What You Need to Know About Hana Hou Festival

We talked to co-producer and headliner Jake Shimabukuro about what to expect from the inaugural musical festival raising funds for Maui fire relief efforts.

August 31, 2023

Jasmine Chagnon,

Hana Hou Festival 2023

Aunique version of a music festival is coming to Hawai‘i, showcasing amazing talents from the Islands as well as musicians from the continent, Asia and beyond. The Hana Hou Festival, co-produced by Jake Shimabukuro, was inspired by the world-renowned ʻukulele player’s travels to music festivals around the country. Shimabukuro dreamt of elevating Hawai‘i’s talent in a new way, therefore, the festival’s lineup includes beloved local and international artists from various musical genres, performing solo and collaborating with each other—many for the first time ever live on stage.

We caught up with Shimabukuro to learn more about the inaugural event, and though tickets went on sale back in July, in light of the recent Maui wildfires, the festival now serves a greater purpose—helping those affected by the tragedy. “I can’t even imagine how terrifying it must be for those [who were] near and around the fires. I pray for those that are still missing, and their families. I’m looking forward to everyone coming together to support all of our friends and families on Maui,” says Shimabukuro.

Profits from the two-day event and any donations will now be directed to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Plus, to spread the message to a broader audience and encourage donations from around the world, music lovers who can’t make it to Hana Hou Festival can purchase a link to live stream one or both nights. “I hope the experience of the event provides the emotional support needed for every family and individual affected by the Maui wildfires,” Shimabukuro adds.

Hawai‘i Theatre Center. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

When & Where

The inaugural Hana Hou Festival is a two-night festival on Friday, Sept. 8, and Saturday, Sept. 9, at Hawai‘i Theatre, one of Shimabukuro’s favorite venues. “The Hawai’i Theatre is such a beautiful and historic theatre. It’s very intimate, and everyone feels like they are part of the experience,” he says.

If you can’t make it in person, purchase a link to the live stream here and tune in at 7:30 p.m. HST. The festival will be about 3 hours long each night.

Photo: Courtesy of Pure Heart

Who’s Performing

Friday, Sept. 8

Jake Shimabukuro Band
Mick Fleetwood
Raiatea Helm
The Jets
Kimié Miner
Kawika Kahiapo
Jeff Peterson
Pure Heart

Mick Fleetwood. Photo: Courtesy of Hana Hou Festival

Saturday, Sept. 9

Jake Shimabukuro
Mick Fleetwood
Girl Named Tom
Keiki Matsui
Connor Johnson
Kimié Miner
Mark Yamanaka
Brother Noland

“We may have a few surprise guests. Never know who may show up,” Shimabukuro adds.

Ticket Prices

In-person tickets range from $65 to $150 for ages 4 and up, and profits and donations will support impacted families and recovery efforts on Maui. Silver, gold and platinum VIP packages are also available and include premium seating, access to the Kālai VIP Room during the pre-show and intermission, cocktails and pūpū, front-line access to meet and take a photo with Jake and more.

The link to the live stream can be purchased for $50 per night.

To donate directly, visit hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

Hana Hou Festival, from $50, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hanahoufest.com

Jake’s New Album, Grateful

During Hana Hou Festival, Shimabukuro will also be debuting some songs from his new album, Grateful, out on Sept. 8. The album explores his past as he plays with some of the musicians who inspired him while growing up in Hawai‘i. “This new album, Grateful, is a very special project for me because it takes me back to my roots, where it all started. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d be recording an album with these icons and legends.”

The album was recorded live, in studio, kanikapila style, and many of the musicians he collaborated with will also be performing at Hana Hou Festival, including Helm, Kahiapo, Noland, Peterson and Yamanaka.

The CD Grateful will be given to those who purchase VIP tickets and available for purchase at Hawai‘i Theatre during the festival. A portion of the sales from the album will also benefit the Maui Strong Fund.

Free Performance at Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort

Ahead of the festival, fellow slack-key Kawika Kahiapo and Shimabukuro are joining forces for an evening of free live entertainment on Thursday, Sept. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort.

That night, a portion of proceeds from diners and guests of Kani Ka Pila Grille will benefit the Outrigger Cares Foundation Maui Fund to support the recovery of Outrigger employees directly impacted by the Maui wildfires.