Next Generation at Mele Pakolu
December 18, 2018 • Addison Ching • Festivals and Conventions
Ke Kula Mele School of Hawaiian Music steel guitarists and musicians were featured in Mele Pakolu, an ongoing musical program presented by the Royal Hawaiian Center. The December 4, 6-7 P.M., performance featured eight youth musicians ranging in age from 9 to 14 led by Kumu Alan Akaka.
Next Generation Musicians at Mele Pakolu. PC-Alan Akaka
The group comprised Akaka on guitar, four steel guitarists, U-bass and upright bass players, and two 'ukulele players. Although only four steel guitarists were featured in the program, all eight musicians are steel guitarists. The steel guitarists switched off to 'ukulele when they weren't featured.
Mele Pakolu is a monthly Hawaiian music event incorporated into the Royal Hawaiian Center's Mele 'Ai Pohaku (songs of the people) initiative. Mele Pakolu features live music and hula and is presented during the first week of each month.
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2026 Festivals and Workshops
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘iFebruary 28, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM HST (Rescheduled)
Ka Makana Ali‘i Shopping Center, Kapolei
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2026 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘i
February 28, 2026 – 11:00 PM - 3:00 PM HST (Rescheduled)
Hilo Steel Guitar Festival
March 7, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 3:15 PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival - Keiki Kine at Ka Makana Ali‘i
April 4, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall
June 13, 2026 – 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM HST *
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival (J-FESTA)
July 10, 2026 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival - Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall
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Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna Lani
November 20, 2026 - Ho‘olaule‘a concert – 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM HST
November 21, 2026 - Open Stage Performances – 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM HST
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2026 Events
Steel Guitar FridaysEvery Friday – 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1, 2026 – 10:00 AM - Noon
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AISGC Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival #
July 23-25, 2026
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* Tentative
# Registration Fee Required
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