Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of much beloved Hawaii icon – singer and entertainer Don Ho. Ho passed away after a well documented battle with heart disease. Ho dazzled audiences performing for over 40 years entertaining in Waikiki and all over the world.
Made world famous in 1966 with a fun song about champagne, Ho’s “Tiny Bubbles” continues to still be a well known favorite. Another tune linked to Ho was his hit “Pearly Shells” which he performed at his Waikiki showroom known as “Hoku Hale” at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The location now is under construction and being transformed into Jimmy Buffet’s new restaurant slated to open this November. Also sadly, Ho’s Aloha Tower restaurant “Don Ho’s Island Grill” will be closing its doors the end of 2008.
There will be a free “Don Ho Tribute” Tuesday April 15th at Ala Moana’s Center Stage 6pm. The concert will showcase some great local performers like Wally Vincent, Dino Guzman and Joey V.
Along with Ho, we tragically lost several other great Hawaiian entertainers over the past months with the passing of Aunty Genoa Keawe, Aunty Nona Beamer and most recently Nani Lee Meadow. While this may seem like the end of an era, Ho’s musical legacy and lifetime of aloha will continue to live on. There are plans to construct a bronze statue of Ho in Waikiki at a small park on the corner of Kalakaua and Beach Walk
