Vaihi (Vai-Hee) - 1. Water Spings Forth   2. Surfacing, to Emerge   3.  Tahitian for "Hawaii" 

We are four local Hawaiian country boys who have begun our quest to sing and entertain over 12 years ago out of a small garage in La'ie.  From our humble first gig (one microphone, one amplifier, BBQ at the Temple View Apartments in La'ie) to the present, we have continually tried our best to bring a little bit of the backyard flavor to everyone in ear shot.

We have been lucky, thankful, and blessed to have had the opportunites that have come our way. Without the unconditional love of our familes, friends, and devoted fans, we would never have been able to do any of this.  We have definitely come a long way, have a long way to go, and much to learn.

Along with recording original music, appearing on several compilation CDs here and in Japan, traveling, and entertaining, we have been expanding into other special projects to come, as well as studio recording and production as "VAIHI Entertainment".  Here is a little something about us...enjoy!!

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Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai'i, Kristi Masuhara has spent the last few years playing music around the islands and the East Coast. Though she took to music early, she had never sung until high school and concurrently taught herself to play guitar to accompany her voice. Recently moved to O'ahu, Kristi continues to explore her musical styles of folk, soul, pop and rock along with her love of jazz and blues.

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At Morley Elementary School in West Hartford, CT., John played the snare drum in the school band. He continued in percussion at King Philip Junior High School, where he first heard guitar legends Jerry Garcia and Van Morrison. That changed everything. John ditched the drums and picked up guitar, beginning to sing and write his own songs. At Hall High School, he played In talent shows and sometimes on the streets of Hartford, his first tastes of live performing. While attending the University of Rhode Island, John played in a band called Cat on a Tin Roof, gigging at various clubs in Kingston and Narragansett. The band, with John on lead guitar and vocals, specialized in Grateful Dead covers. After graduating in 1995 with a degree in Wildlife Biology, John started writing songs and playing at open-mic events in The Berkshires, the hills of southwest Massachusetts.

 

 

In March 1996 John went to New York City to record some demo tracks; the three-song demo was distributed to some record labels. None responded.

 

 

John left Rhode Island for another island –Hawaii—in 1996. He met local radio legend, Wili Moku, who brought him into the studio to record a second session. John recorded two songs, Home and Lady of the Night. John gave up his chemist job to get into radio, interning at Moku’s KQMQ 93.1 FM. He soon realized an interest in what goes on behind the scenes. He met producer and engineer, Darah York, who he shadowed for several months before landing a job as producer for Caribou Broadcasting. He stayed at the studio after hours, determined to learn everything about recording. He began to produce what would be his first full-length demo recording, self-titled with nine songs, while working days at various coffee shops on Oahu. <

 

 

A career in radio was inevitable. John was hired to host KKHN 102.7 FM Double K Country’s morning show. That led to the morning DJ job at KPOI 97.5 FM. After work he continued to play at local clubs and bars in Honolulu, picking up a regular gig at Shipley’s in Manoa with pianist Patrick Sweeney, who later became his roommate.

 

 

John was introduced to local musician, producer, engineer, Rockwell Fukino in March 2001. He brought John into the studio to record his second full-length recording entitled “At Random.”

 

 

At Random was nominated for Rock album of the year in the 2003 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

 

Helm supported At Random with with many shows from the club sceene of Honolulu to theatre performances such as ''Marks Garage''(it really is a theatre), Contemporary Museum(Honolulu), Bishop Museum and of coarse Coffee Talk Helm's favorite watering hole.

 

 

Helm moved to the Big Apple in the summer of 2004 and continued working in coffee shops. He did gigs with Bud Cerio at New York City's famed ''Bitterend'' as well as some small venues in Norwalk CT. In the winter of 2004/2005 Helm moved to Greenwich CT where he recorded tracks for his upcoming album ''Divide'' at the old Sweeney Mansion. Pick up ''A Patchwork Clan'' if you want to read about the musical Sweeney household with 18 children! There are 10 tracks for the upcoming release. It is a collection of recordings from 1996-2006. Helm produced, engineered, mixed and mastered almost the entire cd himself. Additional producing on the project by Grammy award winner John Cruz and international recording and live musician Jeffry Kloetzel. It is currently in Stores and available on this site!

 

Johnny is three songs deep on his next project. Art Rutledge is engineering the tracks and Helm is producing.

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Ellsworth Simeona's parents, both talented local singers had him perform at family gatherings as a youngster.  His first solo gig was the Kamehameha Schools Christmas Concert.  Then, he was a finalist on the TV show "Hawaii Stars" and recorded the sond "One in a Million You" for their first compilation CD.

 

On New Years Eve, 2000, he launched his solo career at the Aloha Tower Marketplace event which was broadcast live nationwide.   He has opened for Leeann Rimes and Willie Nelson.

 

He has recorded 2 CD's, "Raised on Rice" and "Ells let's do it again."   He sings and plays guitar to a wide variety of music from Hawaiian, Contemporary to Oldies, Rock and Roll and Country.

