Kamaka Camarillo
The Journey
Kamaka is a Kīhei native that descends from a strong line of musical entertainers and educators. His grandfather, George Camarillo Sr. was a music teacher, and his father, Rama Camarillo, currently teaches music at Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus. Kamaka’s great grandfather from his mother's side, Joseph Nohea Kalima Sr., composed the classic traditional Hawaiian tune called “Hilo Hula." Also, Kamaka's aunty is none other than Lehua Kalima, a singer from the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group, Nā Leo Pilimehana.
Kamaka first picked up the ‘ukulele in the 4th grade during a summer ʻukulele program taught by his father and began learning piano at a young age. It wasn't until high school, where Kamaka began singing. He practiced in front of live audiences at the Maui Coast Poolside Café during his father's weekly music gig .
Venturing off into college, Kamaka picked up the guitar during his sophomore year. At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Kamaka obtained his bachelor’s degree in music education. He studied classical guitar under Professor Peter Frary and Ian O’Sullivan. He also began playing in a reggae band called the Virtue and earned his first gig with his brother Kala‘e at the Imua Lounge.
Today, Kamaka is a guitar, ‘ukulele, and Polynesian music teacher at Kaiser High School. He plays weekly music gigs with his brother under the group name The Camarillo Brothers at the Chart House Waikīkī on Mondays, and at the Hula Grill Waikīkī on Fridays. Kamaka has performed at venues all over the island of Oʻahu, some of which include, Duke’s Waikīkī, Lulu’s Waikīkī, Eating House 1849 Waikīkī, and the Amuse Wine Bar. Kamaka and Wikz debuted their first single together back in October 2018 with a song called E Pi'i Mai! Kamaka's debut album, S.O.U.L. Songs of Unexpected Life, released on June 28, 2019. Kamaka hopes one day to travel the globe, playing his own music!