Annual Ukulele Festival – Waikiki, Hawaii
The annual ukulele festival is the largest of its kind in the world. There are people from all over the world that come to play and to listen to the music. The free two hour concert that showcases the finest ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawaii’s top entertainers and a ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students will thrill your ears and warm your heart.
Since 1971 the organizer, Roy Sakuma and his sponsors, have been keeping the beautiful music of the ukulele alive and loved. They do this by keeping the Annual Ukulele Festival going for your enjoyment.
The braguinha (ukulele) has many stories about how it came to Hawaii and all of them are related to the "jumping flea" which is what the ukulele was said to be like when it was being played. There are other stories too, but none as clever as those about the "jumping flea."
It is said that the ukulele arrived on the islands in 1879 and soon became the instrument of choice for the residents of the island. It was small, easily portable and the stringed instrument was one that the islanders truly enjoyed. It was also easy to learn to play which made it possible for many to not only enjoy the music but be able to join in and play along.
Did you know that there are ukuleles that range in four sizes and that they are the soprano, concert, tenor and baritone? How cool is that?
The Ukulele Festival is held at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in mid July. There is no admission other than you should come and enjoy yourself!
Hours: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm.
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