Ukulele Lessons at The Imperial
Roddy Lopez’s love for music began at nine years old in Kalihi, Hawaii, when he first picked up a ukulele. While many of his classmates had their own, Roddy had to borrow from friends, as his father, a musician, discouraged him from pursuing the same path. But Roddy’s passion was unstoppable, and he found every opportunity to play.
By high school, his talent had flourished, leading him to perform professionally. His skills caught the attention of songwriter Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne and bassist Christopher Kamahalo Keliiaa. Together, they formed The Pandanus Club in 1985, named after the lauhala tree, a symbol of Hawaiian tradition. Performing nightly in Waikiki, the band became pioneers of Hawaiian music at a time when few artists were actively recording.
Their hard work was recognized in 1990 when they won “Best Album” and “Group of the Year” at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for their album Ho‘ike. Their song “E Hula Mai” became a beloved classic, cementing their legacy in Hawaiian music. Roddy, as the band’s lead singer, brought Kahu’s lyrics to life, while Christopher’s bass provided the heartbeat of their sound.
In 1997, Roddy stepped away from the band, taking a 14-year hiatus. During that time, The Pandanus Club experienced a heartbreaking loss with the passing of Christopher Kamahalo Keliiaa, whose contributions had been vital to the band’s identity. When Roddy returned to the islands and reunited with the group in 2011, Alden Levi stepped in as bassist, carrying on Christopher’s legacy.
Today, The Pandanus Club continues to perform select shows, including a recent Christmas concert in Las Vegas and a spring tour through California. Though they only perform occasionally, their music remains as powerful as ever, honoring Hawaiian culture and the musicians who helped shape its sound.
Beyond the stage, Roddy now shares his love for music right here at The Imperial Hawaii Resort, where he teaches ukulele lessons every Tuesday. We’re proud to have him as part of our ‘ohana — keeping the spirit of Hawaiian music alive, one strum at a time.