It’s an understatement to say Larry Rivera is a busy man. Casually dressed in a patriotic red, white and blue shirt, Rivera bustles into the Kaua‘i Museum for his weekly concert. He apologizes for his tardiness. “I had to shake
It’s an understatement to say Larry Rivera is a busy man. Casually dressed in a patriotic red, white and blue shirt, Rivera bustles into the Kaua‘i Museum for his weekly concert.
He apologizes for his tardiness.
“I had to shake so many hands at the (Veteran’s Day) parade, my arm nearly fell off,” Rivera said before picking up his electric ‘ukulele.
At the age of 81, Rivera, or “Uncle Larry,” is constantly on the go, whether it’s for one of his three weekly concerts at the museum, Coconut Marketplace or Cafe Portofino, presiding over “Blue Hawai‘i” weddings at the Coco Palms or traveling to the mainland for concerts (he alluded to a multi-city tour that is in the works).
Rivera is widely recognized for his numerous recordings and his regular work at the now shuttered Coco Palms, where he worked and performed from 1951 to when it closed in 1992.
He took a brief break from the Coco Palms when he served in the Korean War. While serving, he and his fellow service members entered a talent contest in 1954 and won the first All-Army Talent Contest. His band’s name?
“The Beach Boys,” Rivera exclaimed. “Can you believe it?”
Arguably one of the Coco Palms’ most ardent supporters, Rivera said his dream is to see the resort rebuilt to its former glory.
“I was in San Jose last week,” he said. “The Coco Palms, as it is, is more beautiful that the city of San Jose.”
During the height of the Coco Palms, Rivera shared the stage with the likes of Elvis Presley, Patti Paige, Rory Calhoun and Ann Francis.
He has been honored as a “Living Treasure” and has been collecting numerous lifetime achievement awards in recent years.
“When I got old, everyone starts giving me awards,” he joked.
Rivera, who grew up on the Westside, penned his first song when he was 16, which was inspired by Waimea Canyon.
“Kamalani,” arguably Rivera’s biggest hit, has been recorded by more than 10 artists, including the late Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole.
Part of Rivera’s charm is his ability to paint pictures with his words, sharing with audience members a time when Kaua‘i was an exemplary example of Hawaiian hospitality.
Rivera’s famous compositions include “Wai‘ale‘ale,” “The Whole World Looks to Hawai‘i” and “Aloha Begins with Me.”
His music captures his life, as he strives to live a life of love and aloha.
“My whole life has been unbelievable,” he said. “I play music and entertain for a living.”
See Rivera each Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cafe Portofino at Kalapaki Bay and Saturdays; 3 p.m. at Ka U‘i O Ka ‘Aina cultural center in Kapa‘a on Fridays; and from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays at the Kaua‘i Museum in Lihu‘e.
Visit www.thelarryrivera.com for more information or to purchase a CD.
• Disclosure: Andrea Frainier, lifestyle and Kaua‘i Times writer, works at the Kaua‘i Museum.
