 50 million video views and over 500,000 social media followers to date.

Hailing from a musical Polynesian family including her late mother, Palepa Tauiliili Gardner (Miss Samoa 1978), Taimane’s attraction to the four-string island staple began at age 5. By age 10, she regularly performed in public, busking in Waikiki every Friday night with her father holding down security duties and Waikiki Beach Boys (adults whose home & workplace was the beach) serving as her band. By age 13, Taimane landed a position in Don Ho’s show literally playing in the spotlight every week until Ho’s passing.

Fast forward to today, and you have an artist who tours the world and has carved out a unique niche in music – merging a wide-array of genres, from Bach to rock, flamenco infernos to tribal hymns, summoning a seemingly limitless palette of emotions via an instrument previously viewed as restricted.

Official Website: https://taimane.com/

International recording artist Herb Ohta, Jr., is considered to be one of today’s most prolific ʻukulele masters. Influenced by Jazz, R&B, Latin and Brazilian music, he puts his stamp on Hawaiian music by pushing the limits of tone and technique on this beautiful instrument. The son of ʻukulele legend “Ohta-san,” he started playing at the age of three, and teaching at the age of nine. He now shares the music of Hawaiʻi and the beauty of the ʻukulele with people around the world, performing and conducting instructional workshops.

His recording debut was in 1990 on his father’s recording. Since then, Herb has recorded on over 50 recordings with 15 Solo and 13 duet recordings to his credit. With 16 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominations, he has won 7 awards. He is also a four-time Hawai‘i Music Award Winner as well. Herb has released 3 national releases in Japan, 1 in Taiwan, co-authored two ‘ukulele instructional books with Grammy Award artist Daniel Ho that was released in Japan and the United States, and in 2015, Herb published a songbook of his arrangements in Korea.

In 2025, Herb will be in his 35th year in the music business and is well on his way to matching his father’s legacy.

Official Website: https://www.herbohtajr.com/

Nā ‘Ukulele ‘Ekolu is Bryan Tolentino on tenor ‘ukulele, Halehaku Seabury on baritone ‘ukulele and Kama Hopkins on bass ʻukulele. These three Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners, rooted in Hawai’i’s rich ‘ukulele and Hawaiian music traditions and culture, come together to showcase their ‘ukulele artistry and vocal stylings creating a unique sound.

Official Website: https://nuehawaii.com

Kawena Opunui learned hula from kumu Ellen Castello at a young age. She has participated in the Merrie Monarch Festival five times and has also performed chants at Merrie Monarch as an Alakai.
She received her Uniki from kumu Ellen Castello. She has many years of hula experience as a professional hula dancer and production coordinator for many musicians, including Kahiapo Talent. Tony C., Weldon Kekauoha, Sean Na‘auao, The Ka‘ala Boys, The Kaimana Band, The Brown Boys, and Sam Kapu III. She has also performed hula with artists such as Robert Cazimero, Keale, Brother Noland, Ledward Ka‘apana, 3 Scoops of Aloha, and Ocean Kaowili. Kawena also works as a production coordinator for Nalani Productions, where she handles a wide range of work from costumes to scheduling and choreography for concerts held around the world. Kawena is also well known as a hula dancer and co-writer of “Mele,” contributing the Hawaiian lyrics to the song.

Kalaʻe Camarillo was born and raised in Kihei, Maui. He is a third generation musician/music educator and is currently the Kanikapila Kumu at Kamehameha Middle School, Kapālama Campus. In 2004, at the age of 12, he began performing weekly with his father, Rama, at the Maui Coast Hotel. In 2009, as a high school senior at Kamehameha Maui, he and his cousin, Dane Lum Ho, won the Hawaii state wide “Band Champ” competition, awarding the duo the opening act for two major groups: The Stylistics and America. Today, after three solo releases, he has received 6 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award awards, most recently for his original song, “Sands of Old Lahaina,” which was awarded Song of The Year, Single of The Year, and Music Video of The Year.

