Kumu Henry M. Kupihea was born on Kauai. He has lived on Kauai for 46 years. His ethnic heritage is Hawaiian. He has played the ukulele for 35 years.
Kumu Henry loves playing the ukulele and singing. He enjoys teaching at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School working with the children. Kumu Henry states, "Any one can learn how to play the ukulele but not everyone can teach. You have to make them believe in themselves and then they can do it they jump on the bandwagon with you."
This dedicated teacher and well-known musician is the owner of 10 ukulele but he has a special relationship with his custom-made, abalone-trimmed 8-string tenor ukulele. This unique ukulele, which was made many years ago, was odered from Island Creations (link to Island Creation Style) about ten years ago. When Kumu Henry put in his order, Mr. Rapozo from Island Creations said, "Are you sure you want to do that?" His ukulele is now worth $7,000 and other ukulele players are ordering these fancy ukulele, too. Kumu Henry's next new ukulele will also be from Island Creations. It will be a maple 8-string tenor ukulele with red abalone trim.
Kumu Henry has this advice to give to beginning ukulele players, "Don't stop playing. Play with everyoneyou can and be happy.
This time Mr. Rapozo does not think it is a crazy idea.