skip navigation | text only | accessibility | site map
Share

Keola Beamer

Born in 1951, Keolamaikalani Breckenridge Beamer was raised on Kamuela, on the Big Island, surrounded by members of one of Hawaii’s most illustrious and beloved musical families. The Beamers trace their roots tot he 15th century; among their ancestors are the Queen Ahiakumai Ki’eki’e and Ho’olulu, a child of the favored wife of Kamehameha l. In high school and college, he studied classical guitar, and later, when he began to teach guitar, he published a method book. He recorded his first landmark solo album, “Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style,” in 1972. Beamer has recorded many of the songs written by his ancestors, from the lively Keawaiki to the lullaby Pupu Hinuhinu.

Additional Resources

Watch Past Performances

R. Carlos Nakai and Keola Beamer 5/5/05: R. Carlos Nakai and Keola Beamer

Preeminent Native-American flutist R. Carlos Nakai and indigenous Hawaiian slack key guitarist Keola Beamer come together to celebrate the beauty and power of First Nations music from diverse lands.

R. Carlos Nakai and Keola Beamer

Preeminent Native-American flutist R. Carlos Nakai and indigenous Hawaiian slack key guitarist Keola Beamer come together to celebrate the beauty and power of First Nations music from diverse lands.

Comments