This list of the best music festivals in Hawaii used to be much longer, about 4-5 more festivals in fact. Here are the ones that have lasted through Covid and I hope the others come back stronger than ever.
If you want to take some Hawaiian music with you wherever you are in the world here are some of my favorites.
Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural event dedicated to the celebration and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture, specifically focusing on the art of hula. Established in 1963, the festival was named in honor of King David Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his love and support of Hawaiian arts, music, and culture. The festival takes place annually in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The event comprises various activities, including hula competitions, a parade, and arts and crafts exhibitions. The hula competition is the highlight of the festival, featuring both kahiko (traditional) and ʻauana (modern) hula styles performed by soloists and groups from various hālau hula (hula schools).
While it is challenging to pinpoint specific “notable artists” as the festival highlights the hālau hula and their kumu hula (hula teachers) rather than individual dancers, many renowned hālau hula and their kumu have participated in the event over the years, such as Hālau o Kekuhi, Hālau Hula Olana, and Hālau I Ka Wēkiu.
The Merrie Monarch Festival typically takes place during the week following Easter Sunday. The exact dates and the lineup of participating hālau hula will be announced closer to the event on the festival’s official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and immerse yourself in this authentic and vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture.
Hawaii Internation Music Festival
The Hawaii International Music Festival is a celebration of music that takes place annually in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It brings together talented musicians and performers from around the world for a series of concerts, workshops, and cultural exchanges. The festival started in 2016, founded by a group of musicians including Eric Silberger, Amy Shoremount-Obra, and Iggy Jang, with the aim of promoting cross-cultural understanding through the power of music.
Over the years, the Hawaii International Music Festival has attracted numerous notable artists and ensembles from various genres, such as classical, jazz, and world music.
Some of these prominent artists have included the Shanghai String Quartet, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, jazz pianist Keiko Matsui, and Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux.
The Hawaii International Music Festival is scheduled around August of each year. Exact dates and the lineup of artists will be announced closer to the event on the festival’s official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy this unique cultural experience in the stunning backdrop of Hawaii.
Hawaii International Music Festival
Aloha Festivals
The Aloha Festivals is an annual series of events celebrating Hawaiian culture, music, dance, and history. It began in 1946 as “Aloha Week” and has since evolved into a month-long celebration held primarily in September. The festivals take place throughout the Hawaiian Islands, with the most prominent events happening in Honolulu, Oahu.
The Aloha Festivals feature various activities, including parades, street parties, hula performances, and concerts. The events showcase the diverse cultural traditions of Hawaii, promoting unity and harmony among the people.
Over the years, many notable Hawaiian musicians and performers have participated in the festivals, such as Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Don Ho, Gabby Pahinui, and the Brothers Cazimero.
Exact dates and the lineup of artists and events will be announced closer to the festival on the official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy the rich cultural experience offered by the Aloha Festivals, embracing the spirit of Aloha and the unique traditions of Hawaii.
Ukulele Festival Hawaii
The Ukulele Festival Hawaii is an annual event celebrating the ukulele, a popular and iconic musical instrument in Hawaiian culture. Founded by Roy Sakuma and his wife Kathy in 1971, the festival aims to showcase the versatility of the ukulele and promote its music by gathering ukulele enthusiasts, performers, and artists from around the world.
Throughout its history, the Ukulele Festival Hawaii has featured numerous notable artists and performers, including Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta (also known as Ohta-San), James Hill, Taimane Gardner, and Aldrine Guerrero. The event typically includes workshops, jam sessions, and concerts where both amateur and professional musicians can share their love for the ukulele.
The Ukulele Festival Hawaii is traditionally held on the third Sunday of July at Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, Oahu. Exact dates and the lineup of artists and activities will be announced closer to the festival on the official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Ukulele Festival Hawaii, where you can appreciate the diverse sounds of this beloved instrument.
Hawaii Performing Arts Festival
The Hawaii Performing Arts Festival (HPAF) is an annual summer event that celebrates and showcases various forms of performing arts, with a focus on classical music and opera. Founded in 2005, the festival takes place on the Big Island of Hawaii and aims to provide both emerging and established artists with opportunities for education, collaboration, and performance.
Throughout its history, the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival has featured numerous renowned artists and educators, including Metropolitan Opera singers like Jennifer Johnson Cano, Keith Miller, and Daniel Okulitch, as well as conductors and faculty members from prestigious music institutions such as The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music.
The HPAF typically occurs during the summer months, with events held over a period of several weeks. Exact dates and the lineup of artists, faculty, and performances will be announced closer to the event on the festival’s official website and social media channels. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and experience the exceptional talent and educational opportunities offered by the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival.
