Slack-Key Sensation, MAKANA, Delivers ‘The New Sound of Waikiki’ at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger

RELEASE NUMBER 49/22

HONOLULU – Hawai‘i’s first and only craft hotel, Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, collaborated with internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer Makana on a genre-bending soundtrack titled “The New Sound of Waikiki.” The tracks, initially exclusive to Waikiki Beachcomber, provided guests with a unique sensory experience as they entered the lobby – but are now available more broadly for others to enjoy.

 Makana grew up on the indigenous sounds of slack key and effortlessly blends the ancient and contemporary voices of Hawai‘i with jazz, electronic music, bluegrass and more to create the perfect vacation soundtrack.

 “I long wondered what it might sound like to invite the ancient and contemporary voices of Hawai‘i – (ipu heke, pū, kīkā kila, kī hō’alu, ‘ukulele, oli) – into modern beat contexts like house, acid jazz, hip hop and trap,” said Makana, Hawaiian singer/songwriter and Beachcomber Original. “When envisioning the sound of the beautiful Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, I was given the opportunity to explore, discover and ultimately create a new kind of music – one that celebrates our unique sense of place in a style that speaks to today’s world.”

 As a long-time resident of Waikīkī and a core member of Waikiki Beachcomber’s “Beachcomber Originals,” a collection of visionary local artists and influencers who continuously help the brand craft experiences that embody the spirit of Hawai‘i, Makana and his gift of music provide an undeniably authentic Hawaiian experience that cannot be captured elsewhere.

 “As part of our ‘Originals’ platform for Waikiki Beachcomber, we’ve had the pleasure of working with craft artisans from photographers to brew masters; having Makana produce a new genre of music exclusively for this hotel was an exciting journey,” said Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “Makana’s soundtrack is the first sound our guests hear as they go up the escalator into the lobby of Waikiki Beachcomber and is a modern take on classic Hawaiian music.”

“The New Sound of Waikiki” can now be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify and SoundCloud.

BLUE NOTE HAWAII: For an even better experience, hear Makana perform LIVE at the intimate Blue Note Hawaii inside Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Upcoming concerts are September 24 at 6:30 and 9 p.m. and September 25 at 4 and 7 p.m.; Outrigger is gifting a copy of “The New Sound of Waikiki” to all those who attend. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Makana also has a new album, Pūlama: Legacies of Hawai‘i that celebrates the rich heritage of kī hō‘alu (slack-key guitar), ‘ukulele and leo (voice). Inspired by legends of the Hawaiian music renaissance like George Helm, Gabby “Pops” Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi and The Sunday Mānoa, Makana’s sublime solo performance offers heartfelt homage to the true spirit and sound of the broad traditions of Hawaiian song.

To learn more about the Beachcomber Originals and keep tabs on upcoming music and events taking place at the property, visit www.outrigger.com/original. Fans can follow Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger on Instagram at @waikikibeachcomber to celebrate the #WaikikiVibes and check out the featured artwork as part of its “B Original” network. Bookings for Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger can be made today at both Outrigger.com and WaikikiBeachcomber.com.

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