Kani Ka Pila Grille, located pool-side at the newly renovated Outrigger Reef on the Beach, serves lunch, dinner and tropical drinks daily, but its real draw is the top-notch live entertainment by some of Hawaii’s greatest island musicians, hot new local talent and island artists of international renown. The restaurant’s combination of food, libation and real local music by artists of exceptional caliber is akin to match made in Hawaiian Slack Key heaven.
The restaurant’s name Kani Ka Pila means “let’s make music,” and delivers on its name with a weekly lineup of Hawaii’s musical greats, including such names as:
*Cyril Pahinui, one of Hawaii’s most legendary slack key artists from one of the islands’ most renowned musical families, and a recipient of the prestigious Grammy Award.
*Kawika Kahiapo and Martin Pahinui. Kahiapo is a multi-award winning artist of incredible skill; Pahinui, a talented vocalist, is the son of the late great Gabby Pahinui.
* Kaukahi, an accomplished and award-winning foursome sharing their blend of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian sounds encompassing 4-part male harmonies, acoustic guitar, ukulele, Hawaiian slack key.
* Sean Naauao brings his many talents as singer, musician, and composer to our weekly island-style music jam.
* Manoa DNA, a multi-generational musical family rapidly gaining an international following for their upbeat, energetic and multi-faceted performances.
* Weldon Kekauoha, Oahu’s talented and award-winning Hawaiian musician sharing his amazing repertoire of rich, contemporary island melodies.
“The concept behind the Kani Ka Pila Grille was not just to provide a venue with great music, but to give real Hawaiian music a place it could call home,” said Luana Maitland, events manager. Raised in Kalihi, Oahu, and from a large Hawaiian family, Maitland retains fond memories of her grandfather who spent much of his free time in Waimanalo, Oahu, surrounded by live, spontaneous music.
“Hawaii has deep musical roots, and Outrigger has long supported the perpetuation and sharing of our artistic heritage,” Maitland said. “In our homes and at our family parties, it’s not unusual for someone to pick up an ukulele or guitar and begin playing, and maybe someone else will get up and start dancing a hula. That’s the spirit we are evoking at Kani Ka Pila.”
Kani Ka Pila Grille serves casual island cuisine from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with live entertainment nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information call the restaurant at 808-924-4992.