Ke Kani Hone O Wailea - The sweet music of Wailea - Mark Yamanaka

Join us for a special evening of music with Mark Yamanaka

Located in the Lower Valley Performance Area

Concerts at The Shops is open to the public and is a fun complimentary event with a chance to meet fellow music lovers, visitors, residents, entertainers and listen to Hawaii and the world’s finest entertainers.

Mark Yamanaka

Born in Mililani, Oʻahu but raised from a young age in the rainy town of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Mark Yamanaka has become one of Hawaiian music's most iconic voices. A self-taught musician and first in his family to pursue music professionally, Mark never imagined a life in the music industry but his talent was identified early on by well-known Kumu Hula and Hawaiian musician, Johnny Lum Ho, who became a mentor to Mark in 1997. Under Uncle Johnny's tutelage, Mark learned to play and sing in the challenging falsetto style, mastering the difficult haʻihaʻi technique with his clear, soaring voice.

Though he is most notably identified with Hawaiian music, Mark is a truly versatile artist. He counts Uncle Johnny, Gary Haleamau, and Dennis Pavao as major influences in the development of his distinctive style of Hawaiian music. But those who have seen him live know that he can seamlessly cross over into other genres of music with powerhouse performances inspired by vocalists like Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, and Peabo Bryson. Whether he's crooning a country ballad, pouring out his heart in a gospel hymn, or hitting the highs of a falsetto melody with effortless precision, Mark has wowed audiences around the world.

In 2010, Mark released his debut album, Lei Pua Kenikeni which went on to win 4 of the most prestigious awards at the annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2011. In 2013, he followed that success with a second album, Lei Maile, which again went on to win some of the highest honors at the 2014 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards celebration. In 2015, he collaborated with his friends Kellen and Līhau Paik (known as the duo Kūpaoa) on a holiday album, A Gift of the Heart, which received similar acclaim at the Hōkūs in 2016. This year, Mark released his highly-anticipated 3rd solo album, Lei Lehua, which, like is other CDs, is a collection of some of his favorite songs. But this latest release is a truly special collection, as 9 of the 14 songs are new, original compositions, most written or co-written by Mark. In 2019, he was recognized by his peers in the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts with 5 of the most coveted Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.

Mark's music is informed and inspired by his life experiences and his growth over the years is evident in the evolution of his music. His family plays a key role in his success; his 2 children and his wife providing him the strength and courage needed to persevere in the challenging industry of music. Music is an expression of the

heart for this humble Hilo boy, and using the ever-present support of his family as the wind buffeting his sails and his talent as his guiding star, Mark has been able to successfully navigate his way on his musical voyage. The journey has only just begun for this beloved musician and the future has never looked brighter.