Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival

The 34th Annual Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival (HHMF) celebrates the rich traditions of Hawaiian music and hula while honoring Ben Kaili, a renowned musician and longtime producer who has helped guide the festival for more than 25 years. Held in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, this beloved community event welcomes both residents and visitors to experience the heart of Hawaiʻi’s cultural expression.

HHMF offers an authentic and family-friendly atmosphere, featuring live Hawaiian music, hula performances, and cultural exchange that reflects the deep connections between Hawaiʻi and Japan. Longtime participating hālau from Hawaiʻi and Japan take the stage, showcasing the beauty and discipline of hula and strengthening international cultural ties.

Affordable and open to the public, the festival invites attendees of all ages to enjoy a welcoming environment grounded in aloha. Guests can experience the artistry of local musicians, kumu hula, and dancers while connecting with the stories, values, and traditions that make Hawaiʻi unique.

The festival is supported through sponsorships, donations, in-kind contributions, and the sale of commemorative merchandise featuring artwork inspired by renowned artist Dietrich Varez. Community involvement is at the heart of HHMF, with dedicated volunteers from Hawaiʻi and beyond contributing their time and energy to ensure the event’s success.

More than a performance, the Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival is a celebration of legacy, community, and the enduring spirit of Hawaiian culture—an experience that invites all who attend to share in the music, the movement, and the aloha that define Hawaiʻi.