George Kahumoku - Master Hawaiian Slack Key Guitarist

George Kahumoku Jr., recognized as "Hawai'i's Renaissance Man," showcases Hawaiian music and culture through slack key guitar in engaging solo performances. Kahumoku's style and presentation incorporate storytelling, cultural preservation, and education.
• Kahumoku is a master of Hawaiian slack key guitar (kī hōʻalu), a traditional Hawaiian fingerpicking style of guitar featuring altered tunings that the Mexican cowboys introduced to Hawaii in 1830.
• Kahumoku uses a 12-string guitar, favoring its full sound and rich lower bass tones, and uses a custom F-tuning that complements his vocal range and performance style.
• The playing is marked by expression and emotional depth which blends traditional slack key with interpretations of Hawaiian classics as well as original compositions.
• Kahumoku's shows combine music and narrative, where he shares personal stories, Hawaiian folklore, and insights into the origins and significance of slack key music, offering a deeper connection to Hawaiian culture.
• Known for his "talk story" style, he creates an inviting atmosphere, sharing good music, humor, and the spirit of the islands with the audience.
• Performances reflect Kahumoku's role as an educator, sharing knowledge and emphasizing the importance of preserving Hawaiian music for future generations.
• Kahumoku transports the audience to the Hawaiian islands, fostering a sense of place and aloha through his music and stories.

George Kahumoku Jr., known as "Hawai'i's Renaissance Man," is a celebrated figure who embodies a deep connection to Hawaiian culture. Born in Kona on the Big Island of Hawai'i, Kahumoku is a Grammy Award-winning master slack key guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, songwriter, author, teacher, sculptor, farmer, and chef.
Musical Contributions & Awards:
A master of Hawaiian slack key guitar, or Ki Ho'alu, Kahumoku is featured in the Masters Collection on George Winston's Dancing Cat label. He has released numerous albums, including four Grammy winners, has earned multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaiian Grammys) including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. He was inducted into the inaugural Maui Nui Hall of Fame in recognition of his impact on Hawaiian culture and music. His weekly Slack Key Show on Maui, now in its third decade, is a cornerstone of Hawaiian music and features the islands' most respected artists.
Cultural Practitioner & Educator:
Kahumoku is a passionate cultural practitioner. His storytelling, a key element of his performances, is documented in his books "A Hawaiian Life "(volume 1 & 2) and inspired his film biography, "Seeds of Aloha". He taught for over 40 years, working with at-risk youth and playing a crucial role in establishing the Institute of Hawaiian Music at the University of Hawai'i Maui College. Additionally, he hosts George Kahumoku Jr.'s Annual Maui Slack Key Guitar and ‘Ukulele Workshop, a week-long cultural immersion promoting Hawaiian music and traditions that has run for 27 consecutive years
Hawai'i's Renaissance Man
George Kahumoku Jr. showcases Hawaiian music and culture through slack key guitar and engaging solo performances. Kahumoku's style and presentation incorporate storytelling, cultural preservation, and education. He comes from a family with generations of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys), fishermen, and farmers. His farming practices further exemplify his deep connection to the 'aina (land); he grew produce and raised livestock on his Maui farm, notably engaging in community service agriculture during the pandemic. His life truly embodies the spirit of a Renaissance Man, blending artistic mastery, cultural preservation, and a profound commitment to his community and heritage.

• A professional sound system suitable for a concert setting for one guitar and microphone. For an additional fee of $250, artist will bring his own Bose sound system.
• General stage lighting, or if outdoors, protection from rain & sun.
• Stage Equipment: Monitor, DI, boom stand for microphone, music stand, armless chair. Artist will bring his own microphone
• Load-In & Parking: Convenient load-in area and parking near the stage door may be needed for transporting instruments and equipment.
• While George appreciates the gracious Hawaiian custom of bestowing an artist with a lei, please no fresh flower leis for George. He is allergic to scented flowers and will wear his own non-flower lei.