Official HP: https://www.kalaecamarillo.com/

Jody Kamisato was born in 1977 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Music has been an integral part of Jody’s upbringing. At just seven years of age, Jody’s elementary school teacher gave him his first ʻukulele lesson, and at the age of eight, he began performing with the Honolulu Boy Choir. During the next five years he had the opportunity to travel all over the United States, record on an album, and sing on several national TV shows as well as commercials. As a member of the “BS Band” with Bruce Shimabukuro and Gary Akiona, they performed throughout Hawai’i and toured Japan on numerous occasions to do live shows and ‘ukulele workshops. In 2005 Jody’s original song “Ainakoa” was selected for “Aloha Tofu’s” official commercial song.

In 2007, Jody opened his own ʻukulele school called ʻUkulele Hale located in Kaimuki. With a talented and dedicated staff, he foresees a bright and successful future and looks forward to a variety of exciting projects with ‘Ukulele Hale including community service opportunities, public performances and a future Japan tour.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukeboy808/

Even though born and raised on Oahu, Craig Chee matured as an ‘ukulele player and musician on the mainland. Throughout attending and graduating from the University of Oregon, Craig focused on teaching a myriad of different styles with the tiny instrument. Craig started his learning journey with friends and the Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studio and has become a world renowned teacher and performer. Craig infuses his energetic and just plain “fun” style into many genres of music and is known for his collaborations at different music events.

Sarah Maisel was born and raised in Alabama and found herself working in San Diego, CA as the Lead Female Draper for the La Jolla Playhouse. After walking into a local ‘ukulele jam, Sarah was both fascinated by the instrument and the joy that surrounded it. Studying under Frank Leong, Sarah dove into the jazz stylings of golden age Hawai’i songs and arrangements inspired by ‘ukulele legends like Lyle Ritz, Benny Chong and Byron Yasui. Sarah found a passion for teaching and performing with the ‘ukulele and was quickly featured at many ‘ukulele festivals around the world.

Craig and Sarah discovered a similar passion and work ethic, and in 2015 they married. They have made an incredible splash in the ‘ukulele scene with their complementing styles and vocal harmonies.

Official HP: https://www.craigandsarah.com

Kalei Gamiao, a Hawaii born ukulele virtuoso, started his adventure with the ukulele at the age of thirteen. His exposure to a wide variety of ukulele masters including Alfred Canopin, Gordon Mark, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong and Kimo Hussey, motivated him to embrace a range of styles – jazz, rock, pop, classical, blues, flamenco, funk, as well as the music of his cultural roots, Hawaiian and island contemporary. With 3 completed nominated albums to his name Kalei Gamiao been at the forefront of today’s ukulele revolution since 2008 when his debut album, “Contemporary Ukulele,” kicked up the demand for performances in the U.S market. After the release of his second album entitled “Redefined” in 2012 a greater demand for more of his music and performances exposed Kalei to hundreds of thousands of ukulele enthusiasts from around the world. Social media sites and the web provide instant access for his fans to stay connected to his music, performance calendar, and the explosive world-wide popularity of the ukulele.

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleigamiao/

TOMOKI, a ukulele singer-song writer from Japan, introduced to the ukulele at 16 and instantly improved his skills. While he studied the lungages in United States, he explored various genres of music and honed his ukulele skills and music sense. After returning to Japan, he traveled aournd the world, including Australia, England and Italy, to perform in various Festivals. Because of his laungate skills, he has built close relationships with ukulele musicians worldwide and continues to collaborate on various projects.

Kalei and TOMOKI, who are long time friends, will showcase a special collaboration at International Ukulele Fesetival of Hawaii 2025.

The Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios is recognized as Hawaii’s foremost ukulele school with four locations on Oahu and a staff of instructors, all of whom are former students. Since 1974, Roy Sakuma’s unique method of teaching has brought the joy of the ukulele to thousands of students.
It’s fast and most of all, fun! Students instantly feel accomplished and many students, especially children, achieve their first experience of musical success through their ukulele lessons.

For over 50 years, Roy & Kathy Sakuma have dedicated their life’s work to preserving interest in the ukulele and are the founders of Ukulele Festival Hawaii.

