Willie Kahaiali‘i, the prolific 57-year-old Maui entertainer known as Willie K, has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will curtail his performances on Oahu and the Valley Isle.
“I’m optimistic that we will beat this and be back on stage in no time,” Kahaiali‘i said in a statement Saturday from Maui Tribe, his production company.
However, he will perform as scheduled at a free Maui Arts &Cultural Center Super Bowl 52 party at 1:30 p.m. today, headlining the pre- and post-game celebration.
The statement said Kahaiali‘i has completed the first of four rounds of chemotherapy and will continue treatment over the next 12 weeks.
Willie K, who can easily belt out an operatic aria alongside reggae, Hawaiian music and funky blues, is a sought-after trouper because of his versatility. He is known for a number of hits, including “Katchi Katchi Music Makawao,” “You Kuuipo” and “My Molokai Woman,” as well as his seasonal favorite, “O Holy Night.” He has performed with a bevy of international stars such as Prince, Steven Tyler and Carlos Santana, and he has participated in numerous shows for nonprofit organizations.
Colleagues indicated that offstage at the Blue Note Hawaii in Waikiki, Kahaiali‘i had expressed weariness in recent weeks, prior to the cancer diagnosis. His monthly shows at the music club have been sellouts.
Amy Hanaiali‘i, his former partner in song, has agreed to fill in for his next Blue Note slots, Feb. 20 and March 20, according to Cha Thompson, who is a Hawaii talent booker for the club in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Thompson also will help plan an Oahu fundraiser for Kahaiali‘i to help defray anticipated medical costs. A date and roster of supporting entertainers will be announced later.
