Kelly Boy De Lima
Kelly Boy De Lima is a renowned Hawaiian musician and the founder of the iconic band Kapena. Born and raised on the west side of Oahu, Kelly Boy's musical journey began with a deep-rooted love for surfing and the ocean, which initially influenced his path. His career in music took off after he recognized his potential in playing the ukulele and singing, leading him to pivot from surfing to music full-time. In 1984, he and his friends formed Kapena, a band that quickly rose to fame for its dynamic blend of traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary sounds, earning multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards—Hawaii's equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Over the years, Kapena evolved into a family band with Kelly Boy's children joining him, ensuring the legacy of their unique sound continues. Kelly Boy is celebrated for his contributions to Hawaiian music and culture, both as a performer and as a mentor in the musical community.