Official Site: https://www.roysakuma.net

Ukulele Hale, nestled in the heart of Kaimuki, has been a hub for ukulele enthusiasts since its founding in 2007 by renowned instructor, entertainer, and owner Jody Kamisato. Designed to unite students of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds, Ukulele Hale fosters a welcoming community built around the joy of music.

Open to students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, Ukulele Hale is a welcoming haven where the love of music unites everyone. With a team of exceptionally skilled instructors, the studio has helped students achieve incredible success, from winning state, national, and international ukulele competitions to launching inspiring music careers that touch lives around the world.

At its heart, Ukulele Hale’s mission is beautifully simple: to connect the world, one strum at a time. Through their passion for music and the spirit of aloha, they’re spreading harmony, bringing people together, and proving that even a single note has the power to make a difference.

The group appeared in 1981, under the name of Algozes with the mission of promoting Madeiran musical traditions. In 1989 they managed to release their first albumw in a self-published edition, and which marked a change of the name of the group to Xarabanda. Xarabanda is the combination of Xaramba, which is one of the traditional music style of the Madeira, and Banda, which means “band” in Portuguese, with which they aims to give greater importance, than hitherto, to the traditional music of Madeira Island.

The 90s is the most fruitful decade for the group, with two more albums being released. In 1994, the group also created the first major traditional music festival in Madeira and organized for 5 years until giving way to “Raízes do Atlântico”, which is still active today in 2022.

In 2001, they released his first thematic album entitled “Songs to the boy Jesus”, which, given the number of sales and re-released more versions following years. After its hit, they recorded various thematic albums dedicated to traditional and popular games, tales and stories. As such, the themes are subject to different interpretations, so they work in a line of “heterogeneous stylizations” that, they believe, do not distort the material in question; on the contrary, it enriches it, always taking care to respect its own characteristics.

At this time, Roberto Moniz and Roberto Moritz will join the festival to showcase the beautiful sounds of Braguinha, which is one of the traditional instruments from the Madeira and the mother of Hawaii born instrument, Ukulele.

Annier Lee , a ukulele musician and composer from Taiwan, is widely recognized for her exquisite fingerstyle technique and distinctive musical style. She excels at blending diverse musical elements, from Taiwanese folk and classical music to rock and Hawaiian music, showcasing the boundless possibilities of the ukulele. She has released multiple albums and has been nominated twice for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Best International Album in Hawaii. Her album “One Day” also received a Bronze Award at the 2023 Global Music Awards. In 2024, Annier released her latest EP, ¡Hola Aloha!, continuing her musical journey around the world and demonstrating the limitless potential of the ukulele.
Official Site: http://annierlee.wixsite.com/ukulele

Yun-Ping Liu is an experienced guitar player who cares deeply about making great music with his fingertips. As an experienced guitar player, he plays in many different kinds of styles, such as Flamenco, Blues, Rock, Funk, Jazz, Latin and Fingerstyle. He has been a producer for Annie Lee.

32 years under the direction of Peter Luongo and, for the past 11 years, under the direction of Peter’s son, Paul, the Langley Ukulele Ensemble is now in its 44th year and had developed a reputation at home and abroad for excellence in musical performance. The ensemble members range in age from 12 to 18 and are students attending middle and secondary schools.

The Senior A Ukulele Ensemble, the top group within the LUA, has performed as many as 80 times within a calendar year. Notably, they have performed at ukulele festivals in Nevada, Oregon, Nova Scotia, Japan, and Hawaii and at local community events within the province of British Columbia, Lower Mainland, and Greater Vancouver regions. In recent years, the ensemble has performed alongside Juno, Na Hoku Hanohano, and Grammy-nominated or winning musicians and artists. In January 2020, the ensemble opened up for Grammy Award Winner Bobby McFerrin as a part of the Grand Rally for Music Education within the NAMM Convention.

The group’s motto is “Enriching Lives through Music”. The members are challenged to strive towards excellence in musical performance and to use music as a vehicle to be role models and leaders among their peers. The group members see themselves as musical ambassadors for Canada, British Columbia, and Langley, as well as for youth. They hope to leave audiences with a sense that there is a reason to be hopeful about the future of today’s youth.

