Slack-key duo. Two brothers, four guitars, the deep Hilo repertoire your tūtū knows by heart.
We're the Kāne brothers — Iolana and Keoki. We've been playing slack-key together for thirty-two years, since we were boys in Hilo learning from our father and his cousins. Our father played with one of the original Hilo slack-key trios in the seventies; we grew up around the music.
Our duo is two acoustic guitars and occasional ʻukulele. Our repertoire is deep Hawaiian — Sons of Hawaii, Gabby Pahinui, Sonny Chillingworth, Auntie Genoa Keawe — plus a few hapa-haole standards and original arrangements of contemporary Hawaiian songwriters.
We're best for the unhurried parts of an event — cocktail hour, dinner, the late-night kanikapila circle. We're not a dance band. We'll let the DJ run the floor.
Mara & Pono A. · Hilo
The Kāne brothers played our cocktail hour and dinner in Hilo. Iolana and Keoki are the real deal — slack-key the way it's supposed to sound. My grandfather (a Hilo musician himself) said it was the best slack-key duo he's heard at a private event in twenty years.
Keoki M. · Volcano
Hired the Kāne brothers for my parents' 50th anniversary dinner in Volcano. One-hour set, acoustic, no PA needed for our small group. Made the evening. Tūtū sang along the whole time.
These are starting packages. Most vendors will customize for your date, headcount, and the kind of party you're throwing — ask.
1 hour
Cocktail hour, dinner, or ceremony. Acoustic — no PA needed for under 80 guests.
2 hours
Cocktail hour through dinner. Includes one custom arrangement (e.g., processional, first dance).
4 hours
Ceremony + cocktail + dinner. Two custom arrangements. Best for full traditional weddings.
Booked dates are pulled from the vendor's own calendar. If your date is open, you can request a quote — they'll confirm in their reply. Most events lock in 2–6 months ahead in Hawaiʻi; for May–August dates, sooner is safer.
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