LIHU‘E — Anything ‘ukulele, including the unique sound produced by four strings over a sound box, will fill the time between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 14 at Kukui Grove Center at the free Kaua‘i ‘Ukulele Fest.
Presented by Ko‘a Kea Resort on Po‘ipu Beach and The Kanikapila Project, the Kaua‘i ‘Ukulele Fest is supported by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Kukui Grove Center, AG ‘Ukulele Academy and Special Events Hawai‘i in presenting some of the professional performers like ‘Ukulele Masters Aldrine Guerrero, Kimo Hussey, Kyle Furusho and Kalei Gamiao.
These ‘ukulele masters will be joined by other groups, such as the Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band that just recently returned from a trip to California with a pair of prestigious gold music awards.
The group’s award-winning capabilities will be tested during the weekend with performances on April 13 at the Family Fun Fair at Kukui Grove Center, the monthly Downtown Lihu‘e Night Market before settling down at the Kaua‘i ‘Ukulele Festival.
The Kaua‘i ‘Ukulele Fest is the sister act to the Hawai‘i ‘Ukulele Festival that first breathed life on July 23, 2023, after well-known ‘ukulele player Roy Sakuma announced that his ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i — how many of you remember when that event came through Kaua‘i? — would be ending its 52-year legacy event.
The Kala Foundation, and Amy Hammond of Special Events Hawai‘i and a student of Sakuma, recognized the need and value of hosting a free-to-the-public, in-person event.
Together, they envision a new inclusive festival, unlike any others before, welcoming all manufacturers, schools, entertainers from well-known to emerging, keiki to kupuna, all infused with education, history and Hawaiian culture.
