Welcome to Hawaii's
Largest Piano Store
Discover Hawaii’s premier destination for world-class pianos, trusted expertise, and an unmatched selection of acoustic and digital instruments.
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2026
A Foundation in Music
The roots of Piano Planet Hawaii begin long before its founding.
Founder George Nellas was raised in a musical household. His mother, a trained singer and pianist, served as a church choir director, filling their home with opera, crooners, standards, and the sound of the piano.
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After playing the trumpet in the school band in elementary school, George was enlisted to sit in with a local group Fuzzy Dice, for a Battle of the Bands competition. Performing a James Brown classic alongside a high-energy Blood, Sweat & Tears arrangement, the group won the competition. Though his role centered around that single event, the experience proved pivotal. After that performance, he was hooked.​​
Performing live on the road - 1970s
Performing as a house band - 1970s
In 1964, watching The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show ignited a lifelong commitment to music. George soon transitioned to guitar and began performing.
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To purchase his first guitar, he saved tip money bussing tables at his family’s 24-hour restaurant. That early investment shaped his respect for the value and meaning behind serious instruments.
Determined to grow as a musician, he committed himself to becoming a stronger guitarist and joined performing bands — a decision that would shape the direction of his life in music.
Professional Music & California Years
As a professional guitarist, George performed and traveled extensively.
Inspired by musicians and bands such as Steely Dan, Weather Report, James Taylor, George Benson, Larry Carlton, and Robben Ford, he relocated to Southern California to pursue music full time.
While building his performance career, he worked as a bellman at the Queen Mary Hyatt Hotel in Long Beach — an experience that reinforced discipline, resilience, and work ethic.
Touring road band- 1970s
Performing in the Los Angeles music scene with Little Ray and the LA Band, featuring David Garfield and Marietta Waters
Entry in Piano Retail
George’s formal entry into the piano business began at Byerly Music Center in Peoria, Illinois.
His first role was moving pianos — a hands-on introduction that instilled a deep respect for their craftsmanship, structure, and the care required to handle them properly.
He soon transitioned into the showroom, working directly with customers and helping them select instruments suited to their musical goals.
Sherman Clay & the Steinway Tradition
George later joined Sherman Clay, then the largest piano retail dealer in the United States. Over eleven years, he developed expertise in product knowledge, client consultation, corporate operations, negotiation, and long-term service relationships.
Working extensively with Steinway & Sons instruments, he advanced into management roles and gained a comprehensive understanding of premium piano retail.
During this period, George attended Steinway events, visited Steinway Hall, and made multiple visits to the Steinway factory — including training sessions that provided firsthand insight into the craftsmanship and engineering behind the instruments.
Byerly Music Revisited — reconnecting with colleagues from the store where George began his piano career
Steinway Hall Visit
Hawaii & Market Leadership
In 1992, George relocated to Hawaii to manage Thayer Piano Company, founded in 1905 and long recognized as Hawaii’s exclusive Steinway representative.
Adapting large-market experience to Hawaii’s close-knit, relationship-driven environment required thoughtful leadership and a deep respect for local culture.
He later pioneered Hawaii’s first Piano Outlet concept, introducing transparent pricing and a simplified buying structure that removed traditional sales pressure. The model emphasized clarity, consistency, and client trust.
Steinway Hall & Factory Visits
Over the years, George visited piano factories throughout the United States and gained firsthand appreciation for the craftsmanship behind these remarkable instruments. His experience includes multiple visits and training at the Steinway factory, deepening his understanding of the artistry and engineering that define Steinway pianos.
George Nellas with Henry Z. Steinway at Steinway Hall Los Angeles — 1988
Steinway Factory Visit
Thayer Piano Company, Honolulu — circa 1992. Pictured with Ellen Masaki, Nancy Masaki, Gene Hackman, and Betsy Arakawa.
Steinway Dealer Excellence Award — Newport Beach, 2026
Founding Piano Planet Hawaii
In 2001, George founded Piano Planet Hawaii.
Just prior to its grand opening, the events of September 11, 2001 created economic uncertainty nationwide. Through perseverance, disciplined management, and strong community relationships, the company established itself as a trusted resource for families, institutions, and professional musicians throughout Hawaii.
Industry Recognition
George’s career and Piano Planet’s contributions to the music industry have been recognized by leading organizations.
He was interviewed as part of the NAMM Oral History Program, documenting his experience in the piano industry.
In 2026, at the Steinway Dealer Meeting in Newport Beach, Piano Planet received the Steinway Dealer Excellence Award, recognizing its commitment to the Steinway tradition and an exceptional client experience.
That same year, the National Association of Music Merchants honored Piano Planet with a NAMM Milestone Award, recognizing 25 years in business and long-standing membership in the organization.
NAMM Milestone Award — 25 years in business
The Philosophy
Piano Planet Hawaii was built on a simple concept:
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A boutique, warm, uncluttered showroom.
An intelligent buying experience.
Guidance without pressure.
Drawing on over five decades of experience — as musician, mover, consultant, manager, and owner — the company remains committed to helping clients select instruments that align with their needs, their environment, and their long-term goals.
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Because a piano is not simply purchased.
It is lived with.
Closing
From early days playing in road bands to a lifelong career working with some of the world’s finest pianos, George Nellas has remained guided by a simple belief — that music has the power to enrich lives and bring people together. Over the years he has worked closely with musicians, visited piano factories throughout the United States, and gained firsthand appreciation for the craftsmanship behind these remarkable instruments. His experience includes multiple visits and training at the Steinway factory, deepening his understanding of the artistry and engineering that define Steinway pianos. Through his work in the piano industry and the founding of Piano Planet in HawaiÊ»i, his focus has always been on helping musicians and families discover instruments that inspire them. Today Piano Planet continues that tradition, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of pianos and an intelligent buying experience for the next generation of music makers.
Our Trusted Brands
Piano Planet boasts not only the Steinway brand - considered the gold standard piano of the world - but Boston and Essex (both brands designed by Steinway) Kawai, Roland, and Yamaha. Offering a variety of acoustic and digital uprights and grand pianos, Piano Planet is easily the number one destination for discerning buyers for all of Hawaii.
The Intelligent Buying Experience
For over 20 years we have been successful at providing our customers with “The Intelligent Buying Experience” and only the best in quality products and services. This is the strongest product line up in our industry, all found in one comfortable showroom.
Upon entering our store, we will greet you in a friendly and professional manner. We listen attentively, asking questions to determine your needs and preferences in order to find the perfect piano for you.
The Customer Experience
You, the Customer, deserve our full attention when it comes to comparing different levels of quality among today’s most famous brands or hearing subtle differences between premium and economically-priced pianos.
At Piano Planet we will share our knowledge on what to look and listen for in an acoustic or digital piano. We call this the “Intelligent Buying Experience”.
Having a significant number of instruments from different manufacturers all in one place, allows a customer to make meaningful comparisons within similar instrument types (e.g. grand pianos). You will also find that there are many brands to choose from and prices vary greatly. We encourage our customers to take their time in evaluating their choices to ensure that their decision is a sound one.
In your search, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a piano: size, style, craftsmanship, finish, price… the list can be quite long. The Intelligent Buying Experience provides an easy-to-understand guide through all these factors.
Our Commitment to Our Customers
The purchase of a piano is a sizable investment for a family, school or church. For many, this will be the first and only piano they will ever own.
Throughout the life of your piano, you can rely on us and our expert staff of technicians to provide you with the highest quality service.