Whatever Happened To . . .

An update on past news

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Wednesday, May 8, 1996

Kekaula sang at Waikiki spots

Question:What ever happened to Eddie Kekaula who sang at King's Alley in the 1970s?


Answer: Eddie Kekaula, a Waikiki wandering minstrel, died June 12, 1982. He was 53.

An admirer of Alfred Apaka, he vowed to keep alive the music and style Apaka exemplified. In 1970, Cinerama Inc. officials heard Kekaula while he was singing at a luau. They hired him and made his act a drawing card at the Cinerama Reef Hotel. Later, he sang under the stars in troubadour fashion at the gateway to King's Alley. He continued there nearly 10 years, also singing at other Waikiki locations.

He made a dozen record albums and sold autographed copies to tourists, receiving fan mail from all over the world after he began selling his souvenir albums. In 1974, he was invited to appear with a South Pacific Show at the Hollywood Bowl. He also made guest appearances on "Hawaii Calls" radio shows and other broadcasts.

Popular with Canadian visitors, he entertained occasionally in that country. He was made an honorary colonel of Kentucky.


Ever wonder what happened to a person, event or issue that has been in the news? We'll try to find out for you if you call the City Desk at 525-8640, email to citydesk@starbulletin.com or write us at P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802. Whatever happened to . . . runs Wednesdays.



Text Site Directory:
[News] [Business] [Features] [Sports] [Editorial] [Community] [Info] [Stylebook] [Feedback]