In the two years since 311 was on stage in Hawai'i, the band has been laying low with replays on the radio. Behind the scenes, however, the members have been busy in the studio.

That studio work has Island ties, too: They are working on a follow-up to 2005's "Don't Tread on Me" album with uber-producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Joan Jett, The Offspring), who lives on Maui — though the recording is being done in Los Angeles.

"Working with Bob Rock has been wonderful. He's really bringing our sound back to what we originally were and is letting us bring out immense creativity," said vocalist Doug "SA" Martinez.

311's eclectic fusion of reggae and alternative music has put the band in a category of its own. Typically, most bands who have dabbled in creating a new sound have not been accepted, but 311's persistence has made it a highly respected alternative-rock band, with hits like "Come Original" and "Amber."

Over the years, 311 has toned down the rock and emphasized reggae, but Rock is steering the band back toward its roots.

"It's really exciting to work with such a successful producer. What he's done and who he's worked with is very impressive," Martinez said, referencing their mentor's work with artists such as Aerosmith, The Cult and American Hi-Fi.

"We wish we could do more work in Hawai'i, it's so awesome there," Martinez said. "People are so receptive and supportive of our music. As for the record — it should be done around October."

While fans have waited for a new CD, some of 311's older songs have been given new life on the soundtracks for "Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay" and a film produced in Hawai'i — "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

More recently, the band has been on a world tour — which included national shows with Snoop Dogg — and is bringing the tour to a close at Saturday's Band Camp VI at the Waikiki Shell. The lineup includes Jason Mraz and Augustana.

LATINO ROOTS

As one of the few Latinos in the band's hometown of Omaha, Neb., Martinez's stage name, SA, plays off the Latino/Mexican phrase "ese."

"It's just one of those names that stuck around," he said.

311's other members — Chad Sexton, Nick Hexum, P-Nut and Tim Mahoney — also grew up in Omaha.

Hexum, Mahoney and Sexton lived on the west side of town and went to high school together. Likewise, P-Nut and Martinez lived on the south side of town and went to school together.

They ended up calling their band 311 — the police call-in code for indecent exposure — after one of the members was involved in a skinny-dipping incident.

The band members' friendship may be one of the key elements to their success. They're known for a tight stage performance and positive presence.

"For as long as they've been in a band, they are still really good friends. The way they interact and get along with each other is really good. ... It's crazy how easy they are to work with," said Philip Pendleton, a promoter with BAMP Project, which is producing this year's event.

"We did 311 in 2006 — and it came so close to selling out the Shell. People in Hawai'i really like their music," Pendleton said.

LONG AND STRONG

"We plan on playing a lot of our music; we have a pretty long set," Martinez said.

"Of course, there will be the hits — how can we not play those? But it's hard to say exactly what songs we'll be playing."

The band won't play anything from its upcoming album, Martinez said, "because we're still finalizing everything."

Pendleton expects the group to mix it up. "I think their music appeals to so many different genres, because it does have the rock, the reggae, and even hip-hop feel to it sometimes," he said.

"They're going to play a 90-minute set, so they will play all the classics that everyone knows," Pendleton said. "I think that coming off tour with Snoop, they'll be pretty energetic. They're probably really on their game right now."

311 is looking forward to reconnecting with fans.

"We're really excited to come back to Hawai'i. The people there have been so awesome, and it's an absolutely gorgeous place. You're really lucky to live there," Martinez said.