Official Site: https://www.langleyukes.com

Forté & the Pianissimos are the Midwest’s Premier Ukulele Orchestra. Lead by longtime musician Greg Forton, this spirited group is sure to make you laugh as you sing and strum along through their collection of original songs and upbeat covers. This high-spirited group has been entertaining audiences since 2011and began their first performance tour in the little town of Nome Alaska. They have since, been showcased at numerous festivals and events. No matter where they travel, they will always call the Fox Cities home (Wisconsin). In additional to performing, they teach ukulele, harmonica, and song writing workshops. They always encourage audience members to bring their ukuleles to jam, sing, and laugh along.

Official Site: https://newukes.com/

Special collaboration group is created, and they are called – “‘Ukulele All Stars”! The group consists of talented musicians and `ukulele enthusiasts in Japan, led by Boo Takagi. Although he is well known as a member of the Drifters, he has been very passionate about `Ukulele for many years, and loves Hawai’i. About 25 years ago, Boo-san asked `Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i’s executive producer, Sekiguchi-san, “Can we organize something, like `Ukulele Orchestra?” and that’s how this dream-like group was formed.

According to Sekiguchi-san, there are two very important criteria to be in this 1933 ‘Ukulele All Stars – 1) loves `Ukulele, and 2) respects Mr. Boo Takagi with whole heart. Current members are, Yoshio Nomura (very famous Tanokin-Torio member),Yoko Oginome, Kimiko Wakiyama,　Yu Hatakeyama, Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, and Boo Takagi.

Kazuyuki Sekiguchi is a renowned Japanese musician, best known as the bassist of the legendary band Southern All Stars, which made its debut on June 25, 1978. Celebrating its 47th anniversary, the band remains one of the most iconic and influential groups in Japanese music history, attracting 600,000 fans on their most recent Japan tour.
Beyond his career with Southern All Stars, Sekiguchi is a passionate ukulele artist. He has released seven ukulele-themed albums and authored four books on the Ukulele instrument. His ukulele tone, known for its extraordinary gentleness, is the result of decades of study and admiration of ukulele masters past and present. Through this exploration, he has developed a sound that reflects his own ideal of the ukulele’s voice. In addition to his musical pursuits, Sekiguchi is active as a writer, illustrator, and radio personality, demonstrating his multifaceted talent. Since 2009, he has organized the Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii on the island of Oʻahu in collaboration with the Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii. In 2024, the event was expanded and rebranded as the International Ukulele Festival of Hawaii, continuing to grow as a global celebration of the instrument.

Kazuyuki Sekiguchi deeply respects and maintains close relationships with many prominent figures in the ukulele world, including Herb Ohta, Roy Sakuma, Jake Shimabukuro, Bill Tapia, Lyle Ritz, Gordon Mark, Jim Beloff, Daniel Ho, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Bryan Tolentino, Hoku Zuttermeister, and Roy Smeck. In Japan, he also holds great respect and friendship for Kiyoshi Kobayashi and Iwao Yamaguchi.

Since 2009, Sekiguchi has actively organized fundraising events with the goal of building a museum dedicated to the ukulele, an instrument that originated in Hawai‘i. The Ukulele Museum project is steadily progressing in collaboration with Hawai‘i State Archival institutions.

Born in Sugamo, Tokyo in 1933. In 1964, He Joined “The Drifters (Japanese Band)“ to host one of the legendary and most popular variety shows called “Hachijidayo Zen’inshūgō! (It’s 8 o’clock, Everyone, Gather around!) “ which aired from 1969. As the opening performance of the Beatles’ first concert in 1966 . He has been keeping himself busy in various fields of his many talents, such as album release events and live performances, as well as an instructor for `Ukulele lessons on NHK Educational TV.

In the early 1980’s, Yoshio Nomura made his debut into stardom as a pop idol with his nickname, Yotchan. He then become a guitarist for the rock-n-roll band Good-bye. His talent as a guitar player led him to join the touring band for Ayumi Hamasaki since 1998.

Yoshio is known to be a “guitar enthusiast” and has a collection of more than 300 guitars at home. His recent passion has been ukulele. For his first instrumental album titled “`Ukulele for Christmas,” he played all the instruments by himself, featuring techniques to play vintage `ukulele instead of electric guitar.

