Don Rostow
May 18, 2025 • Nate Goore • News
Don Rostow has spent his life in service-first to children and families as a pediatrician, and now to culture and community as a dedicated volunteer photographer with the Hawaiian Institute for Musical Enrichment and Learning Experiences (HIMELE).
Though Don doesn't play music himself, he's become a passionate supporter of HIMELE's mission to preserve and promote the Hawaiian steel guitar. "I never got the music gene," he says, "but I'm in awe when I see people take a box with strings and make beautiful music." He believes strongly in Alan Akaka and HIMELE's cause to sustain the steel guitar as a vital part of Hawai?i's cultural identity.
Over the years, Don has not only captured performances through his lens but also watched many students grow and evolve-not just musically, but in their confidence and presence on stage. He's also built friendships with many of the professional musicians who regularly perform at HIMELE events.
Please see the complete tribute here.
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2025 Festivals and Workshops
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward MallJune 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM HST
Windward Mall, Kane‘ohe
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week - July 7-12, 2025
July 7-10, 2025 – 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST (Nightly Concerts)
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2025 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 12, 2025 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall
August 16, 2025 (tentative)
Kahala Mall, Waialae-Kāhala
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
October 18, 2025 - 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
The Shops At Wailea, Wailea, Hawai‘i
2025 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 Windward Mall
June 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2025 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 12, 2025 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall
August 16, 2025 (tentative)
Other Events
2025 Events
Steel Guitar SundaysJuly 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM - Noon
Hula Grill Waikiki, Waikīkī
HSGA Waikiki Festival '25
July 9, 2025 – 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
July 10, 2025 – 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM HST
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort - Diamond Head Room
AISGC Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival *
July 24-26, 2025
Town Square Community Centre, Winchester, Indiana
* Registration Fee Required
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HIMELE is a Hawai‘i non-profit corporation that supports music enrichment and education for people of all ages. Our purpose is to educate, promote, and perpetuate Hawaiian music, Hawaiian culture and Hawaiian musical instruments.
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Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Symposium
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Ka Makana Ali‘i - Kapolei
Windward Mall - Kāne‘ohe
Kahala Mall - Wai‘alae-Kāhala
Livestream Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase