08/03/2026
As the new school begins this week in Hawaii we mahalo Sammy and Brayden for sharing their aloha!
Remember that one strum at a time makes a difference, in school, in life, and of course on your ukulele.
Pick up your ukulele and play today! 🎶
Mahalo ! 🤙🏽
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Sammy is a rising star with a passion for the arts! She recently took home the prestigious Ukulele Foundation Prize at the International Ukulele Contest, and her talents don’t stop there. Sammy also loves singing and acting, and was recently featured in “How To Train Your Dragon The Musical Jr.” She currently attends Punahou School, where she continues to shine.
Brayden is equally impressive! He recently claimed 3rd place at the International Ukulele Contest with his group “Heartstrings” — a remarkable achievement at such a competitive event. Beyond music, Brayden is also a talented soccer player. He has performed at some of Hawaii’s most iconic events, including the Waikiki Spam Jam 2026, the 2nd Annual Ukulele Summit, and most recently, the International Ukulele Festival of Hawaii 2026. He currently attends Roosevelt High School.
What makes Sammy and Brayden’s story even more special is the unique connection between their families. Their moms first met and became close friends in Japan, and years later, their children have been brought together through a shared love of music and the ʻukulele. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment, and we can’t wait to see what future collaborations these two talented young artists have in store!
We hope you enjoy their unique rendition of “Shimanchu Nu Takara” which means “Treasure of the Island People” a beloved song written and recorded by the Okinawa-based J-pop band .
okinawa
