Born and raised in Kane‘ohe, O‘ahu, Hoku Zuttermeister was brought up with a love for the Hawaiian culture and its music. He started singing at the young age of two; he loved singing his first song, “E Ku‘u Morning Dewâ€.
Hoku has recorded with many artists such as Sean Na‘auao (Neutralize It), Ku‘uipo Kumukahi (E Ku‘u Lei, E Ku‘uipo), Kawaikapuokalani Hewett (Mo‘o‘olelo), Raiatea Helm (Sweet and Lovely, Hawaiian Blossom), Bryan Tolentino (Ka ‘Ukulele Lele), and Mahela (My Heart) and this has helped Hoku mature into a wonderful and very talented musician. Hoku has also opened for and toured with such great acts as the Makaha Sons, Ho‘okena, Bryan Tolentino, Raiatea Helm, Jerry Santos, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, and many others.
Hoku’s first album, titled “‘Aina Kupuna†was released in March 2007 to glowing reviews and has been the subject of much positive acceptance in the Hawaiian music community. There is excitement in seeing and hearing such a talented individual sharing and perpetuating the traditional music of Hawai‘i and it is very comforting to know that the traditions and mele of Hawai‘i will be perpetuated and passed on to future generations through sharing from talented and resourceful musicians such as Hoku Zuttermeister.
In June 2008, the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts bestowed Hoku’s debut album, “‘Aina Kupunaâ€, with 10 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations in which the album won 6. This prestigious award is Hawai‘i’s equivalent to the Grammy Award and Hoku is very appreciative for this recognition by the members of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts. The categories which “‘Aina Kupuna†received Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in are as follows:
Male Vocalist of the Year
Hawaiian Album of the Year
Most Promising New Artist
Hawaiian Language Performance
Favorite Entertainer of the Year
Liners Notes