Hilo Steel Guitar Festival

2026 Festival Program - March 7, 2026

Click here to see the Festival's Event Schedule

Festival events and locations are subject to change. Any changes will be posted here as they become available.

The first annual Hilo Steel Guitar Festival will feature steel guitar masters Alan Akaka, Pomaika‘i Brown, Ken Emerson, Bobby Ingano, Kapono Lopes, Mālie Lyman, and Dwight Tokumoto wiwth special guest appearances by Mark Yamanaka and Joseph Ahuna, Jr. NextGEN steel guitarists Charlie Ahuna, H‘ipoi Lindsey and Isaac Woodwardi will also perform.

The program will be livestreamed on the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Featured Steel Guitarists

NextGEN Steel Guitarists

These "NextGen" Steel Guitar students of Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i School of Hawaiian Music will perform for festival attendees' enjoyment.

Steel Guitar Hands-On Opportunities

Hands-On Opportunities

Festival guests will be offered hands-on opportunities to experience the steel guitar under the guidance of a steel guitar expert.

The Festival Poster

2026 Hilo Steel Guitar Festival Poster

The Hilo Steel Guitar Festival poster was designed by Addison Ching and features pictures of the master performers superimposed on a Gretsch G5700 lap steel guitar. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

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