The 8th annual ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai‘i runs February 12 – 14 in Honolulu. The festivities celebrate Hawai‘i’s most beloved instrument, the ‘ukulele, and include a full schedule of events.
Performers from Hawai‘i such as Herb Ohta, Raiatea Helm, Hema Pa‘a (Chris Kamaka & William Baba Alimoto), Herb Ohta Jr., Kalei Gamiao, Taimane Gardner, Robi Kahakalau, Jody Kamisato and Kris Fuchigami, will be joined with performers from Japan and Thailand.
“The ‘ukulele is a symbol of peace, friendship, ‘ohana and love,” said ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai‘i creator and promoter Kazuyuki Sekiguchi. “This annual event works to raise awareness for the ‘ukulele and the beautiful aloha spirit in Hawai‘i and to share this gift with people around Hawai‘i and the world.”
The three-day celebration kicks off Friday, Feb. 12, with the 4th annual ‘Ukulele Museum Benefit Concert at the Hawai‘i Prince Hotel’s Mauna Kea Ballroom.
On Saturday, Feb.13, the 5th annual International ‘Ukulele Contest invites amateur ‘ukulele players from across the world to compete at the Royal Hawaiian Center’s Royal Grove Stage from 10 a.m. – 1:20 p.m.
The final and main event, ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai‘i, starts tuning up at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, at Kaka‘ako Makai Gateway Park. Besides the live music, guests can take advantage of a variety of booths featuring Hawaiian crafts, food, activities for kids and a luxury ‘ukulele raffle.
Admission to the ‘Ukulele Picnic is open to the public and free of charge. All funds raised from the event will benefit the ‘Ukulele Museum. For more information, go to www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en.
Ka ‘Ohana, News Staff
