Martin Pahinui's Obituary
Martin Pahinui Celebration of Life
“The Golden Voice of the Pahinui Musical Family”
A Celebration of Life for John Martin Pahinui, one of Hawaii’s most gifted vocalist and musician, will be held on Monday, July 3rd at the Hawaiian Memorial Chapel. Visitation is from 9:00 am-1:00 pm with services from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon
Martin passed away May 28th at his residence in Waimanalo surrounded by his family. He was 65 years old.
The youngest of 10 children from Gabby and Emily Pahinui, Martin has performed with many top artists to include his Dad in “The Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band”, numerous years with “The Peter Moon Band”, "The Young Fascination” with Rodney Arias, Ben Mendez & Eddie Lilikoi, the group “Hawaiian Expressions”, brothers Bla & Cyril as “The Pahinui Brothers”, in “Hui Aloha” with David and Dennis Kamakahi and George Kuo, and as a solo artist with both the Mountain Apple Company and Dancing Cat labels. Martin also recorded as a guest artist with Na Palapalai, The Hawaiian Style Band and Hapa. TV shows like Hawaii 5-0 and Chicago Med also featured his voice in various episodes. His last 15 years were spent playing with Aaron Mahi & George Kuo at the Waikiki Marriott Hotel.
A gentle man with a big voice, Martin had an incredible vocal range from a deep low bass to a high and haunting falsetto. His soothing vocals were etched into Hawaii’s musical history with the song “Flying” which he recorded on the Peter Moon Band release “Harbor Lights”. He had the ability to perform songs from rock-n-roll, oldies, funk, pop, reggae, Hawaiian, and his favorite “The Beatles” to name a few. Many times as good as the original like his soothing voice in “Unchained Melody” with the Peter Moon Band. He was a talented bass player, guitar player, and slack key musician but live performances were dominated by his strong yet soulful voice. One highlight of his career was meeting Ringo Starr and talking to George Harrison.
Martin was born and raised on Oahu but lived for several years on Maui and later returned home to Waimanalo. Known as “Gramps” to many he was a man of simplistic passion for life. He enjoyed golf, fishing, Kaiona Beach ramp, CB radio and the “Star Wars” movie character “Darth Vader”. Although restricted over the past few years, fireworks were still a burning passion he enjoyed. He was happiest when surrounded by his immediate family and numerous nephews, nieces, and close friends. His wife Ruth recalls that one of the most important events of his life was the birth of his two sons and the day “Star Wars” the movie first came out in the 70’s.
He is survived by wife Ruth, two sons Gabby (Erica) & Kale (Aleka), Grandchildren; Emily, Gabrie-Leigh, Kaimana, Gabby Jr., Garic, Leihiwa, Gabe & Leiahi. Brothers, sisters and numerous nephews, nieces and an abundance of friends and musicians that he has touched over the years.
What’s your fondest memory of Martin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martin?
Share a story where Martin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martin you’ll never forget.
How did Martin make you smile?