Willie K to perform on Oahu for first time since cancer diagnosis

Maui-based entertainer Willie Kahaiali‘i will return to Oahu on Tuesday for his first performance here since being diagnosed with lung cancer in February.

Friends, family and fans of Kahaiali‘i — who performs publicly as Willie K — have raised about half of the $100,000 requested via GoFundMe to help replace lost income and pay for medical expenses. As of Wednesday, $44,755 had been raised.

Kahaiali‘i, who canceled all of his regularly scheduled gigs after learning he had small cell carcinoma lung cancer, began chemotherapy and radiation treatments last month. Amy Hanaiali‘i substituted for him at Blue Note Hawaii in February and again this week.

But it will be Kahaiali‘i himself on stage at the Blue Note at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Doors will open at 5 p.m., respectively, with tickets priced at $30 (bar seating) and $45 (table and booth seating).

Visit bluenotehawaii.com for tickets and more info.