 

Piko is an island entertainer that got his start back in the 80's at the world renowned Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu's North Shore.  While there, he gained the talent to bring the local sense of humor to guests from all over the world that will keep you smiling.  One thing's for sure, he always has a good time.

 

Since those days of the North Shore, Piko has played in groups such as the group Vaihi, the Kaimana Band, and Ho'okani.  Piko also performed with a variety of entertainers like Konishiki, Fiji, Ellsworth Simeona, Eric Lee, Jeff Rassmussen, Alden Levi, Robi Kahakalau, Darren Benitez, Dwight Kanae, Kevin Okimoto, Shawn Ishimoto, Keoni Ku, Brad Kawakami and many, many more.

 

Aside from performing with different people, Piko has also been entertaining in different places as well.  Not only in places like Alaska, California, and Vegas; but all over the world in places like Japan, Tahiti, Niue, New Zealand, even entertained the troops in Kuwait. 

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Ellsworth Simeona's parents, both talented local singers had him perform at family gatherings as a youngster.  His first solo gig was the Kamehameha Schools Christmas Concert.  Then, he was a finalist on the TV show "Hawaii Stars" and recorded the sond "One in a Million You" for their first compilation CD.

 

On New Years Eve, 2000, he launched his solo career at the Aloha Tower Marketplace event which was broadcast live nationwide.   He has opened for Leeann Rimes and Willie Nelson.

 

He has recorded 2 CD's, "Raised on Rice" and "Ells let's do it again."   He sings and plays guitar to a wide variety of music from Hawaiian, Contemporary to Oldies, Rock and Roll and Country.

 

Piko is an island entertainer that got his start back in the 80's at the world renowned Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu's North Shore.  While there, he gained the talent to bring the local sense of humor to guests from all over the world that will keep you smiling.  One thing's for sure, he always has a good time.

 

Since those days of the North Shore, Piko has played in groups such as the group Vaihi, the Kaimana Band, and Ho'okani.  Piko also performed with a variety of entertainers like Konishiki, Fiji, Ellsworth Simeona, Eric Lee, Jeff Rassmussen, Alden Levi, Robi Kahakalau, Darren Benitez, Dwight Kanae, Kevin Okimoto, Shawn Ishimoto, Keoni Ku, Brad Kawakami and many, many more.

 

Aside from performing with different people, Piko has also been entertaining in different places as well.  Not only in places like Alaska, California, and Vegas; but all over the world in places like Japan, Tahiti, Niue, New Zealand, even entertained the troops in Kuwait. 

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KAPU, The Band, may be a new name to many, however not new to the music scene.  Lead vocal singer, guitarist, entertainer, Sonny Kapu comes from a long line of distinguished island entertainers.  Grandfather, Samuel K. Kapu Sr. was the best baritone in the islands and was featured in the infamous Hawai`i Calls. Jesse Kalima Sr. is Sonny’s grandfather and namesake. Jesse was a `ukulele virtuoso and was the first to create the amplified uke. The musical DNA doesn’t end there.  Samuel Kapu Jr., entertainer and DJ on KINE radio is Sonny’s dad and Sonny’s mom, Marsha, started her music career in an all-girl rock band.  She now accompanies the band with not only vocal stylings but pulling bass tones from a washtub bass.  The amplified washtub bass brings delightful and curious smiles from many as this raw instrument complements all music genres.

This distinguished music line is now sustained by Sonny. His background of experience has taken him around the world and exposed him to the challenges and a seven round achievement of world renowned, American Idol.  His talents have given him outstanding opportunities to open with well-known bands and involvement with KCCN Birthday Bash. He has had the honor of teaching `ukulele to famous people such as “The Rock” and doing soundtracks for Journey to the Mystery Island.  Well known actors and musicians have been known to stop in and see him.  Sonny is honored to add the talent of his close friends from Kaua`i Cody Hashimoto (electric bass) and Jeremy Robinson (drums) – together creating awesome music while honoring his lineage of amazing talent. 

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Vaihi (Vai-Hee) - 1. Water Spings Forth   2. Surfacing, to Emerge   3.  Tahitian for "Hawaii" 

We are four local Hawaiian country boys who have begun our quest to sing and entertain over 12 years ago out of a small garage in La'ie.  From our humble first gig (one microphone, one amplifier, BBQ at the Temple View Apartments in La'ie) to the present, we have continually tried our best to bring a little bit of the backyard flavor to everyone in ear shot.

 

We have been lucky, thankful, and blessed to have had the opportunites that have come our way. Without the unconditional love of our familes, friends, and devoted fans, we would never have been able to do any of this.  We have definitely come a long way, have a long way to go, and much to learn.

 

Along with recording original music, appearing on several compilation CDs here and in Japan, traveling, and entertaining, we have been expanding into other special projects to come, as well as studio recording and production as "VAIHI Entertainment".  Here is a little something about us...enjoy!!

Get Directions

Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai'i, Kristi Masuhara has spent the last few years playing music around the islands and the East Coast. Though she took to music early, she had never sung until high school and concurrently taught herself to play guitar to accompany her voice. Recently moved to O'ahu, Kristi continues to explore her musical styles of folk, soul, pop and rock along with her love of jazz and blues.

Get Directions