The Langley Ukulele Ensemble connects with local audiences through their instruments.

"It's not just the four string little ukulele you can buy on the corner. It's something that's really legitimate for music in general," ensemble member Paul Luongo said.

Every year, the British Columbia town of Langley forms a group from top ukulele students in Canada. Children pick up the instrument in grade school.

"We found it to be a great way to teach music to children," said Peter Luongo.

He started the ensemble 28 years ago. He's kept it going for nearly three decades.

"We do Hawaiian music because that honors the instrument and it honors the culture that's here," he said.

Each summer the group comes to Hawaii to perform.

"They're just so shocked that a bunch of Canadian kids can sing in the right pronunciations of Hawaiian," said member Amanda Hartwell.

Over the years the ensemble has infected hundreds of Canadian kids with the ukulele bug. Students have become ukulele teachers. The tiny instrument has had a big impact.

"It is an underestimated instrument," student Bianca Czihaly said. "I really like how after we perform people are amazed."

You can catch the ensemble in a free mini concert every night this week in the lobby of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel at 8:30 p.m.

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