Hawaii Performing Arts Festival
Hawaii Songwriting Festival
The Hawaii Songwriting Festival, formerly known as the Kauai Music Festival, is an annual event that brings together aspiring songwriters, musicians, and industry professionals to learn, network, and collaborate. Established in 2002, the festival takes place in Hawaii and aims to support and foster the growth of songwriters through workshops, seminars, mentoring sessions, and performances.
Over the years, the Hawaii Songwriting Festival has featured numerous notable artists, songwriters, and industry professionals, such as Jason Mraz, Mike Love from The Beach Boys, Charles Brotman, Kenneth Makuakāne, and Pepe Romero. These experienced professionals participate in the festival as mentors, teachers, and performers, sharing their insights and expertise with attendees.
The Hawaii Songwriting Festival usually takes place in the summer months. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from and connect with accomplished songwriters and industry experts at the Hawaii Songwriting Festival.
Honolulu Festival
The Honolulu Festival is an annual cultural event that celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of the Asia-Pacific region, including Hawaii. Founded in 1995, the festival aims to promote mutual understanding, friendship, and economic cooperation among the participating countries. The event takes place in Honolulu, Oahu, usually in March.
The Honolulu Festival features various activities such as parades, performances, art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural demonstrations. Over the years, numerous artists and performance groups from different countries have participated in the festival, showcasing their unique cultures and traditions. Some of these groups include Japanese taiko drummers, Hawaiian hula dancers, and performers from various Pacific Island nations.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint specific notable artists, as the event highlights cultural groups and performances, the festival has become a significant platform for sharing and appreciating the rich and diverse cultures of the Asia-Pacific region.
Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Honolulu Festival, experiencing the art, music, dance, and culture of the Asia-Pacific region.
Prince Lot Hula Festival
The Prince Lot Hula Festival is an annual event celebrating the rich tradition of hula and Hawaiian culture. Established in 1978, the festival is named in honor of Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who later became King Kamehameha V and was known for his efforts to preserve and revive hula in the 19th century. The event takes place at the historic Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu, Oahu, usually in July.
The Prince Lot Hula Festival is considered the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaii. It showcases both kahiko (ancient) and ʻauana (modern) hula styles performed by various hālau hula (hula schools) and their kumu hula (hula teachers).
While it is challenging to pinpoint specific “notable artists” as the festival emphasizes the hālau hula and their kumu hula rather than individual dancers, many distinguished hālau hula and their kumu have participated in the event over the years, highlighting the diverse expressions and styles of hula.
Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and experience the beauty and depth of the hula tradition at the Prince Lot Hula Festival in the serene setting of Moanalua Gardens.
Waikiki Ho’olaule’a
The Waikiki Ho’olaule’a was first organized in 1952 as part of the Aloha Festivals. The Waikiki Ho’olaule’a celebrates Hawaiian culture, music, dance, and food, showcasing the aloha spirit and the island’s vibrant atmosphere.
The festival features multiple stages with live entertainment, including performances by various Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and cultural groups. Over the years, numerous local artists and performers have participated in the Waikiki Ho’olaule’a, making it a popular event among both residents and visitors.
The Waikiki Ho’olaule’a is typically held in September, in conjunction with the Aloha Festivals. Be sure to check for updates to plan your visit and enjoy the lively ambiance, delicious food, and captivating performances at the Waikiki Ho’olaule’a.
Hawaiian Slack Key Festival
The Hawaiian Slack Key Festival is an annual event celebrating the slack key guitar, a unique and iconic Hawaiian musical tradition. Founded in 1982 by Milton Lau, the festival aims to preserve and promote slack key guitar music by featuring a wide array of talented musicians and artists.
Throughout its history, the Hawaiian Slack Key Festival has showcased numerous notable slack key guitarists, including Gabby Pahinui, Cyril Pahinui, Ledward Kaapana, Keola Beamer, and George Kahumoku Jr. The festival features live performances, workshops, and jam sessions, allowing attendees to appreciate the beauty and diversity of slack key guitar music.
The Hawaiian Slack Key Festival usually takes place in the fall, with the main event held in Honolulu, Oahu. Other smaller festivals are organized throughout the year on different Hawaiian islands.
Final Thoughts On The Best Music Festivals In Hawaii
Creating this list was quite depressing, to be honest.
As I was doing my research I came across so many festivals that I remember growing up with that are now long gone. In fact some on this list still do not have their current year performance dates up and it makes me wonder if they are waiting till the last minute or maybe its the end.
I hope you all get out there and enjoy some music along with good food and great friends.
