The Makaha Son at Hilo Palace
THE MAKAHA SONS RETURN TO THE PALACE
It’s been over two years since The Mākaha Sons have graced the stage at the historic Palace
Theater. Returning on Saturday, April 30 at 7pm, this ever-popular group will be playing and
singing new songs and old favorites like “Take a Walk in the Country”. Twenty-two albums,
twenty-three Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 have
earned this long-lived group a place in everyone’s heart.
“We are thrilled to have The Mākaha Sons back on our stage,” said Phillips Payson, Executive
Director of the Palace Theater. “Over 2 years ago, the trio was the last act to perform on the
Palace stage prior to the 2020 shutdown. It’s an honor to welcome them back to the Palace as the
first group to usher in the return of live concerts to the historic theater.”
Jerome Koko, the sole remaining original member of the Sons, has kept the music going since
their first “formal” performance at an assembly at Nānākuli High. Before they went on, the
emcee asked, “What do you call yourselves?” “We looked at each other and said, ‘Uh … the
Mākaha Sons of Ni‘ihau?’. The makeup of the band has changed over the years, with Israel “Iz”
Kamakawiwo’ole as one of the original members. Jerome’s brother John joined the group. When
both Brother Iz and later Jerome’s brother John died, Jerome was left to rebuild the band,
retaining their original sound. Jerome is now joined by Kino Artis on electric guitar and Hanalē
Ka‘anapu on six-string.
Fans of the Mākaha Sons know many of the band’s melodies by heart: “White Sandy Beach,”
“I’ll Remember You,” “Hawai‘i ’78” and “Ke Alaula” are just a few of the most popular ballads
in their more than 150-song repertoire. “When people have been going to a concert for two
decades, they are experts in what they want to hear,” said Kimo Artis. “I usually don’t get
nervous, but the first time I played as part of the Mākaha Sons, I was the most nervous I’d been
for a show in my whole life.”
“Welcoming the iconic harmonies and joyful banter of The Mākaha Sons back to the Palace
stage is an absolute treat,” said Payson. Make your plans now to attend the special one night only
concert on Saturday, April 30 at 7pm. Tickets are $45 for orchestra seating and $35 for General
Admission. Tickets are available on the Palace website at hilopalace.com, at the box office or
over the phone at 808 934-7010, Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm. E komo mai and
we’ll see you at the Palace!
OVERVIEW DETAILS:
Time: Saturday April 30th @ 7:00pm
Place: Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili St, Hilo, Hi 96720
Ticket prices: $45 Priority Orchestra Seats, $35 General Admission. All tickets $5 more on Day
of Show
Tickets available online: http://hilopalace.com/hpt_event_categories/concerts-events/
- Event Area: East Hawaiʻi
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