What's Going On With HIMELE

April 14, 2026 • Alan Akaka • News

E ONIPA‘A I KA ‘IMI NA‘AUAO – January 24

Aptly titled "E Onipa‘a I Ka ‘Imi Na‘auao," meaning "Be Steadfast in the Seeking of Knowledge," this concert was more than just a musical event; it was an intimate celebration of our shared artistry and the rich history that connects us all.

The evening was filled with heartfelt performances by talented artists, including Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, Bobby Ingano, Isaac Woodward, and me, alongside the groups Walea and ‘Alewa. We were fortunate to play on unique vintage instruments recently acquired by the State Archives, which deepened the authenticity of our experience and connected us to our past.

State Archivist Adam Jansen and renowned luthier Kilin Reece shared their passion and knowledge with the audience through engaging slide shows, illustrating the stories behind the instruments and their deep-rooted connections to Hawai‘i's heritage.

To enhance this already unforgettable evening, attendees were treated to a stunning display of handwritten sheet music and documents from Her Majesty's personal manuscript collection, allowing us all to appreciate and honor Hawai‘i's cultural legacy.

JOSEPH KEKUKU and the Voice of the Steel Guitar

Welcome to the late 1800s—a time filled with amazing inventions like trains, steamboats, cameras, and even the emergence of electricity in Honolulu! Picture this: an eleven-year-old Native Hawaiian boy accidentally strikes his guitar strings with a bolt from a railroad track, creating a sound unlike anything heard before. This moment forever changes Hawaiian music and American music as we know it.

This exciting new play is based on a true story and follows the incredible journey of the steel guitar as it evolves from the taro fields to vaudeville stages and into genres like Blues, Country, Rock and Roll, and beyond. It was a fantastic experience featuring a live slide-guitar soundtrack and beautiful projections that celebrate innovation, engineering, and the wonderful exchange of ideas and sounds around the globe. The play not only shares the inspiring story of Joseph Kekuku but also dives into the history of Hawai‘i's annexation and the journeys of young people moving from the islands to the mainland and sometimes back home again. It's rich in history while also encouraging kids today to embrace their voices, cultures, and curiosity.

Written by Moses Goods, in collaboration with the Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings, this production first premiered at HTY in spring 2025 and is set to hit the road for its first national tour in 2026-2027.

JOSEPH KEKUKU'S Musical Gift of Aloha – Book Launch at Kapālama Elementary School - February 25

Before the ceremony started, Jake and I had the chance to play for our guests, which was a lot of fun!

HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL at KA MAKANA ALI‘I – February 28

Jake Fernandez was a superstar as the emcee, keeping everything on track with his lively energy and a bit of "kolohe" spirit that kept the crowd engaged.

This was our very first festival of the year, and we were thrilled to feature incredible performances from Steve Cheney, Bobby Ingano, Paul Kim, Mālie Lyman, Devin Nakahara, Greg Sardinha, and yours truly, along with our talented NextGEN members Hi‘ipoi Lindsey, Thang Nguyen, Ever Ta‘ala, and Isaac Woodward. Our wonderful house band, featuring Kaipo Lindsey, David Woodward, and Helene Woodward, did a fantastic job backing all the artists. And let's not forget Schuyler Woodward, who played bass for all the NextGEN performers!

HILO STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL at the PRINCE KUHIO PLAZA – March 7

‘UKULELE CLUB – March 21

Sarah Maisel of the ‘Ukulele Club invited me to lead a session at Windward Mall. I chose for a theme the songs of one of the greatest composers of the Hapa Haole genre, R. Alex Anderson. The NextGEN were featured.

NextGEN REHEARSAL & NHK JAPAN

HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL "KEIKI KINE" at KA MAKANA ALI‘I – April 4

The house band consisted of Kaipo Lindsey, David Woodward, and Schuyler Woodward on the U-bass.

UPCOMING

‘UKULELE SUMMIT at WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – April 18

The ‘Ukulele Summit is an exciting annual event in Hawai‘i that brings together our community to celebrate music and culture–all for free! It's going to be a fun-filled day with amazing performances, engaging workshops, a community jam, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

While the spotlight is on the ‘ukulele, organizer Sarah Maisel has invited me to share my passion for the steel guitar in a workshop! Plus, the talented members of NextGEN will be featured on stage, ready to inspire the crowd!

HO‘OKŪKŪ KĪKĀ KILA – 1^ST ANNUAL STEEL GUITAR CONTEST

The contest is open to players who do not currently earn more than 50% of their annual income from professional musical performances or teaching. We will have three divisions: Keiki (15 years and younger), Open Amateur (ages 16-59), and Kupuna (ages 60 and older). Each participant will have the opportunity to perform two songs: one of their choice and a second randomly selected from a hat prior to the competition. We will announce the contest numbers in advance so that everyone can be fully prepared and ready to shine on the day of the event.

We are also developing a judging scorecard to ensure that everyone's hard work is recognized and appreciated! Additionally, we are creating a registration form and exploring activities that will encourage people to join us.

DATES FOR STEEL GUITAR FESTIVALS FOR 2026

May 10 - Kaua‘i Steel Guitar Festival - Kukui Grove Center
June 13 - Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival - Windward Mall
July 5-12 Waikākā Steel Guitar Week - Royal Hawaiian Center
July 10 J-FESTA
July 11 - Waikākā Steel Guitar Festival
July 12 - NextGEN - Waikiki Beach Walk
August 15 - Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival - Keiki Kine - Kahala Mall
October 17 - Maui Steel Guitar Festival - The Shops at Wailea
November 19-22 - Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival - Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (full moon 11-24)

Suggestion for the future: Moku o Keawe Steel Guitar Festival at Uncle Robert's in Kalapana.

VISIT TO GRANITE BAY – March 9-15

Michiko and I recently enjoyed a wonderful vacation in the Sacramento area! We had a great time visiting all sorts of attractions, including Sutter's Mill, where we tried our hand at panning for gold. Unfortunately, we didn't strike it rich, but that's okay–I'm glad I kept my day job!

After dinner, we enjoyed a miniconcert followed by a kanikapila, which was such a blast! Earlier that day, I also had the pleasure of giving private lessons. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience!

STEEL GUITAR HALL OF FAME – David "Feet" Rogers

RECORDING FOR KAPONO BEAMER

I hear that the recording isn't meant for the Hawai‘i market, but that's alright.

INTEREST IN THE STEEL GUITAR WITH A NEW GENERATION

We're excited to welcome a wonderful new group on NextGEN who are diving into lessons on the lap steel! Meet 9-year-old Thuan Nguyen, 11-year-old Hali‘i, 7-year-old Nia from Hilo, and 6-year-old Kailama Nagai.