A Weekend of Hawaiian Music, Culture & Community
24th Annual ʻUkulele & Slack Key Guitar Festival
November 13 & 14, 2026 • Kahilu Theatre • Waimea, Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi’s premier celebration of ʻukulele and slack key guitar returns to Kahilu Theatre for a weekend filled with incredible music, masterful musicianship, storytelling, and aloha.
Join us for the 24th Annual ʻUkulele & Slack Key Guitar Festival, featuring some of Hawaiʻi’s most celebrated artists and musicians. From intimate workshops and spontaneous kanikapila to unforgettable concerts, this is a weekend for music lovers, musicians, families, and the entire ʻohana.
GET YOUR 2-DAY PASS
VIEW INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
- Friday, November 13, 7pm: Hoʻolauleʻa
- Saturday, November 14, 2pm: Kanikapila
- Saturday, November 14, 7pm: Hana Hou
🎶 Meet the Masters
This year’s festival brings together an extraordinary lineup of Hawaiian music legends and contemporary stars:
Jeff Peterson
Grammy Award-winning guitarist and master of Hawaiian slack key guitar.
Ledward Kaapana
One of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved slack key guitar masters, renowned for his distinctive style and soulful performances.
Sonny Lim
Celebrated slack key guitarist and longtime champion of Hawaiʻi’s musical traditions.
Brittni Paiva
Acclaimed ʻukulele virtuoso known for her dynamic musicianship and innovative approach to the instrument.
Jerry Santos
Legendary Hawaiian musician, composer, and founding member of Olomana.
Kamuela Kimokeo
Accomplished musician and cultural practitioner carrying forward the traditions of Hawaiian music.
Taimane
Virtuosic ʻukulele artist whose explosive performances push the boundaries of what the instrument can do.
FRIDAY
10:00 AM — School Performance
Inspiring the next generation through the music and traditions of Hawaiʻi.
7:00 PM — Hoʻolauleʻa Concert
Celebrate the opening night of the festival!
Enjoy an unforgettable evening with Jeff Peterson, Brittni Paiva, Sonny Lim, and Ledward Kaapana, featuring special guests Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo.
Experience beloved mele, extraordinary musicianship, and collaborations that honor the heart and soul of Hawaiian music.
SATURDAY
Morning — Workshops: Study with the Masters
Take your musicianship to the next level during intimate workshops led by masters of the ʻukulele and slack key guitar.
Learn from Jeff Peterson, Sonny Lim, and Brittni Paiva and gain insight into technique, musicality, style, and the traditions behind these uniquely Hawaiian art forms.
WORKSHOPS: will be announced and registration available soon.
2:00 PM — Kanikapila
Bring your instrument and join the fun!
Kanikapila is all about making music together. During this special afternoon gathering, audience members will have the opportunity to join Jeff Peterson, Sonny Lim, Brittni Paiva, and Ledward Kaapana on stage.
Come ready to play, sing, listen, and celebrate the joy of Hawaiian music.
7:00 PM — Hana Hou Concert
One more unforgettable night of music!
Close out the festival with Jeff Peterson, Brittni Paiva, Sonny Lim, and special guest Taimane.
From traditional Hawaiian sounds to innovative ʻukulele and guitar artistry, the Hana Hou Concert is the perfect finale to an incredible weekend.
🎸 Experience the Entire Festival
2-Day Festival Pass
Make a weekend of it! Our 2-Day Pass gives you access to all three festival concerts and the opportunity to experience the full spirit of the festival.
Your 2-Day Pass Includes:
- Friday night Hoʻolauleʻa Concert
- Saturday afternoon Kanikapila
- Saturday evening Hana Hou Concert
- A weekend celebrating Hawaiian music, culture, and community
Workshop registration is separate. See individual workshop listings for details.
Festival Sponsors & Community Partners
Mahalo nui loa to the sponsors, community partners, artists, volunteers, and supporters who help make this celebration of Hawaiian music possible.
2026/27 Season Sponsors: Michael & Ruth Bernstone, Paul & Charlene Dahlquist, Carol & Clive Davies, Deviants from the Norm, Fred Dosher & Carol Greenwell, Eric Ewing & Bruce Redman, Marianne Falkner, Mike & Diane Foreman, Ceppie & Irwin Federman, Alan Gartenhaus & Rhoady Lee, Carol & Gary Henderson, Suzanne Hill, Stephen Hobbs & Lori Parrish, Derek & Renée Inaba, Christine Karger, Cathi Keene, Marsha & Tom Kerley, Mimi & Brian Kerley, Steve Kirkham & Jennie Dougherty, Joanna Lipari, Bob & Nancy Male, Kevin McCann & Lisa Shattuck, Ebby & Lex Pinson, John C. Ryan, Eric Savage, Eric Schwartz & Magda Wesslund, Neil & Jill Sheffield, W.A. Shimabukuro & M.S. Simpson, Michael Thompson, David & Joanne Turner
Sponsored in part with funding from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
