WAITIKI WEEKEND 2026
Updated 5/26/26. Subject to change. Join our mailing list for updates. Wednesday • June 3, 2026
mai tai MEETUP @ Skull & crown trading company
Join the band for a post-rehearsal mai tai (or mocktail, your choice), at Skull & Crown Trading Co.
9:00-10:00 PM
No-Host
THURsday • June 4, 2026
community performance at veterans affairs medical center
We are bringing an Exotica performance to our nation’s veterans, in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony’s Harmonizing Intergenerational Engagement initiative.
FRIday • June 5, 2026
5:30 PM: MOTORCOACH PICKUP AT THE WHITE SANDS HOTEL
Leaves promptly at 5:30 pm, for transfer to the Blaisdell Concert Hall. To reserve your spot on the bus, purchase a Holoholo, Weekender, or Buddy pass.
5:45-6:30 PM: Architectural Tour of Blaisdell Concert Hall
For June 5 ticket holders only: Get a rare glimpse of Blaisdell Concert Hall through the eyes of architectural historian Don Hibbard and architect Graham Hart of Docomomo-HI. Built in 1964, the Blaisdell was initially known as the Honolulu International Center and has hosted performances from Elvis to Kenny Loggins, the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre, and more.
6:30-7:00 PM: sunset soiree with the waitiki 7
For June 5 ticket holders only: Join us on the front foyer of Blaisdell Concert Hall for pre-concert meet & greet. Come early to enjoy:
Exotica spun by Aloha Got Soul’s resident DJ, O’Spliff
Vintage fashion by Goodwill Goes Glam
Photos with the band and our backdrop by Commuter Industries
Exhibit of historic exotica instruments, courtesy of the Martin Denny Estate
7:30-9:30 PM: concert by the waitiki 7 & the Hawaiʻi symphony orchestra
Tickets available here.
9:45 PM: MOTORCOACH pickup AT blaisdell concert hall
Return trip to the White Sands Hotel!
10:00 PM: AFTER PARTY AT GREEN LADY COCKTAIL ROOM
Featuring speciality cocktails & mocktails. Must be 21+ to attend; open to the public. Exotica and vintage Hawaiian by Aloha Got Soul.
SATURday • June 6, 2026
10:00-11:30 AM: “B# = C SUCCESS” SEMINAR / EXOTICA MUSIC SYMPOSIUM*
In collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, the Musicians Association of Hawaiʻi, and the East-West Center, we will be providing a free B# = C Success seminar on college & career pathways for aspiring young musicians, and also sharing/discussing what makes a life in music (especially Exotica music) great!
WAITIKI was started by Abe & Randy when both were in college studying to become musicians. Over time, and their careers, the project has has grown and developed in immense ways, from which much can be learned.
Joining Abe & Randy will be bandmates Zaccai Curtis (pianist; faculty at the University of Hartford’s Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Division, and GRAMMY winner), Jim Benoit (vibraphonist; Principal Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), Tim Mayer (saxophonist/flutist; faculty at Berklee College of Music & Artistic Director, Orqesta Nacional de Jazz de Mexico), and Helen Liu (violinist; Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, Galliard String Quartet, & faculty at Punahou School).
The seminar will begin with a brief performance and segue into a facilitated conversation/panel discussion.
*Depending on time, we may also screen a portion of Armchair Travelling’s phenomenal documentary, DVD of Tiki Vol. 1, Paradise Lost. DVD of Tiki was directed by our friends Jochen Hirschfield and Christian Lang, and features interviews with Martin Denny, DeSoto Brown of the Bishop Museum, and others. The documentary is unfortunately out of print (and never made it to digital streaming), but we were featured on it and have a copy!
8:00 pM: the waitiki 7 meet kamasami kong
Performing with us on percussion will be Harold Chang, last remaining member of the original Martin Denny & Arthur Lyman bands of the 1950s, stepping in for Lopaka Colon, who will be touring with Jake Shimabukuro.
—Sold out!—
10:00 pM: the waitiki 7 meet kamasami kong
Same as above; as of 5/25, a few reservations remain. Book at OpenTable or call the Halekulani at 808-518-2019. Reservations are made exclusively by the Halekulani.
SUNday • June 7, 2026
6:00 PM: pau hana/early dinner
Location TBD!
TUEsday • June 9, 2026
8:00-10:00 PM: TROPICAL JAZZ TUESDAYS @ GREEN LADY COCKTAIL ROOM
All are welcome to join Abe (jazz ʻukulele) and Randy (bass) for their weekly gig at Green Lady Cocktail Room, behind the bamboo wall.
No cover; must be 21+ to enter.
