29th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival

Save the date for Sunday, October 18, 2026, when Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa welcomes the 29th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Kona Style. There is no charge for the event, all ages are welcome, and it brings some of Hawaiʻi's most celebrated slack key players on the Big Island for an afternoon of live music grounded in island heritage. If you're staying on the Kohala Coast that weekend, it's an easy and memorable way to round out your trip.

What Is Slack Key Guitar?

Slack key guitar, or kī hōʻalu in Hawaiian (meaning "loosen the key"), is one of the most recognizable acoustic guitar styles in the world. Its roots go back to the 1830s, when Spanish and Mexican vaqueros came to the islands to help run the expanding cattle ranches and brought their guitars with them. Hawaiian ranch hands, who came to be known as paniolo, picked up the instrument along with local farmers and fishermen and made it their own. Instead of keeping standard tuning, they loosened the strings into open chords. That let the thumb hold a steady bass rhythm while the other fingers played melody and harmony on top. The result is the rich, layered sound so many people now connect with Hawaiian music. It has been carried forward by families who often keep their own special tunings closely guarded.

About the Festival

The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival series is organized by the Kī-hō'alu Foundation, founded by Milton Lau in honor of his friend, the legendary slack key guitarist Gabby Pahinui. The series has grown into a set of annual events held across the state, with stops on O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i Island.

The Kona Style edition brings that same spirit of celebration to the Big Island, gathering a lineup of accomplished slack key artists for a single afternoon at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. The festival is open to all ages, making it an easy, laid-back outing for families, music lovers, and anyone curious about authentic Hawaiian culture. In past years, the event has taken place in the resort's ballroom, with doors opening around midday and performances continuing for several hours into the afternoon. Exact set times and ticketing details for 2026 should be confirmed closer to the date directly through the Kī-hō'alu Foundation or Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa.

What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to four hours of live music from multiple performers, showcasing the range and depth of the slack key tradition. Because many musicians in Hawai'i's music scene know each other well, festivals like this one often double as informal gatherings where artists and fans connect, creating a genuinely community-driven atmosphere. Paid parking is typically available on-site at the resort.

Making a Day of It in Kailua-Kona

If you're staying at a South Kohala Management property along the Kohala Coast, the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is a straightforward drive down the coast into Kailua-Kona. Turn festival day into a full outing: grab lunch at an oceanfront restaurant beforehand, or stroll historic Ali'i Drive before the music starts. With the festival's midday start, there's plenty of time to explore the town in the morning and still catch the full afternoon of performances.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Hawaiian music or simply looking for a memorable Sunday afternoon on the Big Island, this festival offers an authentic, welcoming introduction to one of Hawai'i's most cherished musical traditions.

Stay Near the Slack Key Guitar Festival

Planning to catch the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival or another special event on the Kohala Coast? South Kohala Management offers luxury vacation rentals across Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, and Waikoloa, giving you a relaxed home base about 45 minutes (driving) from Kailua-Kona. Browse our Kohala Coast vacation rentals to find the perfect stay for your next Big Island celebration.