About Don Ho

Five nights a week, Don Ho sits center stage behind his Hammond Organ, sings some of his favorite songs and "talk story" with his audience. He teaches the mainlanders how to make an "Aloha" sign. Holding up his right hand with thumb and pinky finger extended, he says, "This means family in Hawaii," and jokes, "or at least it did when I was growing up. Nowadays to the kids, it just means hang loose."

What he does is easy to describe: He lounges at the organ, caressing the keys. He sings a song in a sleepy, intimate voice. He gets the audience singing and clapping and pretty soon he gets individual members of the audience on stage to be kissed and hugged and teased.

Playing and learning from talented musicians he hired for shows, Ho created his own musical image. In 1962, Ho began playing at Duke's in Waikiki. "That's when things started happening for us with records, TV shows and everything," says Ho. These were the days of Don's greatest development as an entertainer and a star. Backing him were the sensational five Aliis, playing piano, drums, two guitars, xylophone and doubling on half a dozen other instruments. Don presided at the organ, a glass of scotch in his hand, a cigarette burning in the ashtray. (Not anymore. He quit drinking and smoking fifteen years ago) The music was outstanding; the humor was fast and snappy. Tourists came, but so did locals and, after a while, visiting Hollywood stars - any of whom might take the stage. Raising his glass in salute, Don would urge the audience to "suck'em up," and they did.

Rates are per person including 4.166% state tax.

Cancellation Penalties: For all optional vacation tours - activities and tour routings are subject to change without notice. Generally tours canceled outside of 48 hours will not have cancel penalties. No shows are subject to no refund. Tours missed due to illness will be entitled to a full refund if physicians papers are submitted.