2026 Festival Program - March 7, 2026
Click here to see the Festival's Event ScheduleFestival 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
- Alan Akaka
- Pomaika‘i Brown
- Ken Emerson
- Bobby Ingano
- Kapono Lopes
- Mālie Lyman
- Dwight Tokumoto
- Ke Kula Mele NextGEN 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
Festival guests will be offered hands-on opportunities to experience the steel guitar under the guidance of a steel guitar expert.
The 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.
Copyright ©2026 by Hawaii Institute for Music Enrichment and Learning Experiences, Inc., and Cyberventures Unlimited.Terms of Use