He has also produced his own ukulele model. “Usulele” (Usui means ‘thin’ in Japanese) became popular with its uniquely thin design. Several `ukulele producers are now inspired by Yoshio’s creation, and have been distributing their own versions of a thin body `ukulele. In 2020, Yoshio released his second `ukulele album, “`Ukulele Slow Life.”

Debuting in 1984, she has since released 42 singles and 31 albums, including best-of albums. Among her numerous hits are the singles “Dancing Hero,” “Roppongi Junjo-ha,” and “Coffee Rumba,” as well as the album “NON STOPPER.”

2017: “Dancing Hero” experienced a revival, reaching #2 on the Billboard Weekly Domestic Charts for the year. She also received the Special Award at the 59th Kagayaku! Japan Record Awards.

2018: “Dancing Hero” became the most-sung karaoke song for the first time. She received a special award at the 32nd Japan Gold Disc Awards.

2019: She starred in the drama “Net Utahime” (broadcast on NHK BS Premium in January 2019), marking her first leading role in 23 years. She celebrated the 35th anniversary of her debut in April.

2020: In August and September, “Mushi no Tsubuyaki,” a song she wrote the lyrics for, was broadcast on “NHK Minna no Uta.” This charming song humorously depicts the ecology of insects from an insect’s point of view, accompanied by the ukulele. It was the first time in 32 years since Yoko Oginome’s “Jungle Dance” (lyrics by Masakazu Mori, music by Tetsuya Komuro) aired on “NHK Minna no Uta” in February 1988.

International champion whistler. Born in Fukuoka, Japan. Garaduate of Kunitachi University of Music. Kimiko Wakiyama, the champion whistler, who won the women’s crown at the 2007 International Whistlers Convention (IWC 2007) in North Carolina. Wakiyama, can whistle across a range of three octaves, which means almost all vocal music is within her scope. Beautiful feminine sound marks as ” Lovely Tune “. Debut album, ” The Whistling Paradise ” (April 23, Victor Entertainment), was released as the first female solo artist. Without being bound by the general image of whistling, thriving through out TV programs and movies.

Official website: https://kimikowakiyama.com/

Yanagiman is from Yakushima, in Kagoshima. He moved to Tokyo in 1997, after having started his music carrier in Fukuoka are for a while. He has been composing and producing several songs to well known artists such as, Ketsumeishi, Funky Monkey Babies, Gosopelers, or Mika Nakajima. He is currently very enthusiastic about regional　revitalization project throughout Japan and other countries as well.

Yu Hatakeyama was born in Rikuzentakata City in Iwate prefecture. While growing up in Saitama prefecture, she joined brass band with her friends at junior high school. She was introduced to percussion instruments at band practice, and she decided to become a professional percussionist.

Later, Yu studied at Kunitachi College of Music, majoring in percussion. By the time of her graduation, she was awarded first prize at the Newcomer Concert of the Japan Percussion Instrument Association.

Yu’s career as a professional percussionist includes appearances as a support musician for Keisuke Kuwata and Tokiko Kato. After releasing her first percussion solo album in 2007, she produced 4 more solo albums. Yu has also released an instrumental DVD, “A Guide for Shifting to Cajón as a Drummer” as a leading Cajón musician in Japan.

Yu Hatakeyama has promoted many innovative ideas so that “usually behind-the-scenes” instruments, such as percussion, can shine on stage. For example, setting up the percussion instruments front and center on the stage, and organizing a live concert with percussion as the lead instruments. You might also find her at a “Battle Live” with other drummers, or in collaboration with rakugo （traditional Japanese comic storytelling）, of which she is a big fan!

