Written in Hawaiʻi in 1948 by Canadian-born musician Jack Pitman, Beyond the Reef has become one of the enduring songs of Hawaiʻi’s musical heritage. It is a wonderful example of hapa haole music, a style blending Hawaiian musical traditions with American popular music, often featuring English lyrics.
Our barbershop connection comes through arranger Paul Engel, a Far Western District legend who was honored by the district in 2025. A longtime arranger, educator and musician, Paul is also a graduate of Honolulu’s Roosevelt High School.
With its deep Hawaiʻi roots, its connection to the Far Western District, and its beautiful, singable melody, Beyond the Reef is a fitting song to bring us together as we celebrate this historic first combined Far Western District & Pan Pacific convention in Honolulu in October 2026.