Led Kaapana

A master of the slack key guitar, Led Kaapana has been one of Hawai‘i's most influential musicians for four decades. His mastery of stringed instruments, exceptional picking style on slack key guitar and ‘ukulele, and extraordinary baritone to leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) vocal range, have made him a musical legend. A multiple award-winner, he was honored as an NEA National Heritage Fellow. Led is joined by longtime collaborator Mike Kaawa, Hawai’i’s finest 12-string guitar player and one of its most highly regarded musicians. Known as “The Hawaiian Boy,” he describes his music as “Hawaiian with attitude.” Mike Kaawa is the perfect match for Led. Since they began performing together in the early 2000s, they have crafted a remarkable musical rapport much like jazz musicians’ improvisations with each other. Mike's hula dancer sister Aurora Ka'awa, a former Miss Hawai'i, completes the group.