Dennis Kamakahi

Hawaiian slack key guitarist and songwriter Dennis Kamakahi first surfaced in 1973 as a member of ukelele virtuoso Eddie Kamae's group the Sons of Hawaii, replacing guitar legend Pops Gabby Pahinui. Kamakahi's tenure with the group lasted some 22 years, during which time he wrote a series of classic hulas including "Pua Hone," "Wahine 'Ilikea," "Koke'e," and "Kou Aloha Mau A Mau"; signing to the Dancing Cat label as a solo artist in 1996, he debuted with the acclaimed Pua'ena, followed three years later by 'Ohana. ~ Jason Ankeny