Henry Kapono

Wednesday - July 14, 2010
By Bill Mossman

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Henry Kapono has been an icon in Hawaii’s music scene for decades. Best known for his work as half of the ever-popular Cecilio & Kapono duo, he’s released hit albums, many of which went on to win Na Hoku Hanohano awards. In 1981, Kapono ventured off on his own to pursue a solo career. With a flurry of credentials under his belt, he’s taken musical numbers off his Grammy-nominated and Hoku award-winning album, The Wild Hawaiian, and shares it weekly with tourists and locals alike as part of his newest production, The Wild Hawaiian Experience at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

“Audiences can expect to see something new and different with The Wild Hawaiian music, and an amazing band of musicians and a cast of performers,” says Kapono of the show that takes place every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on the resort’s Super Pool Stage.

The show is a fusion of culture and contemporary performance art - a journey, Kapono says, that embraces and celebrates the core essence of his passion for his Hawaiian roots and upbringing.

Kapono appeared on MidWeek‘s cover in August 2005. In addition to performing at the Hilton, fans can catch Kapono’s melodic charm at Duke’s Waikiki restaurant on Sundays and Duke’s Maui on Fridays. He also has a new project in the making. According to Kapono, however, his latest and greatest accomplishment to date is parenting his soon-to-be 4-year-old twins Kapono and Cassandra with wife Lezlee Ka’aihue.

In the near future, Kapono is looking forward to discovering new music and watching his children grow.

“My journey has been amazing and wonderful. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how my music grows with me. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything else,” says Kapono. “I am constantly evolving musically - I think that’s what keeps me enthusiastic, motivated and passionate about music. My mission is to make the world a better place for all mankind. If I can do it with my music, then I am blessed.”