Chris Stewart

December 12, 2025 • Nate Goore • News

Chris Stewart blends craftsmanship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture.

A retired news photographer turned luthier, Chris now lives in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i Island, where he crafts custom lap steel guitars and ukuleles—some of which have become staples in HIMELE's signature Vintage and Custom Lap Steel Guitar Exhibits.

Geri Valdriz and Chris Stewart

Chris became involved with HIMELE after attending a steel guitar festival and meeting Geri Valdriz, the curator of the Vintage Lap Steel Guitar Exhibit. When Chris mentioned he made custom koa wood lap steels and knew others in the Kona area who owned or built vintage instruments, the two quickly found common ground. A few months later, Chris gathered up a group of instruments—his own and others from the community—and brought them to the Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at the Mauna Lani Hotel.

That collaboration became the beginning of a long-running partnership. Today, Chris contributes five or more custom and vintage lap steels to complement Geri's exhibit at HIMELE events. He helps set up, break down, and store the instruments, and he's the friendly face at the exhibit table, answering questions and sharing stories with festivalgoers. After each event, he returns the borrowed instruments to their owners personally, always offering his thanks for their part in preserving the culture.

Chris believes strongly in HIMELE's mission. He sees the festivals not only as a celebration of the Hawaiian steel guitar but also as a way to keep its cultural legacy alive. "You get old timers and newbies coming here listening to the music, meeting the players, and getting excited," he says. "Then they come to the exhibit and see a lap steel I built-and maybe someday, they'll want to build one too."

Whether through his photography, his craftsmanship, or simply his presence at each festival, Chris Stewart is helping perpetuate a uniquely Hawaiian art form-one instrument at a time.

Please see the complete tribute here.