| a biography of a Hawaiian musician |
| Dana" Moon" Kahele is the 2nd youngest of nine children of pure Hawaiian ancestry born to John & Lucille Kahele. Moon was born and raised in Hawaii where music was a prominent part of their lives. Moon grew up being exposed to various instruments, singing in choirs and just "jamming" at family luaus. His Dad also had a large music collection of island and mainland artists that fueled his passion for music even more. As a child, slack key guitar was introduced to Moon by Uncle Jonah Kipi. Moon would sit in rapt attention as the other keiki were outside playing listening to the sweet sounds of Uncle Jonah's guitar. Today, Moon performs at the Hawaiian Slack Key Festivals held in Hawaii and teaches slack key the way he was taught. The ukulele, introduced by his Mom at an early age, was reinforced with lessons by ukulele Kumu Mr. Herb Ohta San. |
| The Early Years: Passion Found |
Uncle Jonah Kipi
Moon's mother, Lucille,
encouraged his love of
the ukulele
encouraged his love of
the ukulele
Moon's Father, John Kahele,
had a large music collection
and found Moon's first guitar.
had a large music collection
and found Moon's first guitar.
| Moon learned from watching and listening to Uncle Jonah Kipi |
| On the Road: Style Development |
How the passion became a profession...
After Farrington High School on Oahu, Moon joined the US Army and traveled
the world. Moon then attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama. After
graduation, he moved on to a successful law enforcement career with the
Federal government. Moon's travels around the US and abroad exposed him
to music from Country, Jazz, R&B, Blues, Pop, Rock and Latino genres that is
included in his shows and has made its way into his overall sound. Regardless
of the location or time, it is hard to find a picture of Moon without a guitar in his
hands. Moon developed his style playing for pleasure at home, and jamming
for friends at parties.
the world. Moon then attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama. After
graduation, he moved on to a successful law enforcement career with the
Federal government. Moon's travels around the US and abroad exposed him
to music from Country, Jazz, R&B, Blues, Pop, Rock and Latino genres that is
included in his shows and has made its way into his overall sound. Regardless
of the location or time, it is hard to find a picture of Moon without a guitar in his
hands. Moon developed his style playing for pleasure at home, and jamming
for friends at parties.
After retiring from the Federal government, Moon settled in Phoenix, Arizona. Moon began to share his
love of his homeland and his music at back-yard parties throughout Phoenix. The growing Hawaiian
community was glad to have a local boy from "back home" that could share the aloha. Gradually, Moon
became so in demand he was able to perform music as a full time profession in Arizona.
Moon recorded his first CD of original music, A Walk Across the Ocean, in 2003. Two other albums,
Praise HIm Island Style Vol. 2 and Aloha from the Desert, were credited to Moon's music library. Moon's
most recent CD, Cut Me Some Slack , another award nominee, was recorded a few years later. Moon
became the Hawaiian musician of choice for many luaus, corporate events, festivals, and more. Moon
began teaching slack key and ukulele lessons in Arizona in 2003. In March of 2007, the Arizona Aloha
Festival honored Moon with the Kokua Award (see the program description below).
After many years of visiting Hawaii for special performances, Moon and his family made a permanent
move across the ocean in January of 2008. Today Moon lives on Oahu with his family. He performs at
corporate events, weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries, music concerts, festivals, and private luau's
throughout the state and in the mainland. Moon can be seen regularly at public venues updated regularly
on his monthly Calendar. Moon also gives private slack key guitar and ukulele lessons on Oahu.
love of his homeland and his music at back-yard parties throughout Phoenix. The growing Hawaiian
community was glad to have a local boy from "back home" that could share the aloha. Gradually, Moon
became so in demand he was able to perform music as a full time profession in Arizona.
Moon recorded his first CD of original music, A Walk Across the Ocean, in 2003. Two other albums,
Praise HIm Island Style Vol. 2 and Aloha from the Desert, were credited to Moon's music library. Moon's
most recent CD, Cut Me Some Slack , another award nominee, was recorded a few years later. Moon
became the Hawaiian musician of choice for many luaus, corporate events, festivals, and more. Moon
began teaching slack key and ukulele lessons in Arizona in 2003. In March of 2007, the Arizona Aloha
Festival honored Moon with the Kokua Award (see the program description below).
After many years of visiting Hawaii for special performances, Moon and his family made a permanent
move across the ocean in January of 2008. Today Moon lives on Oahu with his family. He performs at
corporate events, weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries, music concerts, festivals, and private luau's
throughout the state and in the mainland. Moon can be seen regularly at public venues updated regularly
on his monthly Calendar. Moon also gives private slack key guitar and ukulele lessons on Oahu.
| The Professional is Born |
Moon receiving the
Kokua Award
Kokua Award
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| Moon Kahele |
| Hawaiian Musician |