Hawaii is not only a beautiful vacation spot, but it is also home to many exciting music festivals and concerts. With a rich cultural heritage, Hawaii is known for its diverse musical genres, such as Hawaiian reggae, slack-key guitar, and hula.
If you are planning to visit Hawaii, you must check out some of the top music festivals and concerts in the area. Here is a list of the most popular:
Merrie Monarch Festival
One of the most famous music festivals in Hawaii is the Merrie Monarch Festival. It is an annual event that takes place in Hilo, Hawaii, celebrating the art of hula and Hawaiian culture. The festival includes several competitions, which showcase dancers and their skills in traditional hula, contemporary hula, and kahiko. The Merrie Monarch Festival is held during the week after Easter, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Ukulele Festival Hawaii
The ukulele is a beloved instrument that originated in Hawaii over a century ago. The Ukulele Festival Hawaii celebrates the music and culture of the ukulele with several concerts and workshops. The event takes place in July at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki, and it features performances from ukulele players of all ages and skill levels.
Koloa Plantation Days Music Festival
The Koloa Plantation Days Music Festival takes place in July and celebrates the history and culture of Koloa, Hawaii. The festival features several different genres of music, including Hawaiian, reggae, jazz, and rock. In addition to music, the event offers food, crafts, and games, making it a fun experience for the entire family.
Na Hoku Hanohano Music Festival
The Na Hoku Hanohano Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates the best in Hawaiian music. The festival takes place in May at the Hawaii Convention Center and features several concerts, workshops, and award ceremonies. This festival is also a great platform for up-and-coming artists in the Hawaiian music industry to showcase their talent.
Island Music Awards
The Island Music Awards is an annual event that honors some of the best artists in Hawaii’s music scene. The award show takes place in June and features several categories, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Artist of the Year. The event also includes live performances from some of the top musicians in the Hawaiian music industry.
Hawaii International Jazz Festival
The Hawaii International Jazz Festival is a biennial event that takes place in Honolulu, celebrating the art of jazz music. The festival features several concerts and performances by renowned jazz musicians from all over the world. In addition to music, the event offers workshops, seminars, and meet-and-greets with the artists, making it an immersive experience for jazz lovers.
Slack Key Guitar Festival
Slack key guitar is a unique style of playing the guitar that originated in Hawaii. The Slack Key Guitar Festival celebrates this style of music with several concerts and workshops. The event takes place in August at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Conclusion
If you are a music lover or a traveler who is looking for something new and exciting to experience, Hawaii’s music festivals and concerts are definitely worth checking out. With a wide variety of genres and events, there is something for everyone in Hawaii’s vibrant music scene. Whether you are a fan of hula, jazz, reggae, or slack key guitar, there is a festival or concert for you to enjoy in Hawaii.