Rooted on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island, Sean Parks is Hawaiʻi’s youngest slack-key master, with deep family ties to Kalapana, Hawaiʻi. Kalapana is known for its distinct sound and tradition of kī hōʻalu (slack-key), a style that carries the feeling of old Hawaiʻi. Through his family, Sean learned this music from his uncle, slack-key legend Ledward Kaapana, and has grown into a respected artist and master in his own right.
Youth
Sean was born and raised in Olaʻa, a small community in the district of Puna. Much of his childhood was spent in Kaimū, Kalapana, at his great-grandmother’s home, where family gatherings were filled with music, food, and time together. Weekends were filled with the Hawaiian music and slack-key, and it was there that Sean first connected with this style of music.
As a kid, he spent his time listening closely and observing. When he wasn’t helping around the house or doing yardwork, he would make his way next door to sit and watch his ʻohana play. Music was not formally taught but passed down in the old way, by watching, listening, and learning through experience.
Sean was especially inspired by his cousin Ikaika Marzo, a Puna born slack-key master and guitarist who played and sang at nearly every gathering. Watching him play sparked something early on. Sean began teaching himself by ear, spending hours trying to recreate what he heard. Over time, he developed a natural feel for the instrument and became a self taught slack-key player at a young age.
As he continued to grow, he found deeper inspiration in the music of his uncle Ledward Kaapana, who was also a major influence on Ikaika. That connection helped shape Sean’s sound and direction, leading him to develop his own style rooted in tradition but carried with a playful, kolohe spirit that reflects his personality, similar to his uncle and cousin.
Influence
That same energy and approach to music has allowed Sean to build strong relationships throughout Hawaiʻi’s music community. His playful style, presence, and connection with people have led him to share the stage with many of Hawaiʻi’s respected and beloved artists, including Ledward Kaapana, Sonny Lim and the Lim family of Kohala, Kevin Brown and Ola Hou, Nathan Aweau, Nā Palapalai, Jerry Santos, The Mākaha Sons, Gary Haleamau, Weldon Kekauoha, Kainani Kahaunaele, Ikaika Blackburn, Jeff Peterson, George Kahumoku, Kawika Kahiapo, Makana, and many others.
In addition to performing, Sean has worked alongside some of Hawaiʻi’s top producers and engineers, including Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing, Wailau Ryder, Shawn Pimental, and Michael Casil.
Legacy and Reach
Today, Sean performs across Hawaiʻi and beyond, bringing his music to audiences on the mainland, in Tahiti, and in Japan. With over a decade of musical experience, he continues to build his path while staying grounded in the traditions that shaped him.
Through his playing and presence, Sean is helping carry kī hōʻalu forward, inspiring a new generation of musicians to learn, share, and keep the music alive.
