Best Young Uke Player from Hawaii

We at Maui salt and Sage Magazine began with Aidan a couple of years ago and he's always been close to our hearts.

Although he's gone to Hollywood now, his music is still infused with Aloha Spirit.

His latest album ECHOES is, in our opinion, absolutely amazing.

Please take a listen on Youtube: Aidan James

Aidan James hails from the Aloha State – Hawaii; a place steep in the traditions of its culture, dance, and music. Although the ukulele is most known for its Hawaiian tradition, Aidan has taken it to a different level, streamlining its unique sound into pop, rock and folk music. Add in his warm vocals, a loop station, and effect pedals, this young phenom has created his own artistry taking it beyond the islands, inspiring audiences of all ages around the world. At a very early age, Aidan seemed to have a calling for entertainment; appearing in many print campaigns, commercials, and TV shows with his “hapa-haole” looks. At the age of 4, he picked up the ukulele and started taking lessons at the acclaimed Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studio. Little did anyone know, this instrument would not only help him overcome a mild speech impediment at an early age, but also opened a path for what was to become the start of his music career. At just 8 years old, Aidan became a YouTube “sensation” when a video of him performing Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” quickly went viral and earned over 20 million views to date. Since appearing in an episode of “Hawaii Five-0” performing that very song, a friendship and mentorship blossomed with lead singer, Pat Monahan, resulting in Aidan’s cameo in “Mermaid,” and being featured as a guest on one of Pat’s podcasts, Patcast. Aidan has toured the US Mainland playing in legendary venues such as Whisky A Go Go, House of Blues, and Hard Rock Cafes across the country and has performed in Japan and Tahiti. Aidan has shared the stage with the likes of Jack Johnson, Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro, and Grammy award winning group Train. He was hand-picked by Lisa Loeb to open her summer concert in Hawaii and was selected to perform at the exclusive Pillars of Peace Event for Desmond Tutu and The Elders. He has also graced the cover stories of Hawaii’s most widely circulated newspaper-magazine, “Midweek”, "HI Lux Magazine," and Hawaiian Airlines inflight magazine, “Hana Hou.”