Instruments and Luthiers
1947 Gibson Model BR-9
May 13, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
In 1947 Gibson unveiled a keenly priced student model set. The model BR-9 steel guitar with [...]
1936 Harmony Sears Golden Jubilee
June 21, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
This model was made for only one year and was sold only through the 1936 Sears [...]
1939 Epiphone Electar Zephyr
July 17, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
In 1937, Herb Sunshine, principal designer of electric instruments at Epiphone, introduced [...]
1957 Gibson Skylark EH 500
August 7, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
The Gibson Skylark lap steel shares the same futuristic look and vibe of the famous Flying V [...]
1946 Kiesel Bakelite Lap Steel
September 20, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
Lowell C. Kiesel is a steel guitarist and builder. In 1946 he founded the L.C. Kiesel Company [...]
1940's Oahu Tonemaster
October 16, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
Along with the huge popularity of Hawaiian music came the demand for [...]
1937 Rickenbacher Silver Hawaiian
November 16, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
This hollow metal body guitar was chromed silver and is a favorite among players and [...]
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2025 Festivals and Workshops
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna LaniNovember 13-16, 2025
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Waimea, Hawai‘i Island
2025 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna Lani
November 14, 2025 – 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM HST - Ho‘olaule‘a concert
November 15, 2025 – 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM HST- Open Stage Performances
2026 Festivals and Workshops
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week - July 5-11, 2026
July 6-9, 2026 – 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST (Nightly Concerts)
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 10, 2026 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
2025 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival (J-FESTA)
July 10, 2026 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Other Events
2025 Events
Steel Guitar FridaysEvery Friday – 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Steel Guitar Sundays
July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM - Noon
Hula Grill Waikiki, Waikīkī
* Registration Fee Required
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HIMELE is a Hawai‘i non-profit corporation that supports music enrichment and education for people of all ages. Our purpose is to educate, promote, and perpetuate Hawaiian music, Hawaiian culture and Hawaiian musical instruments.
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Learning Resources
Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Symposium
Statewide Festivals
Kaua‘i Steel Guitar Festival
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival
Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
Kona Steel Guitar Festival
Community Festivals
Ka Makana Ali‘i – Kapolei
Windward Mall – Kāne‘ohe
Keiki Kine – O‘ahu
Livestream Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase