Makana
Bio
Makana's journey in music began at age 7 with the Honolulu Boy Choir, where he met Dolly Parton and faced suspension for not smiling enough during a concert. By 9, he joined Roy Sakuma’s ‘ukulele school, improvising with paper as a pick for his first solo. Introduced to kī hō’alu (Hawaiian slack key guitar) at 11, he became enthralled, leading to mentorship under Raymond Kāne and later Sonny Chillingworth.
His dedication led to performances with notable musicians and offers of record deals, which he declined to stay true to his Hawaiian roots. Makana's artistry is driven by intuition, empathy, and a commitment to preserving and evolving his cultural legacy. Notable moments include touring with Jason Mraz, composing "Deep in an Ancient Hawaiian Forest" for "The Descendants" soundtrack, and performing at The White House and a private World Leaders Dinner.
Makana's activism intertwines with his music, advocating for causes like environmental conservation, nuclear disarmament, LGBTQIA rights, and mental health awareness. His collaborations with Facebook and Instagram aim to empower creators, while his long-cherished dream of completing an original musical showcases his diverse talents and unwavering commitment to his craft.