Herb Ohta Jr.'s passion for music was clear from an early age. His grandmother taught him his first song, "Happy Birthday," on the ‘ukulele when he was just three. His father, Ohta-San, provided his early lessons, and Herb later studied music through viola in high school. He also participated in The Honolulu Boys Choir, The Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and The University High School Select Choir.
Balancing teaching six days a week, Herb also composes, performs at various events, produces, and records. His debut recording was in 1990 alongside his father, and since then, he has contributed to over 50 recordings. With 15 Nā Hōkū Award nominations, he won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for "‘Ukulele Nahenahe" in 2011, "Pure ‘Ukulele" in 2013, and the Instrumental Song of the Year for "Nāpili Bay," co-written with David Kamakahi in 2013. He also won awards for "‘Ukulele Friends" in 2015, "‘Ukulele Friends: The Sequel" in 2018, "ʻUkulele Hula" in 2019, and "ʻUkulele Life" in 2020. Additionally, he is a four-time Hawai’i Music Award winner. Herb has released three national albums in Japan, one in Taiwan, and co-authored two ‘ukulele instructional books available in both Japan and the U.S. In 2015, he published a songbook of his arrangements in Korea.
As a teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer, Herb Ohta, Jr. has firmly established himself among musicians promoting the ‘ukulele on the contemporary music scene. His mission is to share the beauty of Hawai‘i’s music, culture, and the ‘ukulele with audiences worldwide. Herb has performed throughout Hawai‘i and has traveled to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the mainland USA.
In 2025, Herb is celebrating his 35th year in the music industry. He stands as a vanguard of his generation of ‘ukulele players and is on track to continue his father’s remarkable legacy.
