A celebration of all things ʻukulele returns later this month to Kukui Grove Center in Līhuʻe.
Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival is slated for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19.
ʻUkulele enthusiasts can look forward to the free event featuring live entertainment including:
- Well-known artists such as Aldrine and Aaron and Fingahs.
- Plus emerging artists from local schools and clubs such as Poʻipū/Kalāheo/Westside ʻUkulele ʻOhana, Na Kani Le’a, The B3 Band, Kapaʻa Middle School ʻUkulele Band and Kōloa Center Kūpuna ‘Ukulele Group.
This is also an opportunity to meet and engage with Kauaʻi’s local ʻukulele community.
There will even be ʻukulele luthiers onsite, including Hanalei Strings with Kala brand ʻukulele, selling their products along with various crafters selling ʻukulele-related and music-themed merchandise including jewelry, handcrafted wood items, post cards and logo merchandise.
Plus, there will be a silent auction with a variety of ʻukulele available.
Discover the cultural significance the ʻukulele plays as Hawaiʻi’s ambassador of aloha. Enjoy community information booths, ʻukulele merchants and ʻukulele-inspired merchandise.
A Hawaiian cultural activities zone will also be part of this year’s festivities, with a short Hawaiian language introduction with vocabulary list on colors, days and months.
Kapala: Stamping is another activity to be offered during this year’s festival, with hand-carved stamps by Na Maka Kahiko. All designs resemble a different meaning used when making kapa designs.
Also new this year — celebrating mele, culture and creativity through hands-on learning and connection — are several free workshops.
All workshops will be conducted April 18 at AG ʻUkulele Academy in Kukui Grove Center. Class space is limited, so sign up now.
Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival workshops
Beginners ʻUkulele with instructor Aldrine Gurerrero
Perfect for those just starting their ʻukulele journey, this workshop introduces the fundamentals:
- Proper tuning and holding technique.
- Basic chords and simple strumming patterns.
- Rhythm and timing basics.
- Playing your first Hawaiian song.
Participants will leave with the confidence to play along with others and a strong foundation to continue growing. No experience necessary — just bring your ʻukulele and willingness to learn.
Recording the ʻUkulele: From Home Demos to Studio Sessions with instructor Willsie Scott of Sugar Mill Sound
- When: Noon to 12:45 p.m.
- Learn how to capture the true sound of the ʻukulele in this practical workshop designed for players, songwriters and home recordists. Topics include what makes the ʻukulele unique to record, microphones vs. pickups, simple recording methods using phones, handheld recorders and more.
Baritone ʻUkulele with instructor Kimo Hussey
- When: 1 to 2:45 p.m.
- Perfect for beginner to intermediate players. Includes demonstrations, guided practice and opportunities to play along. Whether you are new to the baritone ʻukulele or looking to expand your musical repertoire, this session will help you unlock the instrument’s full potential.
Registration links can be found at the Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival website.
You can also visit the festival website or call Amy Hammond at 808-223-6040 for additional information or vendor applications.
Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram for even more information.
