WAIKOLOA, HI — The art and beauty of playing the ukulele is a time-honored tradition that continues to live on by passing from generation to generation. It’s in the spirit of honoring this cultural icon of Hawai‘i that the Kings’
WAIKOLOA, HI — The art and beauty of playing the ukulele is a time-honored tradition that continues to live on by passing from generation to generation.
It’s in the spirit of honoring this cultural icon of Hawai‘i that the Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort host the “Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival” on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Headlining the event is Ohta-San with Nando Suan, Manoa DNA and Holunape.
‘Ukulele masters will showcase their fine-tuned skills, including John Keawe, Uncle Willy Perreira, Happy Hapa Haole Hula Band & Chorus and Na Kupuna Kona Ali‘i led by Aunty Lani Lee.
In addition, Hookani Pila, an ‘ukulele group comprising 25 Hilo students, will perform for the first time.
The legendary Danny Kaleikini will serve as master of ceremonies.
“We’re thrilled to have such a stellar group of musicians sharing their amazing talent and perpetuating this beautiful art. The Kings’ Shops will be filled with the music that all of us love about Hawai‘i, featuring some of the state’s best ‘ukulele performers,” said Debbie Parmley, general manager of Kings’ Shops, in a press release.
A free ‘ukulele workshop taught by Roy Sakuma, ukulele master and owner of Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios, will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The event will also feature lei and ipu making and a demonstration by ‘ukulele maker Bob Gleason. Festival attendees can sign up for a free prize drawing to win a brand new ‘ukulele donated by Kamaka ‘Ukulele Hawai‘i, Ko Aloha ‘Ukulele, GString ‘Ukulele Company, Pono ‘Ukulele and Kala Brand.
