Sir Howard, 74, who had a history of heart problems, died at his Ohinemutu home on the shore of Lake Rotorua last Thursday.
On a day which dawned misty but was fine by 9am, an estimated 5000 people gathered at Te Papaiouru Marae in Ohinemutu for the service.
After a few early words, the first hymn sung was Whakaaria Mai, or How Great Thou Art, a song Sir Howard enjoyed number one chart success with in 1981.
Sir Howard's eldest child, daughter Donna Grant, said she was grateful for all the support from New Zealanders.
"Because it has been so public, and he has wanted to share his life, and he would want today to be televised to Aotearoa because the nation loves him, and we love you for loving him.
"My father was challenging, he was charismatic, but he saw every day as a day of opportunity to do something good, to be recognised for it.
"But also in his heart of hearts he was a man of great giving." She said she had heard much of her father's charitable work, something he did because he wanted to help produce outstanding young people from Aotearoa.
Ms Grant asked that governments make sure his Fight For The Future project, aimed at improving health for Maori and Polynesian people throughout the south Pacific, continues.
"It has got the support of heads of state in Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands, and we plea to the Government that that work continues in his name." Tom Poata said Sir Howard had been something of a hero in show business.
"He struck down the boundaries between Maori party singers and professional, paid for services entertainers.
"He introduced us to the spectacle of Maori equally capable of singing any style of music they chose. He introduced us to the idea that we can sing.
"Thank you for sharing the stage with us." Among those singing at the service was Dame Malvina Major, who had worked with Sir Howard several times.
Sir Howard's nephew, actor Temuera Morrison, said just prior to the service that it had been a heavy few days but he was looking forward to listening to his family give their tributes, particularly Sir Howard's wife Kuia.
"I feel for her today," he told Maori Television. "She's been so strong." Temuera Morrison said it was appropriate the sun had come out after nearly constant rain during the five-day tangi.
"He was a man that brought a smile and a bit of sunshine to everybody's life so it's appropriate that the sun is shining today." Prior to the service, two more groups were called onto the marae, among them a Labour Party delegation which included its leader Phil Goff.
A second short service is to take place at nearby St Faith's Church before a funeral procession to Kauae cemetery in Ngongotaha, where Sir Howard would be buried alongside whanau.
His final journey takes him past the Soundshell where he began his musical career in the 1950s, the Regent Theatre (now the Rotorua Convention Centre) and the Rotorua Citizens Club.
There have already been about 6000 people who have come through the marae the previous five days to pay their respects.
