Some consider Hapa to be the Simon & Garfunkle of Hawaii.

Simon & Garfunkle was one of the most successful folk- rock duos of the rock era. Barry Flanagan, Hapa's founder, is the Paul Simon, while his partner is the Art Garfunkle of the popular duo. Hapa partners have included Keli'i Kanaeali'i, Nathan Aweau, and Ron Kuala'au.

Others compare the Hapa sound to the Kingston Trio, who led the folk music revival in the late 1950s and early 60s. Kingston Trio members Bob Shane and Dave Guard once attended Punahou School in Honolulu.

Still others know Hapa as the "The Sound of Maui." Maui is where Barry Flanagan met Keali'i Kanaeali'i at a Christmas party in 1983.