Waikiki entertainer Iva Kinimaka dies at 76
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / MARCH 29
Hilton Hawaiian Village’s history wall features over a century of snapshots, stories and insights spanning 80 feet of vibrant displays in the Tapa Tower. Jeff Apaka, left, son of one of Hawaii’s greatest singers, Alfred Apaka, reminisces with former Waikiki entertainer Iva Kinimaka. Kinimaka died Tuesday in Honolulu.
Iva Kinimaka — Waikiki headliner, musician, songwriter and businessman — died Tuesday in Honolulu. He was 76.
Born Ivar Kinimaka on July 31, 1940, in Honolulu, Kinimaka became a Waikiki headliner in the 1960s when the post-statehood growth of Hawaii’s visitor industry created unprecedented opportunities for island entertainers.
In the years that followed, Kinimaka earned a place on Waikiki’s list of “A-list” celebrities alongside Don Ho, Dick Jensen, Loyal Garner, Melveen Leed, Nephi Hannemann and John Rowles. One of his last Waikiki showroom engagements was performing as a member of “Hawaii’s Very Best” with Garner, Hannemann, Jensen and Leed in 1993 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Kinimaka’s most lasting contribution to Hawaiian music was the song “He Aloha Mele,” which he wrote for his daughter, Chamonix Mele Kinimaka, in 1980. Easy to sing, and perfect for hula, it is one of the most memorable hapa-haole songs written since Hawaii became a state in 1959.
In addition to Chamonix, Kinimaka is survived by his son, Iva P., his daughters Pauahi and Kaiulani, his brother James and sister Priscilla. Services are set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Elks Club in Waikiki. Aloha attire is requested; loose flowers and lei are welcome. Condolences may be posted at oahumortuary.com.
6 responses to “Waikiki entertainer Iva Kinimaka dies at 76”
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Aloha Kanaka Maoli !
Who are the up and coming local singers today? Got many?
I remember going to his restaurant in Kalihi and eating ham hock with cabbage. He was a nice man. Condolences to his ohana.
My deepest ALOHA to his ohana.
RIP bradda Iva…see you on the other side.
Geezus, he was part of the great Hawaiian Renaissance in music in Waikiki in the 60’s,70’s, and early 80’s when people like Kui Lee, Don Ho, Gabby, Sterling Mossman, Sam Kapu, Kahuana Lake Trio, Sonny Chillingsworth, Surfers, and the list goes on and on….not to mention people like Melveen Leed, Haunani Kahalawai, Loyal Garner, and so many other music personalities populated the showrooms in Waikiki…..not to mention Sunday Manoa et. co.