Alan Limaikaika Akaka was born on June 13, 1956 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He is one of the children of Daniel Akaka, who served as our United States Senator.
Alan began taking steel guitar lessons from Jerry Byrd in 1973. Jerry had just arrived in Hawaii.
When Jerry retired in 1991, Alan assumed leadership of the Steel Guitar Ho’olaulea.
I had the privilege of emceeing the Ho’olaulea’s for both Jerry and Alan.
Alan Akaka served as Musical Director of the Territorial Airwaves broadcasts for 20 years in the 1980s and 1990s.
Alan recently revived that role for the 40th anniversary of Territorial Airwaves, once again at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Alan’s 1989 recording, At The Coco Palms, from 30 years ago, is a masterpiece, featuring a bevy of legends of Hawaiian music.
We’ll share the resulting recording, “Alan Akaka – At the Coco Palms”, with you.
This week's playlist:
1- Kaimana Hila – Harold Hakuole w/ Alan Akaka & the Islanders
2- Hilo March – Alan Akaka & the Islanders
3- E Mama E – Sonny Kamahele w/ Alan Akaka & the Islanders
4- Beyond The Reef – Benny Kalama w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
5- Healoha No O Honolulu – Kaipo Asing w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
6- E Maliu Mai – Nina Keali’iwahamana w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
7- Whispering Reef – Alan Akaka & the Islanders
8- My Little Grass Shack – Alan Akaka & the Islanders
9- Two Shadows On The Sand – Walter Mo’okini w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
10- Lei Loke O Kawika – Nina Keali’iwahamana & Benny Kalama & Islanders
Length: 54:14 Released on: 07-05-2019 Artist/Compiled by: Alan Limaikaika Akaka
