There have been Hawai'i entertainers with better voices and musical pedigrees, but none with as much international recognition as Don Ho. The consummate crooner, Ho is synonymous with Waikiki and a timeless, laid-back, "hang loose" brand of showmanship.
Ho was born in 1930 in Kaka'ako but grew up in Kane'ohe. A 1949 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, Ho spent time in the Air Force before returning to Hawai'i in 1960 to help bring customers to his mother's waning Kane'ohe restaurant, Honey's.
His popularity soared when he changed venues and performed at the now-defunct Duke Kahanamoku's in Waikiki from 1964 to 1970. With Ho behind the organ — and glass of Scotch and burning cigarette nearby — the lounge regularly drew local and visiting entertainers. Ho often invited them to join him on stage and describes those days as rowdy and rollicking. Ho would often raise his glass and encourage the crowd with his motto: "Suck 'em up."
Ho's fame spread to the Mainland after he appeared at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles in 1966. His sold-out shows led to appearances at the Sands in Las Vegas, Harrah's at Lake Tahoe and at hot spots in New York and Chicago. He also made guest appearances with Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop and Art Linkletter.
In 1966, Ho released his most famous song, "Tiny Bubbles."
Cardiomyopathy forced Ho off stage after a Thanksgiving 2005 show. He had been lethargic for months and traveled to Thailand, where he underwent an experimental stem cell procedure to strengthen his heart.
By January 2006, the 75-year-old Ho was back on stage in Waikiki, where he still performs regularly.
