Cyril Pahinui was a renowned Hawaiian slack-key guitar master whose influence on the genre was both profound and enduring. Born on April 21, 1950, in Waimānalo, Oahu, Hawaii, he was the son of the legendary Gabby Pahinui, a pivotal figure in the Hawaiian music renaissance of the 20th century. Steeped in the musical traditions of his heritage from a young age, Cyril developed a distinctive style that combined the complexity of slack-key guitar with the soulfulness of his voice, earning him widespread acclaim and a legacy as a torchbearer of Hawaiian music.

Throughout his career, Pahinui released several albums that showcased his virtuosity and deep love for Hawaiian music. "Hi'ilawe (Live)" and "Night Moon (Po Mahina)" are testament to his live performance skills, capturing the intimacy and spontaneity of his artistry. His work on albums like "Market Place," "Kani Pu Kolu," and the self-titled "Cyril Pahinui" reflects the diversity of his musicianship, blending traditional melodies with contemporary influences. Collaborations like "Who Loves You? (feat. Diana Aki)" highlight his ability to connect with other artists, while instrumental projects such as "Four Hands Sweet & Hot" and "6 & 12 String Slack Key Guitar" exhibit the technical prowess and emotion he imparted on the strings.

Cyril Pahinui was not just a musician; he was a revered teacher and cultural ambassador for Hawaii, dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of slack-key guitar. His contributions to music earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Hawaii's equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Pahinui passed away on November 17, 2018, but his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and captivate audiences worldwide.