The Hawaiian Steel Guitar, or Kika Kila, is the signature instrument that gives Hawaiian music its dreamy, wailing melodies. Invented around 1885 by Joseph Kekuku, a young Hawaiian who experimented by sliding a metal comb or knife over guitar strings while playing it on his lap, this style revolutionized music worldwide.  - Smithsonian

Steel Guitar was so-named by the Hawaiians.  Kika = Guitar.  Kila = Steel.  Why Steel?  The bar used to slide along the strings was a steel bar.  

By the early 1900s, Hawaiian Steel spread across America, and became the most popular instrument of its day.   Hawaiian Steel Guitar influenced genres like blues, country, and even rock—think of those sliding notes in classic Disney Cartoons...that's Hawaiian Steel Guitar!

In Pu’uloa, the steel guitar is our emotional centerpiece. Played horizontally on the lap with a steel bar for smooth glides and vibrato, it creates haunting, expressive tones perfect for mellow preludes or romantic moments. We use techniques like special Hawaiian tunings and fingerpicking to evoke ocean waves or heartfelt stories. Imagine it setting a peaceful tone during guest arrivals at your luau, or adding depth to a sunset recessional. If you're curious about its full history and techniques, check out our dedicated Hawaiian Steel Guitar page for a deeper dive!

Pictured on the Left

Sol Ho'opi'i, the VERY FIRST mass-marketed Electric Guitar Hero

No Hawaiian band is complete without the 'Ukulele, the cheerful "jumping flea" that brings instant joy to any gathering. Introduced to Hawaii in the late 1870s by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira, who brought small guitar-like instruments called the machete or braguinha, it quickly became a staple of island music. - metmuseum

King Kalākaua himself embraced it, helping popularize the 'Ukulele in royal courts and beyond. Its name, "''Ukulele," comes from the Hawaiian words for "flea" ('uku) and "" (lele), describing the fast finger movements of players.

Hawaiian Language has many interpretations.  Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawai'i's last Monarch, had a more romantic translation of the word "Ukulele".  "Uku" can also mean "Gift".  "Lele" can also mean "come".  Put those together and it translates to "The gift that came", which is such a beautiful acknowledgment of gratitude and love shown towards the Portuguese immigrant instrument makers.   

In our performances, the 'Ukulele shines with its bright, rhythmic strumming and plucking, ideal for upbeat songs and hula accompaniment. The 'Ukulele has various sizes—from soprano for high, twinkly notes to baritone for deeper resonance—making it versatile for everything from cocktail hours to full dance sets. Picture it leading a fun sing-along at your private event, or providing gentle background during dinners. It's the instrument that gets everyone smiling and swaying!

The Acoustic Guitar serves as the rhythmic foundation in Hawaiian music ensembles, providing steady chord progressions and harmonic support that keep the island grooves flowing. Introduced to Hawaii in the 1830s by Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) who brought Spanish-style guitars as part of cattle herding exchanges, it quickly became a staple for accompaniment in traditional and modern Hawaiian songs. - acousticguitar.com

Over time, it evolved into a versatile tool for strumming lively rhythms in group settings, blending with other instruments to create full, engaging arrangements.

In Pu’uloa, the acoustic guitar anchors our sound with crisp strumming and subtle picking, offering a solid base for melodies from the ukulele or steel guitar. We play it in standard tuning to deliver upbeat, danceable beats or gentle harmonies, making it ideal for everything from mingling at cocktail hours to high-energy hula segments. Whether in a trio for intimate vibes or a quintet for bigger crowds, it ensures our performances feel balanced and inviting, bringing that authentic Hawaiian pulse to your event!

The Upright Double Bass, often called "Upright Bass," provides the rhythmic heartbeat that grounds Hawaiian music in modern ensembles.  This instrument goes by many names: string bass or contrabass (orchestral origins), double bass, upright, and standup bass to name a few.  These days, it's most commonly refered to as the "Upright Bass" or "Stand-up Bass" for obvious reasons: it must be played while standing in an upright positions.

Pila = Instrument; Ku = Stand; Nui = Big.  Quite on the nose, yet apropos.  The Hawaiian name for this instrument is quite pragmatic.

While not originally Hawaiian, the Upright Bass was integrated into island bands in the early 20th century, influenced by jazz and big band styles arriving via tourism and military presence.

In Hawaiian contexts, it's often playing the fundamental root notes of chords 2 beats in duration  or "four to the floor" with a walking bass line or even slapped for percussive flair, adding depth and groove to traditional tunes.

In Pu’uloa, the upright bass anchors our sound, especially in larger groups like trios or quintets. We use bowing for smooth, melodic lows or plucking for upbeat rhythms, ensuring the music feels full and danceable. It's fantastic for keeping energy high during hula or mingling, or providing subtle support in quieter sets. Imagine it pulsing through a lively luau feast, tying everything together with that warm, resonant foundation—it's what makes our performances feel complete and inviting.