Aaron Mahi, renowned Hawaiian conductor, leader and musician, dies at 70

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Aaron Mahi, a distinguished linguist, composer, Kahu, and one of Hawaii’s foremost conductors and musicians, has died at the age of 70.

Mahi’s family confirmed that he died late Saturday night, two days before his 71st birthday.

Mahi’s passion for music emerged early. At 14, he was one of only 37 students chosen for a prestigious Honolulu Symphony Orchestra mentored scholarship.

He was graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1971 and went on to earn his degree from Connecticut’s Hartt School of Music in 1975. Mahi also honed his conducting skills at the Herbert Blomstedt Institute of Conducting in California.

By 1976, Mahi was headlining with the Windward Symphony Orchestra and performing as a jazz and rock bass guitarist.

The Hawaiian Renaissance of the time deeply influenced his musical focus on cultural perspectives.

In 1979, Mahi became a bassist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, where he also began conducting.

In 1981, newly elected Honolulu Mayor Eileen Anderson appointed him bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band, the first native Hawaiian bandmaster since Charles E. King in 1933. Mahi held this position for 24 years.

Under Mahi’s leadership, the Royal Hawaiian Band went on a seven-nation European tour in 1983. During this tour, the band was presented with a shellenbaum, replicating one given to King Kalākaua in 1881.

Mahi received the Golden Ring of Honor from the Association of German Musicians. Another significant milestone was a 1988 concert at Carnegie Hall, commemorated by the release of “The Royal Hawaiian Band Live at Carnegie Hall.”

In 2003, Mahi was awarded the German Order of Merit, earning the title “Bundesverdienstkreuz.”

Mahi also received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts in 2022.

Beyond his musical achievements, Mahi served as a pastor, having been the Kahu of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the Head Kahu of the Makiki Community of Christ Church.

Clarke Bright, the Royal Hawaiian Band’s current bandmaster, said in a statement, “Aaron’s numerous artistic gifts and his heart to serve his people will be missed in the Hawaiian community. His 24 years as Bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band is just the beginning of his phenomenal service to his culture that he loved so dearly.”

The statement concluded, “His genuine heart of kindness and his ability to make you feel so loved is rare and will never be forgotten. Rest in Love dear one.”

Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement:

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Maestro Aaron Mahi, a true legend in the world of music. Aaron’s legacy as the bandmaster for the Royal Hawaiian Band for nearly a quarter of the century leaves an indelible mark on our community and our culture.

His dedication and passion for preserving and sharing the rich musical traditions of our native Hawaiian heritage have touched countless lives. Aaron was more than a musician; he was a beloved figure whose influence extended far beyond the notes he played.

His commitment to excellence and his love for our island’s music have inspired generations, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege to know him or experience his artistry.

On behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, I extend my deepest condolences to Aaron’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. We will forever cherish his contributions to our community and the joy he brought into our lives through his music.

Iggy Jang, concertmaster for the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement:

”The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra mourns the passing of Aaron Mahi, an esteemed maestro whose leadership and artistry inspired generations of musicians and audiences alike.

He was a wonderful ambassador of the arts, welcoming newcomers to Hawaiʻi with warmth and generosity, which I am privileged to have experienced when I arrived in Honolulu over twenty years ago.

Aaron’s musical style and deep commitment to Hawaiian culture framed my own understanding of the islands’ rich heritage and helped shape the sound of our Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Aaron Mahi’s family and friends. His legacy will forever resonate in the melodies and memories he created with us.

Councilmember Augie Tulba said in a statement on Instagram:

I was saddened to learn about the passing of Aaron Mahi. Mr. Mahi was both my homeroom and music teacher at Dole Intermediate School in Kalihi. Despite my occasional misguided behavior, whenever anyone inquired about me at different events we both attended, he consistently shared kind words. Mahalo Mr. Mahi for the white lie…..lol His patience and kindness towards us students made him one of my most cherished teachers #RIPMRMAHI