Heavy Hawaii has been played on NTS in shows including Black Impulse, featured first on 13 June 2015. Songs played include Tijuana Teal.

Heavy Hawaii was formed in 2009 by guitarist Matt Bahamas (née Barajas), who formerly played in Fantastic Magic with Indian instrumentalist Sundar Whalen and future Wavves frontman Nathan Williams (who played mandolin). Shortly after inception, Jojo Keylargo (Nude Boy, Troughs, The Natives) joined Matt as the second half/core member/writer, contributing lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboard, noise & percussion. The live lineup has also included percussionist/vocalist Andrew Caddick (Jeans Wilder), keyboardist Aimee Sanchez (Black Mamba), drummer Mikey Peterson (Jungle Fever, the Natives), bassist Derek Butler (Nude Boy, the Atoms/Watusis), Alfonso A. (US '11), EJ Binns & Ryan Solomon (Da Bears, DUDES, Wizard Woes).