Frank Delima - biography

   Frank De Lima is one of Hawaii's most popular and beloved comedians. For more than 30 years, this award-winning comic has been entertaining local residents and tourists alike with his zany parodies, outrageous sense of humor, and spontaneous creativity. Frank's specialty is translating issues - such as current events, fads, attitudes, and people - into fresh musical parodies.

Comedy has been ingrained in Frank's life since childhood. While growing up in Pauoa Valley on the Island of Oahu, Frank realized that he had a natural talent for making family and friends smile, especially at themselves.

"The ability to draw laughter or a smile is one of the greatest gifts you can give to people," states the proclaimed Portuguese Prince of Hawaiian Comedy. "Laughter makes a happy heart."

Frank personifies Hawaii's diverse ethnicities and cultures. His ethnic background, which is self-described as "veritable Portuguese Soup" and "Chop Suey Nation," consists of Portuguese, Hawaiian, Irish, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Scottish. He celebrates, not disregards, ethnic differences and integrates them into his comedic routines.

"Humor breaks down barriers and being able to laugh at oneself is the first step down that road," Frank explains.

After receiving his graduate degree from St. Patrick's Seminary & University in California, Frank returned home and started his professional career - as a singer. By successfully combining his singing talents with his propensity for comic satire, Frank soon became one of the hottest tickets in Hawaii's entertainment scene.

Through the years, Frank - along with his musical sidekick duo of David Kauahikaua and Bobby Nishida - has headlined nightclubs, performed at sold-out concerts and events throughout Hawaii and along the West Coast, and produced numerous audio & visual works. Thus far, Frank's catalog includes three videos and 13 comedy albums - 11 of which have won the coveted Na Hoku Hanohano Award, which is Hawaii's GRAMMY equivalent.

But comedy is not Frank's only passion. In 1980, Frank founded the Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program. This non-profit organization is devoted to helping Hawaii's students understand the importance of reading, studying, laughing, and family, and managing major emotional and physical life transitions. Since the program's inception, Frank's visits have increased to 350 schools statewide biennially. In recognition of his commitment to Hawaii's keiki (children), Frank has received numerous honors, including Governor Cayetano's Kilohana Award for Volunteer of the Year and the Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Award from the National Education Association.

Frank De Lima will continue to make albums, tour, and pull in crowds. His style is unique, fresh, and - above all - entertaining. He can sing a beautiful melody and captivate his audiences with his witty improv. If there is one thing that is consistent with Frank, it is that you will never know what he will do next. But whatever it is, you will laugh, be amazed, and enjoy the talents of this comical genius - simply one of Hawaii's best living legends.