Amidst the excited screams and constant chatter that fill the crowded walkways, a song breaks through the noise. The soothing music comes from cousins Isaiah Saole and Fia Leau as they strum their ukuleles, sing and make their way to class. This duo have been able to bring this soothing sounds to the halls of CHS and informed us about their passion for island music.

LL: How long have you two been playing the ukulele?
Saole: I’ve played for 6 years.
Leau: I’ve been playing for about 5 years.

LL: How did you first become interested in the ukulele?
Leau: My family members play. And just being around the island, you hear it a lot. My brothers got me interested.
Saole: I actually just felt the need to play. It was my desire. Plus, my grandpa, grandma and sister all play the uke.

LL: What kind of music do you play?
Saole: We play all sorts of music. It just has to be put into a ukulele version which is easy.
Leau: Most of the songs we make are off the top of our head. We just memorize them and play them over and over again.

LL: How do you feel when you’re playing the ukulele?
Saole: Peaceful.
Leau: Relaxed. [When you play ukulele] you don’t want to be mad.

LL: Who are your favorite ukulele players?
Leau and Saole: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
Saole: He’s the best player I’ve ever heard. Kapena is good, too.

LL: Who is the better player?
Leau: (laughs) I think we’re evenly matched. We learn off each other when we play.

LL: What other activities do you two like to do?
Saole: I like boxing, weightlifting and I like to play rugby, too.
Leau: I like football, rugby and weightlifting, too.

LL: Do you think people’s perceptions of you change when they see you playing the ukulele?
Saole: People usually look at us and would be like, “Whoa. Big, scary guy.” But we’re nice and we have soft hearts and I think they understand that when they hear  and see us play.