Biography

Dr. Ocean Akaka currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Music Activities at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. In his current role, Dr. Akaka is the musical director and conductor of UH Hilo’s band program and musical theatre productions. Dr. Akaka also teaches courses in music theory, music education, contemporary music, and Hawaiian music. Additionally, Dr. Akaka is an active composer and music arranger. His works have garnered performances throughout the United States and Europe.

Prior to joining the faculty at UH Hilo, Dr. Akaka served as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In addition to his work with the UNLV Star of Nevada Marching Band and the Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Pep Bands, he served as director of the UNLV Woodwind Ensemble and taught courses within the M.M and D.M.A. graduate conducting programs.

Originally from Hawaiˋi, Akaka served as an oboist with “Hawaiʻi’s Own” 111th Army Band. In addition to the oboe, Akaka also played trumpet and euphonium for the band’s rock combo and ceremonial marching band. Outside of his duties with the band, Akaka actively served with The Hawaiˋi Army National Guard’s Honor Guard team where he assisted with Military Funeral Honors as a ceremonial team member and live bugler.

Dr. Akaka holds degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (D.M.A., M.M., Wind Band Conducting) and the University of Hawaiˋi at Mānoa (B.A. Music, Oboe Performance).