JazzoomCafe(JC) is a Technical Ukulele Player in Japan
He’s awarded the Grand Champion of the International Ukulele contest held in Hawaii/USA.
and appeared in the NewsPaper of Hawaii.
He’s invited the Ukulele Festival,NewYork&Hawaii(USA), Korea,China,Saipan,Vietnam,Thailand,HONGKONG,Taiwan,Malaysia
He also joined Walt Disney Records.
He taught 5,000 people all over the world.
He made the three ukulele books in Japan.
And He judged the Ukulele Contest of Hawaii,Japan,Korea,Thailand.
He established the Ukulele School ”Happylele Music School”,
His Student “rena” is also awarded the Hawaii Ukulele Contest,and debut and appears on the CD from Japan Columbia Records known by Major Label of Japan.
And He is the Producer of “Japan kids Ukulele club”.

https://jazzoomcafe.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jazzoomcafe/
https://twitter.com/jazzoomcafe
https://kodomoukulele.com/

A singer and ukulele player who respects and focuses on preserving the music passed on to generations in Hawaii, aiming to convey and spread the essence of Hawaiian culture and spirit in Japan.

Kahua’s artistic domain lies in expressing traditional Hawaiian music and exploring the full potential of the ukulele, an instrument nurtured in Hawaii, through his solo ukulele performances.

In the realm of Hawaiian music expression, Kahua has studied under Kapulanakehau Tamure, the former leader of “Na Palapalai,” one of Hawaii’s top musicians, and Kehau himself acknowledges that Kahua is continuing his legacy.

For solo ukulele, Kahua has apprenticed under Ryo Natoyama, a renowned ukulele player representing Japan.

Started between project members of the special exhibition “Aloha Amigo” held at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, between 2012 to 2013 in Kanazawa. Since 2013, the group has been based in a log house in Kanazawa City, where they have been engaged in activities to connect people, hearts, and smiles with ukuleles.

Ukulele Paina has been in contact with Roy Sakuma for a long time and has participated in the ukulele festival in Hawaii. This time, high school students from the junior ukulele orchestra and friends who are enjoying the ukulele at log houses and cafes will participate.

n 2003, the ukulele school started at the seaside town of Zushi. The school chooses places where they can feel the atmosphere of the seaside and nature, and tries to give lessons so that people can enjoy life with music through the ukulele. Currently, including seaside towns such as Zushi, Hayama, and Kamakura to Yokohama and online classes, there are more than 20 classes which incorporate a system that teaches ukulele to various levels. They have also participated in the Hawaii Ukulele Festival four times in the past, deepening exchanges through ukulele with people from all over the world.

LeaLeaUkulele Garden HP: http://www.mailele.net/

A group of ukulele enthusiasts made up of ukulele artists, hula dancers, and instructors. Previously, they were active under the name “Yamaha Music School Ukulele Division”, but after six years, the group changed its name and restarted with friends who value music and the spirit of Aloha. With the goal of connecting people, spreading smiles, and creating a warm atmosphere through the ukulele, they conduct activities throughout Japan that combine music, hula, and aloha spirit.

Poepoe Japan is a group formed every year by ukulele students who gather at the ukulele class “Poepoe” in Tokyo and Nagoya. This year, students from various classes, led by instructor Hiro Takenouchi, will perform with all their hearts in a composition that includes bass and percussion.

https://nofofon.com/

Billy V is a veteran expert emcee who has been at the forefront of numerous events in the entertainment, hospitality, and sports industries; most of Hawaii’s biggest events. For the past 40 years he has been the broadcast voice and face of momentous events in areas including U.H. and professional sports arenas, cultural and political gatherings, to A-list conventions and concerts.
He has a passion for bringing people together and being a part of their lives through these memorable festivities.

I am a Sea Turtle fairy born on the Punaluʻu Beach which has black sand created by volcanic activity of Kilauea.
I promote lifestyles filled with dreams and hope, and the protection of the nature of the world, by sending messages of “Treasure Heart” from Hawai’i to the world. If you see me, say the slogan of happiness, “Alohappy!”

Aloha!

My name is KamekameKun. I’m an 11 year-old local friendly boy. I love to explore around the islands to introduce great things about Hawaii and enjoying this beautiful islands. But not only enjoying, I’m also caring. Saying the Aloha and Sharing the Aloha, I encourage everyone to see how precious we are on this beautiful islands.

I love going to beach clean up every week and participate in local community. My goal is to keep this beautiful islands in clean.

Let’s take care of our beautiful Hawaii with Malama heart.

Have a Great Aloha Day!