For one special evening, Kona Brewing Co. in Koko Marina closed its doors to honor the 60th birthday of Hawaiian music legend Ledward Kaapana. The Grammy-winning artist is a slack key guitar master who has performed with notable national and local musicians, including Dolly Parton, Allison Krauss, Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom, and the Pahinui Brothers. I was lucky enough to attend and celebrate Led's birthday with him and 400 of his closest friends, family members, and fellow musicians! Kona Brewing Co. has been awesome in supporting the Hawaiian music community and it was perfectly fitting for Led to hold his birthday here.
Led and Kona Brewing Co. president Mattson Davis share a hug, then pose for a photo.
Led plays at Kona Brewing Co. every Sunday evening, and his dedicated fans, who call themselves "Led Heads," come out in full force to support him! The pub, set on the picturesque docks of Koko Marina, features a Hawaiian music lineup every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The chefs serve up tasty fresh fish (like the Kettle Chip crusted ono) and pizzas, and there are 24 beers on tap at the bar. My favorite summer beer is the limited edition Wailua Wheat, a light, crisp and refreshing wheat ale, accentuated by a citrusy aroma and a hint of juicy passion fruit.
Ahh, nothing beats summers and birthdays!
Cheers and happy birthday, Led. Thanks for doing all you do.
--RAP