Music is undeniably the international language. Every country, every culture and every generation has its own unique style of music. Each speaks to us at its own emotional and aesthetic level, from foot-stomping, heart-pumping beats to romantic and evocative crooning. Maui has its own international embassador of music, who speaks every musical language with equal ease and excellence of interpretation–Willie K.

Willie K (Willie Kahaiali’i) was born and raised on Maui–performing from the age of ten with his brothers in his father’s band. By the end of high school, Willie was playing in as many as 8 bands–learning and loving all styles of music, from traditional Hawaiian to R&B, blues, jazz, rock, country western and rock. Today, if you’re lucky enough to attend one of Willie’s live performances, you’ll be treated to a full spectrum of musical styles, interspersed with good-natured pidgin patter from the star.

His performance last week at the Maui County Fair included Mississippi blues, Bavarian yodeling and as an encore, a wonderful Italian vocal tribute to recently deceased opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti, accompanied by advice to young musicians to never limit their musical interests to one style or genre. There is no better or stronger incentive than a positive example–Willie K stands as that unique and powerful individual. He is a true island treasure. http://williek.com/

Learn the language. Sing along. Maui serenades the world.

–Haole Anna, Paia