DOTD For Thursday, August 13, 2026
Today's Drink Celebrates The Personification Of The Aloha Spirit
Today’s DOTD - Drink Of The Day - is a Luau Cocktail inspired by birthday of legendary Hawaiian musician & entertainer, Don Ho. As we say in Hawaii,
”Me Ke Aloha Pumehana” - a Hawaiian phrase that translates to “with warm aloha” or “with warm regards.”
Don Ho was Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha to the world. A favorite son of Hawaii, he brought people together with his charismatic personality, Hawaiian values, and music. Don Ho is Hawaii’s icon and a personification of the Aloha Spirit.
He was big time. But to Don, it “ain’t no big thing.”
Whether a lifelong friend, an aspiring performer looking for a break, a grandmother from Peoria, or a member of the military, you mattered to Don Ho. In a one-on-one encounter or an appearance before hundreds on his stage, he made you feel special in his genuine “local boy” style.
There was so much more to Don Ho than “Tiny Bubbles” and “Pearly Shells.”
Career milestones:
Five decades (1960-2007) of entertaining audiences, starting with a homegrown band at his parents’ club Honey’s in Kaneohe, to headlining Waikiki’s most popular and longest running show.
Guest appearances on every major TV talk and variety show during that time, including the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Laugh-In, The Andy Williams Show, The Johnny Cash Show, Kraft Music Hall (seven appearances), Grand Ole Opry, and more.
Star of his own ABC-TV show (1976-77), many TV specials, and numerous Las Vegas headlining appearances.
Over 15 best-selling recordings, featuring songs by local composers such as Kui Lee (”I’ll Remember You,” and “Days of My Youth”).
Provided a showcase for young, local Hawaiian talent in his shows and inspired them to reach for greatness.
That’s the legacy of Don Ho, whose indelible memories and contributions during his lifetime provide an inspired foundation for the future.
Don’s music is the cornerstone on which he built his extraordinary entertainment career and that he used so effectively to communicate with people on all levels. It is the language through which he spoke from his heart to the world.
And, as he expressed in song, “If I had to do it all over again, every scene and every dream I’d relive. For this masquerading soul has played out every role. And I’d do it all over again.’
Don Ho had ten kids, and several of them followed in his footsteps in the music and entertainment industry, though none achieved his specific level of lifelong, global fame. throughout his years performing & recording, he actively raised his kids in the family business, frequently bringing them onstage, backstage, or involving them in his production management.
His most publicly recognized musical successor, Hōkū Ho performed in her father’s Waikiki shows during her youth. In 2000, she launched a successful mainstream pop music career, charting nationally with hits like “Another Dumb Blonde” (from Snow Day) and “Perfect Day” (the theme song for Legally Blonde).
Kea Ho, his eighth child, grew up singing and dancing on stage with her father. She carried on the entertainment tradition by pursuing a multi-faceted career as an actress, singer, model, and designer.
Don Ho’s eldest son, Donald “Donnie” Ho Jr., chose to carry on the family tradition on the technical side of showbiz. He spent nearly his entire career working as a vital light and sound technician for Don Ho Enterprises and the Magic of Polynesia show, dedicating his life to making his father and other local acts look and sound great on stage.
Whether you’re a Hawaii kamaaina (oldtimer) or malihini (newcomer), may you find that special connection with the Islands that was the essence of Don Ho, with today’s Drink Of The Day, a Luau Cocktail.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’re going to need for this drink:
