George Kahumoku, Jr. - biography

     George Kahumoku, Jr. is an interesting fellow. He's about as Hawaiian as you can get, which is a nice thing to say about someone. Much of his life is dedicated to helping others. He is a teacher at Lahainaluna High School in Maui. Not many teachers would volunteer for the classes George teaches. His students are in the Special Motivation Program. To get into George's class, you must have some exceptional qualifications. You have to have flunked five out of your six classes; AND you have to have missed 23 or more days out of 44 in the school term. These are the kids George teaches. They are actually a wonderful and bright group of young people, who just need a little help in making it through school. Fortunately, George is there for them.

But mostly, we know George for his wonderful music. He has played the world over, for all kinds of audiences. "When I'm playing a solo instrumental piece," George says, "especially on the 12-string guitar, or when I'm playing together with other players, I often imagine in my musical mind's eye all of the people in my family, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who have had a great influence on my music -- that they're all playing or singing along with me. I hope that my grandson Aaron will one day come to understand and play this music."

A seasoned trouper, George has performed for audiences all over the world, including such dignitaries at the Queen of England and the Premier of China. He says that while walking out on the stage he knows he doesn't get to be with those people out there for very long, so he relaxes, has a great time, and gives them everything he can. At a concert or a gig, or when playing a CD, listeners are often unexpectedly moved by the unpretentious manner, deep musicality, and rich mixture of life experiences of George Kahumoku Jr. An enthusiastic cook, Hawai'i's Renaissance Man is happiest when sharing music and food with a group of family and friends, down on the beach or out in back on the porch.