Kahilu Theatre celebrates Hawaiian heritage with 23rd annual ʻUkulele & Slack Key Festival

Kahilu Theatre will celebrate its 23rd Annual ‘Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Festival, honoring Waimea’s deep kī hō‘alu (slack key) and paniolo roots with a weekend of concerts, workshops and community events featuring some of Hawai‘i’s most acclaimed musicians.

This year’s festival lineup includes Ledward Kaapana, Keola Beamer, Moanalani Beamer, Sonny Lim, Nathan Aweau, Jeff Peterson, Brittni Paiva and Kainani Kahaunaele — a gathering of celebrated artists known for carrying on and innovating Hawai‘i’s musical traditions.

The two-day event on Nov. 14–15 will feature three full-length concerts, educational workshops and Kahilu’s annual Education Outreach Program, which brings festival musicians into Hawai‘i Island schools to perform for students and inspire the next generation of artists.

Festivities begin Nov. 14 with school performances across the island, followed by the Ho‘olaulea concert at 7 p.m., headlined by slack key guitar innovator Keola Beamer, joined by Peterson, Lim, Paiva, Kahaunaele and hula dancer Moanalani Beamer.

“We wanted this year’s festival to feel like a true community celebration — not just concerts, but a gathering place,” said Kahilu Managing Director Misha Johnson.

Workshops continue Saturday morning, led by Peterson, Paiva, Aweau and Kahaunaele. Later that afternoon, the 2 p.m. Kanikapila concert invites audience members to enjoy a relaxed jam session as artists trade songs and stories. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own guitars or ‘ukuleles to join the musicians on stage.

The festival concludes Saturday evening at 7 p.m. with Hana Hou, a closing concert featuring slack key master Ledward Kaapana alongside Lim, Paiva, Aweau and Peterson. Kaapana, whose career spans more than five decades, is widely regarded as one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved and charismatic performers.

“By expanding to two nights and adding a vendor market and food trucks, we’re creating a full festival experience that honors our local musicians, makers, and the spirit of aloha that connects us all,” Johnson said.

For the first time, the festival will also feature a Makeke Vendor Market at Kahilu Town Hall, across from the theatre, on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market will include local crafts, food trucks, music, comedians and family-friendly entertainment.

Ticket Information:
• Friday, 7 p.m. “Ho‘olaulea” – $70 / $40 / $30
• Saturday, 2 p.m. “Kanikapila” – $35 (with instrument) / $25 (without)
• Saturday, 7 p.m. “Hana Hou” – $70 / $40 / $30

Workshop registration is $25 and includes a complimentary ticket to the Kanikapila concert.

To purchase tickets, call 808-885-6868 or click here. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office.