Music of Hawaii
From Traditional to Contemporary
The roots of Hawaiian music go back a thousand years and you can still hear echoes in today’s rhythms, percussion instruments, chants, and vocal styles. Traditional music is generally simple in its structure and both reverent and haunting in the way that it’s presented. But today it’s also possible to hear variations of Hawaiian music that are diverse as the islands’ mix of cultures – everything from rock ‘n roll and rap to jazz and a Hawaiian form of reggae known as Jawaiian.
Music Festivals
Every year, Hawaiian music is celebrated in music festivals that celebrate the uniqueness of Hawaii instruments, musicians, and songs.
The Ukulele Festival at Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki honors what many visitors believe to be a hand-me-down from ancient Hawaii, but in reality, the ukulele was brought here by Portuguese immigrants at the end of the 19th century. Today, the uke is still a fundamental part of the musical landscape, not simply on stage but also at family picnics or on the beach.
The Big Island’s Kona Slack Key Festival pays tribute to a uniquely local way of playing the guitar – another Hawaiian music staple. Slack key is a “slacked” or loosened tuning or technique that reflects the breezy, flowing quality of both local climate and culture.
To get you started, you’ll find a sampling of Hawaii music festivals, contests, live venues, and more below.
Events:
4th Annual Red Clay Jazz Festival
19th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival- Kauai Style
Kauai Music Festival
May Day by the Bay
Na Lei Hiwahiwa Eha
Live Venue:
The Kauai Concert Association
Event:
Hana Cultural Center Hoolaulea
Events:
41st Annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii
84th Annual Lei Day Celebration
Live Venue:
Hawaii Opera Theatre
Events:
3rd Annual Henry Kaleialoha Allen Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
20th Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
Maui Invitational Music Festival
Maui Ukulele Festival
Events:
Big Island Hawaiiana Music Festival
Hawaiiana Live
Kamehameha Festival
