Pua Almeida

Pua Almeida (1922–1974) was a Hawaiian steel guitarist, considered a leading performer on that instrument.

Almeida (sometimes given as "Alameida") was born in 1922 in Honolulu.^[1] His musical start began in the band of his father, John Kameaaloha Almeida.^[1] He formed his own big band, "The Sunset Serenaders" and performed at several top venues around Hawaii.^[1] He relocated to Southern California in 1947, performing in clubs.^[1] As the Hawaiian steel guitar achieved international status in the 1940s, Almeida was recognized as a master of the instrument.^[2] In 1958 he began a 16-year association with the Surfrider Hotel.^[1]

He recorded for American Decca Records in 1966^[3] and for MGM Records.^[4] For seventeen years he was commonly featured on the Hawaii Calls radio program.^[1][5]

Pua suffered from poor heart health, and died in 1974.^[5]