At the heart of every ukulele is a story. For Kelsey Pascua, that story began at the age of eight, when he first picked up the instrument. His early lessons from the legendary Roy Sakuma—one of Hawaii’s most respected ukulele teachers—ignited a lifelong passion that would carry him through his childhood and beyond.
From third to sixth grade, Kelsey learned the rich melodies and soulful strums that are so deeply tied to the spirit of Hawaii. Later, he was fortunate enough to continue his ukulele journey with the great Herb Ohta Jr., who introduced him to new techniques and elevated his skills. Even as sports took priority during his high school years, music remained a constant source of joy, comfort, and connection.
As an adult, Kelsey found himself gigging at bars and clubs across Honolulu, sharing his love for the ukulele with audiences of all kinds. But it wasn’t just about performing—it was about the joy of seeing people light up when they heard a familiar tune or when they learned a new chord for the first time. Music, to him, is not just a career; it’s a way to create community, bring people together, and spread the Aloha spirit.
Throughout his career, Kelsey has also shared his knowledge with others, teaching ukulele to youth and adults at local non-profits and helping students discover the power of music in their lives. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the spark of accomplishment in a student’s eyes when they master a song or a new technique, and it’s that joy of teaching that continues to fuel his passion.
Now, as the founder of Ukulele Community Hawaii, Kelsey is committed to sharing the magic of the ukulele with others. Whether you’re a beginner picking up your first ukulele or an experienced player looking to elevate your craft, ‘Ukulele Community Hawaii offers a curriculum to have you playing your first song(s) from the first lesson.
At Ukulele Community Hawaii we believe that the ukulele is more than just an instrument—it’s a bridge between cultures, a way to express yourself, and a tool for creating lasting memories. From wanting to learn a new instrument, to taking on a new hobby, or wanting to jam with your friends/family, ‘Ukulele Community Hawaii is here to help you reach your goals.
'Ukulele Community Hawaii 