he 28th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival - Kona Style returns to the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa on Sunday, November 16, 2025, celebrating nearly two centuries of Hawaii's unique fingerstyle guitar tradition. This beloved festival, running from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, brings together some of Hawaii's most renowned slack key masters for an afternoon of mesmerizing melodies, cultural storytelling, and authentic island hospitality. Organized by the Ki-ho'alu Foundation and long-time Big Island musician Milton Lau, this year's event promises to transport audiences through the rich musical heritage that has shaped Hawaiian culture for 193 years.
Festival overview and significance
Hawaiian slack key guitar, known as ki ho'alu in Hawaiian (meaning "loosen the key"), represents one of the world's most distinctive guitar techniques. This fingerstyle method involves changing the tuning of guitar strings to create open chord harmonies, allowing players to produce complex melodies and bass lines simultaneously. The 28th annual festival continues a tradition of preserving and celebrating this uniquely Hawaiian art form that emerged in the 19th century when Mexican and Spanish cowboys (vaqueros) brought guitars to the islands.
Event details and logistics
The festival takes place at the stunning OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, located at 78-128 Ehukai Street in Kailua-Kona. This oceanfront venue provides an ideal setting with its open-air spaces overlooking Keauhou Bay, allowing the gentle trade winds to carry the music across the resort grounds. Doors open at 12:00 PM, with the main performances beginning at 1:00 PM and continuing until 5:00 PM.
Tickets are available through multiple channels, including Eventbrite and StubHub, with prices starting at approximately $23.18. The festival welcomes all ages, making it a perfect family event for those wanting to experience authentic Hawaiian culture. Paid venue parking is available at the resort.
Musical lineup and performances
While specific artist lineups are typically announced closer to the event date, the festival consistently features some of Hawaii's most accomplished slack key guitarists. These master musicians represent different islands and styles within the slack key tradition, offering audiences a comprehensive overview of the genre's diversity. Past festivals have showcased both legendary players who learned from the old masters and contemporary artists who are carrying the tradition forward to new generations.
The performances typically include solo guitar pieces, duo collaborations, and group arrangements that highlight the conversational nature of slack key music. Many performers also share stories about the songs, their composers, and the cultural significance of particular tunings or playing styles, providing educational context that deepens the audience's appreciation.
Cultural context and education
Slack key guitar evolved as Hawaiian cowboys (paniolos) adapted the Spanish guitar techniques they learned from Mexican vaqueros in the 1830s. The music became deeply intertwined with Hawaiian oral traditions, with many songs serving as repositories for genealogies, place names, and cultural knowledge. The playing style itself reflects Hawaiian values of sharing and community, as musicians freely taught each other new tunings and techniques.
The festival serves not just as entertainment but as cultural education, helping preserve traditional Hawaiian music for future generations. Many performers use the opportunity to explain the significance of specific songs, the meaning behind Hawaiian lyrics, and the historical context that shaped the music. This educational component makes the festival valuable for both locals wanting to connect with their heritage and visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Venue amenities and experience
The OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa offers attendees a complete Hawaiian experience beyond the music. The resort's grounds feature traditional Hawaiian landscaping with native plants and cultural markers that tell the story of the area's history. Food and beverage options are available on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine while listening to the performances.
The oceanfront setting enhances the musical experience, as the sound of waves and gentle breezes complement the fingerpicked melodies. Many attendees arrive early to explore the resort grounds, enjoy lunch at the resort restaurants, and secure optimal seating for the performances. The open-air venue allows for a relaxed, informal atmosphere where audience members often find themselves swaying to the rhythms and joining in on familiar songs.
Planning your visit
The festival takes place during one of Hawaii's most pleasant weather periods, with November typically offering warm, sunny days with trade wind breezes and minimal rainfall. This timing coincides with the end of Hawaii's "summer" season and the beginning of the cooler, drier months that extend through early spring.
For visitors traveling to the Big Island specifically for the festival, Kona International Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the venue. The festival date often allows visitors to combine their trip with other Big Island attractions, including Volcanoes National Park, coffee farm tours, or snorkeling at nearby beaches. Many attendees extend their stay to explore the Kona coast's rich cultural and natural attractions.
Additional festival activities
Beyond the main stage performances, the festival typically includes vendors selling Hawaiian crafts, music recordings, and cultural items. These marketplace elements allow visitors to take home authentic souvenirs while supporting local artisans and musicians. Some years feature instrument demonstrations, where visitors can learn about guitar construction and the technical aspects of different slack key tunings.
The festival atmosphere encourages interaction between performers and audience members, with many artists available for conversation during breaks. This accessibility reflects the collaborative spirit of Hawaiian music culture, where sharing knowledge and building relationships are as important as the performances themselves.
Supporting the tradition
The Ki-ho'alu Foundation, which organizes the festival, dedicates itself to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian slack key guitar traditions. Festival attendance directly supports educational programs, master classes for young musicians, and documentation efforts that ensure this unique art form continues to thrive. The foundation also maintains archives of recordings and provides resources for those wanting to learn slack key techniques.
Accessibility and family considerations
The festival's all-ages policy and afternoon timing make it particularly welcoming for families. Children often respond enthusiastically to the music's gentle rhythms and storytelling elements, while parents appreciate the educational value of exposing their children to authentic cultural traditions. The resort venue provides facilities for families, including restrooms, dining options, and comfortable seating areas.
Connecting with Hawaiian music community
For music enthusiasts, the festival offers opportunities to connect with Hawaii's broader musical community. Many attendees are local musicians themselves, creating an environment where visitors can learn about other musical events, jam sessions, and educational opportunities throughout the islands. The festival often serves as a gateway for visitors to discover other aspects of Hawaiian music culture.
Reserve your spot at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa on November 16, 2025, and prepare to be transported by the gentle power of Hawaiian slack key guitar. Whether you're a long-time fan of Hawaiian music or discovering it for the first time, this intimate festival offers an authentic cultural experience in one of Hawaii's most beautiful settings. Get your tickets now through Eventbrite or StubHub, and join us for an afternoon celebration of music that has been touching hearts and souls in Hawaii for nearly two centuries.
