Hawaii Music Festivals & Concerts 2026: The Complete Guide

Hawaii's music scene runs deeper than ukulele covers of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." From world-class jazz at Blue Note Hawaii to the cultural powerhouse of Merrie Monarch, from intimate slack-key guitar concerts in Kona to arena-sized touring acts in Honolulu, the islands have a year-round live music calendar that rivals cities ten times their size.

Here's what's happening in 2026.

The Big Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival — Hilo, Big Island

When: Week after Easter (typically April) | Where: Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium, Hilo

Merrie Monarch isn't just a hula competition — it's the Super Bowl of Hawaiian culture. For one week, Hilo transforms as hula halau from across Hawaii and the world compete in solo and group categories. The three nights of competition (Miss Aloha Hula, Hula Kahiko, Hula 'Auana) are broadcast live statewide and streamed online.

Getting tickets is notoriously difficult. They're distributed by mail-in lottery months in advance, and the stadium holds under 5,000 people. But the week-long festivities surrounding the competition — craft fairs, free performances, parades, and community events — are open to everyone and absolutely worth the trip to Hilo.

Tip: Even without competition tickets, the Merrie Monarch week experience in Hilo is incredible. Book lodging early — Hilo fills up completely. Check for Merrie Monarch related events →

Ukulele Festival Hawaii — Waikiki, Oahu

When: July (typically third Sunday) | Where: Kapiolani Park Bandstand

This free annual festival has been celebrating the ukulele since 1971. Hundreds of performers — from kids' ensembles to masters like Jake Shimabukuro — take the bandstand stage in Kapiolani Park. It's family-friendly, free, and a uniquely Hawaiian afternoon.

Bring a blanket, some snacks, and get there early for a good spot on the lawn. The festival usually runs from late morning through early evening.

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival — Multiple Islands

When: Various dates throughout 2026 | Where: Rotating venues

Ki ho'alu (slack-key guitar) is one of Hawaii's most distinctive musical traditions. These free festivals happen on different islands throughout the year and feature masters of the art form in relaxed, outdoor settings. The music is contemplative, beautiful, and deeply Hawaiian.

Check our calendar for upcoming slack-key events — they often pop up at community centers, botanical gardens, and beachfront parks across the islands.

Browse music events across Hawaii →

Maui Songwriters Festival

When: Typically November/December | Where: Various Maui venues

Nashville meets Maui. This multi-day festival pairs Hawaii-based musicians with mainland songwriters for intimate performances at venues across the island — from beachfront restaurants to the MACC (Maui Arts & Cultural Center). The "songs and stories" format means you hear the backstory behind the hits, which makes for memorable shows.

Live Music Venues Worth Knowing

Blue Note Hawaii — Waikiki, Oahu

Where: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Blue Note Hawaii is the Honolulu outpost of the legendary New York jazz club. The intimate 300-seat venue books a mix of jazz, R&B, soul, Hawaiian, and pop acts — think names like Herb Alpert, Tower of Power, Common Kings, and Amy Hanaiali'i.

Shows run most nights with two seatings (6:30 PM and 9:00 PM). The room is small enough that every seat feels close, and the sound system is excellent. Dinner and cocktails are available but not required.

Tip: Friday and Saturday shows sell out fast for bigger names. Check their schedule a month out and book early. Find Blue Note Hawaii shows →

Hawaii Theatre Center — Downtown Honolulu

The beautifully restored 1922 Hawaii Theatre hosts everything from the Honolulu Symphony to touring Broadway shows to local artist showcases. The acoustics are outstanding, and the art deco interior is worth seeing on its own.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) — Kahului

The MACC is Maui's premier performing arts venue, hosting national touring acts, Hawaiian music legends, film festivals, and community events. The outdoor amphitheater is spectacular for evening shows.

Palace Theater — Hilo, Big Island

A charming 1925 theater in downtown Hilo that hosts live music, film, and performing arts. It's intimate and affordable, with a strong focus on local and Hawaiian artists.

The Local Music Scene

Hawaii's homegrown music scene is thriving and worth seeking out. Here are the genres and artists shaping the sound of the islands:

Jawaiian / Island Reggae

The dominant popular music style in Hawaii blends reggae rhythms with Hawaiian lyrics and themes. Acts like Common Kings, J Boog, Kolohe Kai, and The Green regularly sell out venues across the islands. Beach bars and restaurants often host live reggae and Jawaiian acts on weekends.

Traditional Hawaiian

Slack-key guitar, steel guitar, falsetto singing, and ukulele — the roots of Hawaiian music. Artists like Keola Beamer, Led Kaapana, and Raiatea Helm keep these traditions alive at concerts, festivals, and intimate venue shows.

Contemporary Hawaiian

Artists like Kalani Pe'a (two-time Grammy winner), Amy Hanaiali'i, and Josh Tatofi blend Hawaiian language and themes with modern pop, R&B, and jazz production. Their shows are highlights of the local calendar.

Major Concert Venues

When big touring acts come through Hawaii, they typically play:

• Blaisdell Arena / Concert Hall (Honolulu) — The main arena for major tours, 7,000+ capacity
• Waikiki Shell (Honolulu) — Beautiful outdoor amphitheater in Kapiolani Park
• Stan Sheriff Center (UH Manoa) — University venue that hosts concerts and events
• MACC Castle Theater (Kahului, Maui) — 1,200-seat theater, great for mid-size tours

Touring acts do come to Hawaii, but less frequently than mainland cities. When a big name announces Honolulu dates, tickets move fast.

Monthly Music Highlights

Month	What's Happening
January–February	Hawaii music awards season, local showcases
March–April	Merrie Monarch week, spring concert season begins
May	Lei Day concerts (May 1), Memorial Day weekend festivals
June–July	Ukulele Festival, summer concert series
August–September	Slack-key festivals, Made in Hawaii Festival
October	Halloween concerts and events
November–December	Maui Songwriters Festival, holiday concerts, NYE shows

How to Find Live Music During Your Trip

The easiest way to find what's happening while you're in Hawaii:

• Check AlohaCalendar — we aggregate music events from venues, promoters, and ticketing platforms across the islands
• Look for "Aloha Friday" shows — many hotels and restaurants do free live music on Friday afternoons
• Ask locals — hotel staff, bartenders, and Uber drivers always know what's happening
• Check venue websites — Blue Note, MACC, Hawaii Theatre, and Blaisdell post schedules months ahead

Tips for Concert-Goers

• Outdoor shows can get cool after sunset. Bring a light layer, especially at higher-elevation venues.
• Traffic to/from Blaisdell and Waikiki Shell can be brutal. Leave early or plan to eat nearby before the show.
• Support local artists. Some of the best musical experiences in Hawaii happen at small venues with local performers you've never heard of. Take a chance.
• Buy merch from Hawaiian artists. The music industry here is small, and direct support matters.

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Find all upcoming music events on AlohaCalendar.com. Updated regularly as new shows are announced.