TGI Staff Writer Kaua’i entertainer “Happy” Alberto Oyamot Sr.’s life revolved around music and perform for family, friends and patrons during a career of more than 30 years. Oyamot, 69, of Makaweli. who died on his home island of Kaua’i
TGI Staff Writer
Kaua’i entertainer “Happy” Alberto Oyamot Sr.’s life revolved around music and perform for family, friends and patrons during a career of more than 30 years.
Oyamot, 69, of Makaweli. who died on his home island of Kaua’i Feb. 19, was remembered for his love for music by family members and friends during funeral services held Feb. 27 at St. Catherine’s Church in Kapa’a.
Following a cremation, Oyamot’s ashes were scattered at sea three miles out from the old Sheraton Kaua’i – now the Kaua’i Coconut Beach Resort, where he frequently performed. Family members aboard a boat were on hand for the ceremony.
Just days before his death, Oyamot practiced with longtime friends and band members Augie Moniz and Eddie Banasahan, in preparation for his grandson’s wedding. Oyamot, who had not been in good health, was hospitalized the next day.
His grandson, Richie Taito, 27, and Hannah Van Rijswijck, 22, both of Wailua Houselots, were married March 3.
Taito said Oyamot, who was recognized by his trademark surfer hat and shirts that bore his name, was a self-taught musician who could play all string instruments.
But his grandfather, Taito said, honed his musical skills with two instruments that defined his style — the ukulele and guitar.
Oyamot’s professional career began in the early 1960s, a time of change in Hawai’i. In 1959, Hawai’i became a state, and the newest industry on the block – tourism – had taken hold, anchored by the entertainment business in which Oyamot wanted to excel, his family members said.
In the early 1960s, when Kauai’s population was smaller and communities were more closeknit, Oyamot performed at family parties, churches and public functions on the island. “He was known from Polihale to Hanalei,” said Isabel Oyamot, his wife for 37 years.
As his popularity grew, Oyamot signed up for gigs at Waikiki hotels, including the Reef Hotel and the Holiday Inn, Taito said.
Oyamot also performed at public functions, including a fund-raiser for former governor George Ariyoshi and at drug awareness events for youths, Taito said.
Oyamot was popular among visitors who took in his acts at Waikiki bushiness, Taito said.
“People from Canada and the U.S. mainland would go to places, and when they found out he wasn’t performing there, they would leave,” Taito said. A couple liked his style so much that they paid his way to perform at their wedding in British Columbia.
Oyamot preferred to work alone, but when performances required a band, he called on three old friends from Kaua’i — Moniz, Banasahan and Gerald Toki, Taito said.
Oyamot’s interest in music had its roots in his upbringing. Both from Manila, his father was an entertainer and his mother was a chorus line dancer, Taito said.
Oyamot’s popularity lay with his friendly, low-key manner and ready smile, according to his grandson.
“He always did his best to make people laugh,” Taito said. “He wanted to share his aloha and his music with everyone.”
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
