Hawaii Music Festivals & Concerts 2026: The Complete Guide
Hawaii's Live Music Scene in 2026
Hawaii punches well above its weight in live music. The state's geographic isolation has created a rich ecosystem of local talent — from slack-key guitar masters to reggae bands carrying the torch of the Jawaiian sound pioneered by the likes of Bruddah Iz — while the Pacific's position as a crossroads means touring acts from Japan, Australia, the US mainland, and the Pacific Islands regularly make Hawaii a stop. Here's what to expect in 2026.
Hawaii International Jazz Festival — July, Honolulu
The Hawaii International Jazz Festival at the Hawaii Theatre in downtown Honolulu is one of the finest concert series in the state. The historic Hawaii Theatre, built in 1922, provides an extraordinary acoustic and visual backdrop for jazz performances ranging from traditional big band to contemporary fusion. The festival typically runs across a long weekend in late July, with ticketed evening performances and some free daytime programming. Check the Hawaii Theatre website for lineup announcements, which usually drop in late spring.
Brothers Cazimero May Day Concert — Blaisdell, Honolulu
The Brothers Cazimero Lei Day Concert on May 1st at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall is a Hawaii institution, running for over four decades. Robert and Roland Cazimero, two of Hawaii's most celebrated musicians, have anchored this annual celebration of Hawaiian music and culture. The concert sells out every year. Tickets go on sale months in advance through Ticketmaster and the Blaisdell box office — do not wait.
Steel Guitar Association of Hawaii — Year-Round, Oahu
For purists, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association hosts regular performances and workshops featuring traditional Hawaiian steel guitar, one of the islands' most distinctive contributions to American music. Jerome Murphy and other masters give performances at venues in Honolulu and Kailua. These events are typically low-key and affordable, drawing serious music fans and musicians rather than tourist crowds.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center — Year-Round
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) in Kahului is the premier performing arts venue on Maui and one of the finest in the state. The Castle Theater (1,200-seat main hall) and the outdoor A&B Amphitheater host a full season of concerts — visiting pop and rock acts, Hawaiian music legends, jazz, world music, and local performers. Past performers have included Jack Johnson (who grew up on Oahu's North Shore), Willie K (the late Maui music legend), and touring artists from across the Pacific. Check mauiarts.org for the current calendar.
Jack Johnson's Kokua Festival — Neal Blaisdell, Honolulu (April)
Jack Johnson's Kokua Festival is an annual benefit concert for the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, which supports environmental education in Hawaii's schools. Held at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in April, the festival features Jack Johnson himself along with a rotating cast of his musician friends — past lineups have included Ben Harper, Ziggy Marley, Eddie Vedder, and many others. The festival is one of the hottest tickets in Hawaii; fans line up online when they go on sale. Proceeds fund farm-to-school programs across the state.
Slack-Key Guitar Festival — Various Islands, Summer
The George Kahumoku Jr. Slack Key Guitar Festival series showcases ki ho'alu (slack-key guitar), the fingerpicking style developed by Hawaiian paniolo in the 19th century. Festivals are held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and at venues on Oahu during summer months. George Kahumoku Jr. himself performs alongside other Grammy-winning artists like Ledward Kaapana and Bobby Moderow Jr. Tickets are typically $30–$60 and available through the MACC box office.
North Shore Live Music Scene
Haleiwa on Oahu's North Shore has a year-round live music scene that rewards exploration. The Haleiwa Farmers Market features live Hawaiian music most Sundays. Laniakea Surf Center and several Haleiwa bars book local acts on weekends. During surf competition holding periods (November–December), the North Shore's energy spikes and impromptu performances happen at beach parks.
Where to Find Shows Every Week
- House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel — nightly sunset Hawaiian music and hula on Waikiki Beach, free with a drink purchase
- Dukes Waikiki — live music most evenings, ranging from Jawaiian to contemporary pop
- Blue Note Hawaii (Royal Hawaiian Center) — jazz and R&B nightly, ticketed seating
- Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall — Honolulu's 2,200-seat main concert venue for touring acts
Hawaii Music Festivals & Concerts 2026: The Complete Guide
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