2024 Entertainment line up at the Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Festival
KALEI AND CORY
KALEI AND CORY
Kalei and Cory, world-class musicians showcasing individual artistry and incredible synergy as a duo.
Kalei Gamiao and Cory Fujimoto are a duo that will inspire and delight!
Jonah Davis
KALEI AND CORY
Jonah Davis, well known recording artist, musician, producer, ‘ukulele & guitar instructor, artist, mentor, and world music educator.
Aldrine and Aaron
Aldrine & Aaron, world famous 'ukulele performers and instructors based on Kaua'i. Ukulele Underground Founding Members Aldrine and Aaron are a force to be reconed with. This Duo is amazing.
KUʻUIPO KUMUKAHI
Hawaiian singer-songwriter, Hawaiian culture preservationist and cultural practioner Kuʻuipo Kumukahi. Photo by Tina Mahina.
Kris Fuchigami
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, 13 year old Kris Fuchigami began his musical journey with an old beat up ʻukulele in his hands and a strong desire to master that tiny little instrument.
2 years later Kris won the grand prize at the Hamakua Music Scholarship Competition on the Big Island where he competed against classical pianists, singers, drummers, and many other genres of musicians. Kris went on to headline, and perform at many ʻukulele festivals and has gained recognition throughout the world.
In 2016 he was nominated for the prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award in Hawaiʻi for the Instrumental Composition of the Year category with his original composition of Moemoea, which he was inspired to write during a performing tour in Tahiti.
In 2018, he was again nominated for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for the ʻUkulele Album of the Year Category with his album entitled "More Than This."
Kris was awarded the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for "Instrumental Composition of the Year" in 2019, 2021, and 2023!
Mika Kane
"Mika Kane is a professional 'ukulele artist/teacher from O'ahu, Hawai’i. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Music with an 'Ukulele focus and a Masters Degree in Educational Foundations from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. As an educator following in the footsteps of his mentor Dr. Byron Yasui, Mika teaches online 'ukulele as a lecturer at The University of Hawai'i West O'ahu and Windward Community College. He also teaches private online lessons full-time with students from all over the world. In his free time, he does professional sound samples, podcasts, and other side work for TheUkuleleSite and UkuleleFriend. Mika also plays professionally as a duo with Kala'e Camarillo through various events, weddings, and gigs in Hawai'i." Website: www.mikakane.com
Kaealani's Hula ʻOhana
Kumu Kaealani is originally from Kaua'i and has been dancing hula and tahitian since the young age of 3 years old. She is driven by her cultural upbringing from her father, master fisherman, hunter, polynesian dancer, musician, and retired DOE educator, Jonathan Ilikai Olores, of Kekaha, Kaua'i. Her late Uncle, Kumu Hula Dana Kauai'iki Olores, of Kekaha, Kaua'i. Her late Grandmother, master hawaiian crafter and retired County of Kaua'i Director, Evelyn Kanae Olores of Kekaha, Kaua'i. And her late Kumu, Kele Kanahele of Ni'ihau.
Evelyn's vision is to teach our children and adults the importance of learning the culture behind the dance. The meaning of the songs and the movements; are so important to help the dancer connect with what they are learning.
She also feels it is important for the dancer to learn how to make their own costumes and implements. Dancers will come back with a great appreciation for the tools needed to dance hula, tahitian, and more.
Kapena school of music
Inspiring the growth and the leadership of the youth in Hawai’i, and ensuring the well-being of our community through creative expression. They are a 501(c)3 music school based in Kane'ohe, Hawaii. "Our hope is that this music school inspires a passion and purpose that will help to bring mental and emotional wellness to our community. We believe that this wellness is the foundation that grows, inspires and keeps our community healthy. We hope to create a safe space that becomes your extended ‘ohana, a place where our students belong, and with teachers who are always ready to welcome them in."
chuck james school of music
Nurturing a Love for Music in Hawai'i for Over 30 Years. Chuck James Music School has been a beacon of musical education in Hawai'i for over three decades, enriching the lives of countless students with the joy and artistry of music. With four campuses strategically located across Oahu, the school caters to over 700 aspiring musicians of all ages, guided by a team of 50 dedicated and passionate music instructors.
At Chuck James Music School, the emphasis is on providing personalized and engaging private music lessons, allowing each student to explore their unique musical interests and talents.
ʻUkulele puapua
ʻUkulele puapua
Established in 1999, Ukulele Puapua began as an internet shop with a small retail store in Waikiki. We then moved to the Pacific Beach Hotel and are now currently located in the Sheraton Waikiki. Since then, the business has expanded both as an internet store and a retail store to include virtual and in-person lessons as well as local and virtual performances. Our customers are as diverse as our ukulele selections, ranging from people who are about to try the ukulele for the first time to world-renowned professional ukulele players.
Our ukulele inventory is well stocked with excellent instruments all year round. We are confident that you can find the ukulele you've been looking for by shopping with us. As one of the very first web shops specializing in the ukulele, we've been satisfying enthusiasts all over the world since our inception, carrying premier Hawaiian brands such as Kamaka, KoAloha, and Kanile'a as well as other popular brands including Kala, Leolani, Ohana, and Fender. We also carry unique custom models that work perfectly for professionals and people looking for something uniquely crafted.
We host free half-hour group lessons at the Sheraton Waikiki for people interested in learning how to play. These lessons are everyday at 4pm.
ʻUkulele puapua
ʻUkulele puapua
ʻUkulele puapua
Jessica and Julie, are a harmonious duo in the Waikiki music scene.
Proud KoAloha and Mailelei artists, Jessica and Julie both embarked on their ukulele journey just 2-3 years ago. Their paths crossed 2 years ago, and since that magical moment, they have been creating and sharing music that resonates with the spirit of Aloha.
Jessica, a self-taught ukulele musician with a sweet beautiful voice. She is an all-around artist, and finds her inspiration in various art forms. When she's not performing or creating, she can be found enjoying quality time with her family or strumming her ukulele while basking at the beach.
Julie, a surfer/singer with a voice that mesmerizes. Her melodious voice and love for her ukulele create a captivating blend that is impossible to ignore.
Together, they create a energy that lights up the stage.
Influenced by the likes of local Hawaiian music, IZ, Jack Johnson, the duo masterfully blends elements of folk, pop, and soul. Their performances are characterized by their love for singing and their commitment to spreading joy and happiness.
Their performances are a celebration of life, full of happy-go-lucky sounds designed to transport you to a world of musical bliss.