Aloha. My name is Curtis Kam. I’ve performed most of my life in Honolulu, Hawaii, which explains two things. First, why most of you have never seen me. Second, if you are not from Honolulu, I am the first Chinese person named Curtis that you’ve met. If that was on your bucket list you can cross that off. Hashtag: sad bucket list.
Curtis Kam, world-renowned magician and cherished mentor, passed away April 17, 2025. His mastery of coin magic, combined with his deep generosity, kindness, and dedication to his craft stretched beyond his performances and publications. Curtis shaped the lives and careers of countless magicians around the globe.
Born on February 4, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri, his family relocated to Hawaii when he was 6. Curtis’ introduction to magic came when his parents enrolled his younger brother, Chris, in magic lessons to help with his shyness. Curtis often accompanied his brother to these lessons, and found himself captivated by magic. Under the guidance of local magic legend Jimmy Yoshida, Curtis refined his skills and formed lifelong friendships.
In the early ‘80s he published his first effects in Sterling Magic’s Card Coin Manuscript, and his lecture notes All the World’s a Stage. His contributions to Apocalypse and Best of Friends established him as a respected innovator, and his 1996 groundbreaking book, Deceptions in Paradise (1996), is still considered essential reading for serious students. He was later a founder and contributor to The Disclaimer magazine.
One of his most significant contributions to the craft was the Palms of Steel video series, released in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Curtis’ coin magic was not only technically brilliant but also highly creative, with popular routines like The Goblet and Beijing Coins Across.
Curtis was able to blend raw skill with artistic expression, and was an exceptional performer, known for his intimacy and warmth. He headlined Magic in Paradise at the Hale Koa Resort in Waikiki for 13 years. He performed at corporate events, magic conventions, and regularly at The Magic Castle, where he was a frequent headliner.
Curtis’ impact on the magic world extended far beyond his performances. He was a devoted teacher and mentor, always eager to share his knowledge and experience with fellow magicians.
In 2024, the local International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring was renamed “Curtis Kam’s Hawaii IBM Ring 185,” in recognition of his magic, his support for young talent, and his skills as a teacher and mentor. That same year, Curtis also received a Special Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts.
Even after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis in late 2023, Curtis continued to create and share his magic. He hosted weekly gatherings of local and visiting magicians at the Kahala Mall on Saturday nights. These informal sessions were filled with magic, camaraderie, and laughter. They became a vital part of the Hawaiian magic community.
Of course, his contributions will continue to resonate for generations of magicians. Ohana is a Hawaiian word that translates to family, but it has a much broader meaning than just relatives. It’s not one of those Hawaiian words that only turns up in song lyrics. It is a real thing, and I learned its meaning through Curtis Kam. It encompasses a sense of belonging, and the support of a shared community, where no one is left behind.
Curtis was, and will always be, Ohana. I was blessed to be his friend and share many adventures with him. I sometimes shared the stage with him. I miss him already.
Aloha ‘Oe, my dear friend. Boy this one hurts. Ta Da!
Photos via Curtis Kam's Facebook page