Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival

When:  Sunday, April 19, 2026, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Where:  FREE at Kukui Grove Center, Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi

The Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival, a celebration of all things ʻukulele, takes place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Kukui Grove Center, Līhue, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi from 11 am – 4 pm.  ʻUkulele enthusiasts can look forward to this free event with live stage entertainment on the stage including well-known artists like Aldrine and Aaron, Fingahs plus emerging artists from local schools and clubs including Poipu/Kalaheo/Westside ʻUkulele ʻOhana, Na Kani Le’a, “The B3 Band”, Kapaʻa Middle School ʻUkulele Band, and Koloa Center Kūpuna ‘Ukulele Group.  This is an opportunity to meet and engage Kauaʻi’s local ʻukulele community.  There will also be ʻukulele luthiers will be onsite selling their products including Hanalei Strings with Kala Brand ʻUkuleleʻs plus various crafters selling ʻukulele related and music themed merchandise including jewelry, handcrafted wood items, post cards and logo merchandise. Plus, there will be a silent auction with a variety of ʻukulele’s available.

Discover the cultural significance the ʻukulele plays as Hawaiʻi’s ambassador of Aloha.  Enjoy community information booths, ʻukulele merchants and ʻukulele inspired merchandise.  Plus a Hawaiian cultural activities zone with a short Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Hawaiian Language introduction with vocabulary list on colors, days and months. Kapala: Stamping activity with hand carved stamps by Na Maka Kahiko. All designs resemble a different meaning which were used when making kapa designs.

Also, new this year celebrating mele, culture, and creativity through hands-on learning and connection are free workshops.  Our class space is limited, note the events are free to the community and will be held at the AG ‘Ukulele Academy at Kukui Grove Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026.  Please find our schedule below.

Beginners ʻUkulele Workshop Instructor ALDRINE GURERRERO

Perfect for those just starting their ʻukulele journey, this workshop introduces the fundamentals:

• Proper tuning and holding technique
  • Basic chords and simple strumming patterns
  • Rhythm and timing basics
  • Playing your first Hawaiian song

Participants will leave with the confidence to play along with others and a strong foundation to continue growing. No experience necessary — just bring your ʻukulele and a willingness to learn!

Recording the Ukulele: From Home Demos to Studio Sessions Instructor Willsie ScotT, Sugar Mill Sound – Noon – 12:45 pm

Learn how to capture the true sound of the ukulele in this practical 45-minute workshop designed for players, songwriters, and home recordists. Topics include what makes the ukulele unique to record, microphones versus pickups, simple recording methods using phones, handheld recorders, and DAWs, and how to prepare your instrument for better results. The session also covers reference tracks, tempo mapping, charting, collaboration, and recording ukulele parts for both your own songs and professional projects.

Baritone ʻUkulele Workshop instructor Kimo Hussey- 1 pm – 2:45 pm

Baritone ʻUkulele Workshop – Perfect for beginner to intermediate players, the workshop will include demonstrations, guided practice, and opportunities to play along. Whether you are new to the baritone ʻukulele or looking to expand your musical repertoire, this session will help you unlock the instrument’s full potential.

Registration links can be found on our website at KauaiUkuleleFestival.com

Support provided by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Community Enrichment Program, The County of Kauaʻi, The Kanikapila Project, Kukui Grove Center, AG ʻUkulele Academy, Kala Brand, Kala Foundation and Special Events Hawaiʻi.