Aloha Spirit, Koaloha Style - There Is More To Ukulele Than Meets The Eye - Waikiki

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Aloha Spirit, Koaloha Style - There Is More To Ukulele Than Meets The Eye
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"ALOHA SPIRIT, KOALOHA STYLE"

There Is More To Ukulele Than Meets The Eye

When visitors think of Hawaii, typical iconic images might be conjured up such as Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Lu'au shows, Hula dancers, and Mai Tai cocktails. While those may be considered tourist type attractions, there is one item that seems to resonate with both visitors and locals alike, and one item that almost magically seems to bridge the gap between young and old, rookie or experienced, and those who are Hawaiian or, Hawaiian at heart. And that magical tool is the ukulele.

The artisans behind one of the most beloved and well respected ukulele brands in the world, KoAloha Ukulele, are quietly located in one of the most gritty, urban, and working class neighborhoods of O'ahu- Kalihi. Led by Co-founder, Alvin "Pops" Okami, wife, Patricia, and their two sons, Alan and Paul, a day in the life in their humble warehouse space is often a hectic one consisting of design, wood cutting, stringing, and shipping. The shop buzzes with the energy of the team working at a feverish pace to keep up with orders that come in from around the globe.

Leading the family business into its 18^th year is president, Alan Okami, who has triple duties as "number one son," general manager, and marketing director. Says Alan, "At

KoAloha, we are often compared to being a mini convention and visitors bureau of sorts because of our widespread efforts at promoting Hawaii via our four and six-string instruments." He continues, "We work with many different markets that are supportive of ukulele all throughout Asia, and that in turn, helps to drive interest back to Hawaii; ultimately driving traffic to one of the state's leading facets of our economy, tourism."

Through the numerous lifestyle and cultural promotions that are on KoAloha's aggressive 12-month travel and event calendar, ukulele enthusiasts can find themselves at a KoAloha sponsored event such as "Ukulele Picnic" in Japan or a co-partnered embassy event in Thailand. Paul Okami adds, "Through these key events, it encourages a unilateral movement of promoting ukulele. These partnerships stimulate cooperation through other countries and increases business for all." Alan continued, "I've always shared this philosophy with our team, and that is that we are not trying to sell what we make, we are trying to sell what we do- and what we do, and what we make, are a bit different."

One aspect that sets KoAloha apart from the rest is their unique Artist Partner program, which consists of collaborations with a variety of talented musicians. Says Paul, "One of our most popular artist partners is multi-Grammy award winner, Daniel Ho, whose KoAloha D-VI model is currently on display in the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Then we have other diverse talents such as Gabe Bondoc, Jason Arimoto, Jeremy Passion, Rob Byrd, and Raiatea."

Adds Alan, "Most recently we added two new artists to our team who have very different styles. Kawehi Wight, who creates new music and recycles cover tunes with the aid of a

looping pedal, was recently handpicked to perform at the prestigious TED Conference, while top LA singer/songwriter, Mike Sullivan, combines guitar and ukulele to create a contemporary sound that attracts the attention of the TV and commercial industry." Alan continued, "When we work with our artists, it gives an entry to Hawaiian lifestyle and culture, where it may not happen otherwise. The ukulele is such a strong icon of Hawaiian culture and its music, and pretty much, its lifestyle. Our artist partners, regardless of the genre they play, unknowingly spread the gospel of ukulele wherever they go."

And the good word is not only spread through by playing, but by viewing the two "talk-ulele" style films, the animated "KoAloha Story," and "My KoAloha Story." Both directed by Gary San Angel, the films have captured numerous awards (as well as hearts), in film festivals across the nation that include HIFF (Hawaii International Film Festival), DisORIENT Film Festival, PAAFF' 12 (Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival), and Clive Davis Theatre in LA's Grammy Museum. As well, fundraising screenings with combination ukulele workshops and mini-concerts have been developed for a variety of organizations such as SPICA (South Pacific Islander Cultural Association) and Ainahau O Kaleponi Hawaiian Civic Club.

As Alvin "Pops" Okami says in "My KoAloha Story," "I'm fashioning these beautiful instruments that people can get moved, get encouraged you know, they can forget about the world, just play a little tune, strum, plunk, you know- strum a little bit, and they'll forget, and it'll lift them up and make them go on another day. I cannot tell you how much I love ukulele." And that's the "Aloha Spirit, KoAloha Style."

About KoAloha Ukulele

Regarded as one of the premier ukulele builders amongst music lovers and professionals worldwide, KoAloha Ukulele has a reputation for building quality instruments known for impeccable sound and craftsmanship. Founder and inventor, Alvin "Pops" Okami, along with the very skilled and caring artisans that operate more like ohana (Hawaiian for family) vs. staff, meticulously and lovingly craft each ukulele by hand. As well, sons Alan and Paul, along with Mom Patricia, complete the team; making sure that each KoAloha Ukulele is in flawless condition before leaving their Kalihi-based factory.

For more information about purchasing a KoAloha Ukulele or to set up a factory tour, call 808.847.4911 or go to http://www.koaloha.com or http://www.facebook.com/koalohaukulele for news and upcoming events.

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Aloha Spirit, Koaloha Style - There Is More To Ukulele Than Meets The Eye

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
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