Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue ’67

Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue ’67 came full circle, from being a wide-eyed student watching musician Kui Lee perform at an assembly in 1966, to standing on the same Dillingham Hall stage as a 21-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner accepting the 2023 “O” in Life Award from the Punahou Alumni Association.

Henry’s musical odyssey began as a member of the Hui Le‘a Nani Singers at Punahou. When childhood dreams to play football didn’t pan out, he started his professional music career as a solo artist in Waikīkī, followed by short stints playing local rock, including touring with a small band in Southeast Asia and performing for troops in Vietnam.

“I’ve been fortunate because I make people happy,” Henry told the crowd assembled at the awards ceremony. After playing in Vietnam, “I learned that I had a gift, and I should share it with everybody.” 
It was his collaboration with Cecilio Rodriguez that propelled Henry’s career to new heights. Together, as Cecilio & Kapono (C&K), they became synonymous with Hawaiian music in the 1970s. Their soulful harmonies and electrifying performances captivated audiences, leading to a groundbreaking national recording contract with Columbia Records. With 13 albums, C&K brought a fresh perspective to contemporary and folk-rock genres while keeping the spirit of Hawaiian music alive.

After parting ways with Cecilio, Henry embarked on a successful solo career, releasing the critically acclaimed album “Kapono – Stand in the Light” in 1981. His immense talent earned him an impressive array of accolades, including 21 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, recognizing him as a prolific Male Vocalist, and honoring his exceptional songs and albums. Henry has filled the dance floor with crowds of all ages at recent Punahou Alumni Lū‘au and alumni meet-and-greet concerts across the continent, and fans joyfully reminisce as they sing along in unison to favorite tunes.

Beyond his musical achievements, Henry’s philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible impact on Hawai‘i’s music industry. In 2018, he founded the Henry Kapono Foundation with a mission to uplift the local music scene and promote cultural awareness. The foundation provided vital support to music professionals, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, through initiatives like the We Are Friends Emergency Relief Fund 2.0.

Returning to Punahou to receive the prestigious “O” in Life Award was a sweet surprise, but one that he was very grateful for. “I made a lot of great friends and had a lot of great teachers at Punahou,” said Henry. “It was my destiny to be here. I think everything I’ve done has been because it was my destiny.”

From that transformative assembly in 1966, where he found inspiration in Kui Lee’s performance, to now being recognized for his lifetime achievements on the same stage, the journey has come full circle. Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue’s extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and commitment to giving back to his community continue to inspire generations, leaving an enduring legacy in music and philanthropy.

On stage at Dillingham for the PAA Awards ceremony, Henry quietly strummed his guitar and addressed the alumni audience before giving them a special treat, a performance of Kui Lee’s song, “Days of My Youth.” “I want to take you on a little journey to think about all the good things that have happened here and all the good things that have been part of your life, made you who you are. I don’t think you can find that anywhere else, but Punahou. This song is for us …”