Maui · Composer · Musician · Teacher
‘Ukulele
Shaka Rock
Arlie Asiu grew up on rock guitar and came home to the ‘ukulele. Three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award finalist. Four records. One very loud little instrument.
“Jazz, rock, traditional, Hawaiian — Arlie plays it all.”
Pat Simmons · The Doobie Brothers
The Records
Original instrumentals that swing from Hāna-road calm to full-band crunch.
Everything In Its Time
‘Ukulele Off the Couch
My Dog Has Fleas
Arlie & His Magic ‘Ukulele
Live
Solo to
full band
Years on electric guitar taught Arlie to fill a room. His live sets push the ‘ukulele through rock, jazz and classical without losing its island roots — weddings, private parties, corporate events, festivals.
- Solo
- Duo
- Trio
- Full band
Skyler Stook
Rhythm ‘ukulele · with the band since 2020
Eddee Sebala
Bass · gigging since 1976
Upcoming shows
See where Arlie plays next, or follow him on Instagram.
Lessons
Learn from
Arlie
Live one-on-one lessons, online or in person in Central Maui, for every age. Arlie starts where you are, then pulls in rock, jazz, classical and Hawaiian tunes so you build real musicianship, not just chord shapes.
“He got to know our son well and tailored his lessons to exactly what worked best… He is a tremendous teacher!”
“His great energy has helped my two daughters to really flourish.”
“He meets students at the level they are at and always brings fresh ideas and interesting music.”
Aloha from the greats
Who’s talking
“When the norm gets challenging, you can bet Arlie Asiu has created a more needed refreshing sound for the ‘ukulele!”
“He makes his ‘ukulele sing the dance… Arlie is No Ka Oi!”
“Arlie’s taking Hawaiian music to a new place.”
“What an ‘ukulele talent… I asked him to play an ‘ukulele part on my Nā Hōkū Award-winning Christmas album and he did.”
“Another soundtrack-worthy slate of original works, with a performance style uniquely his own.”
“The perfect island-style listening.”
Backstory
From KISS
to Kamehameha
Arlie-Avery Asiu grew up on Maui and wrote his first song on the ‘ukulele at nine. At twelve he got a guitar; his older brother handed him KISS, Van Halen and George Benson, and Arlie wanted a rock band. In his twenties he played electric guitar in Kitty Bones Jones, Suckin Frikas and The Fun Loving Infidels.
Later he picked the ‘ukulele back up. He recorded one original song as a wedding favor for his guests — and it grew into his first EP, Everything In Its Time. Blues legend Uncle Willie K heard it and brought Arlie on to open his shows and Sunday brunches at the King Kamehameha Golf Club.
Three albums followed: ‘Ukulele Off the Couch (2016), My Dog Has Fleas, and Arlie & His Magic ‘Ukulele (2021), named for a book Willie K dreamed of making.
Book Arlie
Weddings, private parties, corporate events, festivals, lessons — plus licensing and publishing for his music. Tell Arlie the date and the vibe.