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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 12:22 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2002

'Luau King' Chuck Machado dead at 62

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Charles Piihana Machado Jr., a luau entrepreneur and prominent figure in the entertainment industry, died Saturday. He was 62.

Known as the "Luau King," Machado started Chuck Machado Luaus in 1963 at the Chinese American Club, the site of the Marco Polo condominium.

He then moved on to Fort DeRussy, catering to the military on rest and recuperation, and then to Waikiki beach with Outrigger Hotels.

For 20 years, he held luau on the beach for 500 to 700 tourists three times a week. He helped launch many entertainers' careers, including that of Nohelani Cypriano, Jack and Cha Thompson, Doug Mossman and Kimo Kahoano.

His success in the luau business earned him $2 million by the time he was 36. In 1977, Machado was named Hawaii Small Businessman of the Year.

Machado, of Honolulu, is survived by sons, Charles and Myles; daughter, Monica; brother, Lionel and Barry; sisters, Carolyn and Brenda Machado Lee; and granddaughter, Chelsie.

Visitation is from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Christ Episcopal Church in Kealakekua, Kona, services at 5 p.m. In Honolulu, visitation 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Borthwick Mortuary and services at 11 a.m.

A scattering of ashes is set for 2 p.m. fronting Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki. His family requests aloha attire.