HAWAII was initially known as VIXEN in 1981 comprising vocalist Kim LaChance, ex-DEUCE guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN, bassist Gary St. Pierre and drummer Jeff Graves. Shortly after their formation the band scored inclusion of their track 'Angels From The Dust' on the 'US Metal II' compilation album. Further demos followed and a mini album 'Made In Hawaii'. Strangely, the band's next compilation cut 'Heavy Metal Virgin' on the Metal Blade Records 'Metal Massacre II' was credited to a pseudonym of ALOHA.

Shrapnel Records Mike Varney signed the band for the poorly produced but frenetic 'One Nation Underground'. St. Pierre departed for pastures new to front VICIOUS RUMOURS.

Further releases followed as the band got steadily more commercial. The mini-album 'Loud, Wild & Heavy' saw Friedman and Graves alongside fresh recruits vocalist Eddie Day and Joey Galisa on bass. HAWAII expanded by bringing in second guitarist Tom Azevedo for 'The Natives Are Restless'.

Friedman eventually dissolved the band and would turn up as founder member of CACOPHONY as well as releasing solo instrumental albums and more significantly joining MEGADETH.