It was hard not to take notice of Don Ho in the 1960s and ‘70s: cameo appearances on television’s most popular sitcoms, a chart-topping single, his own variety show, and of course, his nightly live show at the Polynesian Palace in Waikiki.
When I was a child, I assumed— and still do— that everybody knew and loved this man and his music.
He was an integral stitch in the fabric of American pop-culture; an icon, the King of Waikiki.
Listen:
Don Ho Show- Don Ho
Listen to the album that started it all.
Retro-TV Watch:
The Brady Bunch- Hawaii Bound
While wandering around the Sheraton Waikiki, Bobby & Cindy happen upon Don Ho.
Don, ukulele in hand, serenades them with an acoustic rendition of “Sweet Someone.”
I Dream of Jeannie- Jeannie Goes To Honolulu
My favorite Jeannie episode of all time.
Don Ho plays himself. Sings “Ain’t No Big Thing.”
This episode features a great 70’s style video montage of Don in Honolulu/Waikiki.
Don Ho Variety Show
This daytime variety show aired from October 1976 - March 1977.
Don was the host and island hopped, like mad, with various guests.
Read:
Don Ho: My Music, My Life—Don Ho
The man, the legend…. Mr. Don Ho. Read it!
Word:
Mele (Hawaiian), Song (English)
The mele of the islands has the voice of Don Ho.
Aloha!
Blue Girl Hawaii
