Hawaiian singer Willie K's stirring performance of national anthem goes viral

Willie K is a local star, but the guitarist's skills have been shown on national stages during his stints with numerous stars including Prince, Santana, ZZ Top and, most recently, Journey.

"For a local boy who is growing up, you never see yourself in that place," he said in an interview with the University of Hawaii before he sang the anthem.

Willie K said he has been asked repeatedly why he has never been tried to become a big gigantic star.

"On Maui, I say, 'When you wake up in the morning and you see that sunrise, give me a phone call and here's my number.' Then you find out why," he said. "I love it here. I would never trade it for anything else in the world. "