2008 FESTIVALS AND EVENTS ON O‘AHU

O‘AHU—Discover the island’s rich culture and diversity at one of the many festivals and events occurring throughout the year. O‘ahu’s festivals and events provide visitors and locals an opportunity to embrace the multi-cultural heritage, deep traditions and customs that are special to O‘ahu. Whether it is a cultural festival highlighting Hawai‘i’s diverse people and their origins, an energetic concert series, or a culinary event featuring the island’s top chefs, there is sure to be something for everyone.  Below is a listing of notable festivals and events (all are subject to change without notice):

Music & Entertainment

April 2-6, 2008

Blue Planet’s Music/Arts Festival & Concert

This inaugural event takes place at Honolulu’s stunning Waikīkī Shell at the foot of iconic Diamond Head. The outdoor stage will feature an impressive roster of performers, including rock, country, pop, and Hawaiian artists. The festival will be powered entirely by sustainable energy, setting the standard for combining mission with methodology as it leads the way in the new world of sustainability and clean, secure energy. The Blue Planet Foundation will also encompass exhibits on Native Hawaiian culture, energy-related technological innovations and ways in which attendees can adopt sustainability into their everyday lives.

www.blueplanetfestival.org

April 19-20, 2008

Kokua Festival

Local music sensation Jack Johnson hosts his annual Kokua Festival on Earth Day weekend at the Waikīkī Shell.  Last year’s festival featured an incredible music lineup including Jack Johnson, Eddie Vedder, young troubadour Matt Costa, and local island favorites. The popular event benefits the Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation and promotes eco-friendly living.  Food booths, products and services from green companies, alternative energy demonstrations, interactive games and crafts for kids, and information from environmentally active groups from around the islands are also featured.

www.kokuafestival.org or (310) 313-7200

May 2-11, 2008

Hawai‘i Romance Festival

Romance seekers from near and far are invited to enjoy the sounds of love as Broadway stars, chart-topping recording artists and talented Hawai‘i musicians join the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai‘i for live performances, romantic dinners, a movie screening, and other incredible events. The 10-day Hawai‘i Romance Festival highlights various forms of music inspired by romance, including rhythm & blues, pop, jazz, and Hawaiian, and will feature famous musicians Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Aaron Neville, and more.   

www.mcooh.com or (808) 533-4165

July 27, 2008

38^th Annual Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i

Local ‘ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and his sponsors are helping to keep the ‘ukulele alive with the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting audiences of thousands. The free two-hour concerts showcase the finest ‘ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawai‘i’s top entertainers, and an ‘ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students, mostly children. The festival benefits ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i, a charitable non-profit organization.

www.roysakuma.net/ukulelefestival/index.htm or (808) 732-3739

August 13-16

26^th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival

Slack key guitar originated in Hawai‘i in the 19^th century with Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys), and is continuing to gain popularity today, with slack key collection albums having won Grammy awards in the Best Hawaiian Music category for the last three years.  The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, founded in 1982, celebrates the cultural importance, perpetuates, and preserves the unique acoustic guitar art form, “Kī hō‘alu,” which means “loosen the key.”  The festival features performances by well-known slack key musicians and Grammy winners including Ledward Ka‘apana, Cyril Pahinui and Keoki Kahumoku.

www.slackkeyfestival.com or (808) 226-2697

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