Music lovers heading to Oahu this year, may want to take note of several exciting festivals celebrating local music with a twist.
Here are the best music festivals taking place in Oahu this year for Hawaii-bound concert-goers.
Mele Mei
The annual Mele Mei celebration centers around Hawaii’s music, hula and culture. Music and hula events are held from April through June at various hotels, venues, on the beach and statewide. From ukulele to steel guitar, traditional Hawaiian music to slack key, island reggae to rock and everything in between, Mele Mei has something for everyone.
Visit www.melemei.com
Hawaii Book & Music Festival
From May 6-7, clients can experience the finest of Hawaii’s contemporary culture at the Hawaii Book & Music Festival. Held on the Frank F. Fasi Grounds at Honolulu Hale, the free event celebrates and honors books, storytelling and music in a way that is fun, accessible and memorable for people of all ages.
Visit www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.com
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
From May to October is the popular Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival. The Slack key guitar originated in Hawaii in the 19th century with Hawaiian “paniolo” (cowboys), and continues to gain popularity. The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, founded in 1982, celebrates its cultural importance and perpetuates and preserves the unique acoustic guitar art form of “ki hoalu,” which means “loosen the key.” There are now six Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar festivals that take place throughout the island of Oahu featuring performances by well-known slack key musicians. Visit the website for the full schedule of events.
Visit www.slackkeyfestival.com
47th Annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii
On July 16, local ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and his sponsors help to keep the instrument alive with one of largest festivals of its kind in the world, attracting thousands each year. A free five-hour concert showcases the finest ukulele players from around the world, along with national celebrities, Hawaii’s top entertainers, and an ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students. The festival benefits Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a nonprofit organization.
Visit www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org and www.gohawaii.com. And keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Hawaii travel news.