The Waitiki 7

The WAITIKI 7 joins the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, and Maestro Dane Lam, for an evening of Exotica. Rooted in Hawaiʻi’s golden age of Waikiki, Exotica was pioneered by musicians like Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman, and blends jazz with global influences to create an immersive sound. The WAITIKI 7 continues that tradition while redefining the genre for today’s audiences. Composed of conservatory-trained musicians, including GRAMMY winners and symphony performers, the band has spent 20 years preserving and advancing Exotica. Their accolades include JazzWeek chart-topping releases, Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations, and features in NPR, JazzTimes, Downbeat, and Jazziz. Founded in Boston by Hawaiʻi musicians Randy Wong and Abe Lagrimas Jr., The WAITIKI 7 emerged after the 1990s lounge revival, filling a void as one of the few professional ensembles dedicated to Exotica. Today, they continue to bring the genre’s lush instrumentation and evocative soundscapes to new generations worldwide.