Waikoloa Beach Resort invites all ukulele lovers to B.Y.O.U. and join in the celebration of Hawaii’s favorite musical instrument at the 20th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival on Saturday. The festival is free and all are welcome.
The event begins with renowned teacher Roy Sakuma leading a free ukulele workshop at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at 10 a.m.
And the music continues all day, with live entertainment on three stages at Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., along with displays, demonstrations, and ‘ukulele giveaways by sponsoring companies. Darde and Jaz from KAPA Radio will be the emcees at Queens’ MarketPlace.
This year’s musical lineup features 14 different performers and groups, including award-winning entertainers like Mark Yamanaka, Brittni Paiva, Kris Fuchigami, Kunia Galdeira, and more.
Schedule of events
Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Naupaka Ballroom
10-11:30 a.m.
‘Ukulele Workshop with Roy Sakuma. BYOU (bring your own ‘ukulele). Free.
Queens’ MarketPlace, Coronation Pavilion:
12 noon Free ‘N Easy
1 p.m. Kris Fuchigami
2 p.m. Kalei Gamiao
3 p.m. Brittni Paiva
4 p.m. Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios
5 p.m. ‘Iliwai
In the Shopping Center:
12-5 p.m. Educational booth with demonstrations on how to make an ‘ukulele by the
Big Island Ukulele Guild (www.bigislandukuleleguild.org)
Free lessons by Uncle Ronnie
Exhibition booth by Hawaiian ‘Ukulele & Guitar
Queens’ MarketPlace, Island Gourmet Markets Stage:
12 noon Alaska’s Thunderbird ‘Ukulele Orchestra
1 p.m. Waikoloa After School ‘Ukulele Club Ensemble
1:30 p.m. HPA Middle School ‘Ukulele Ensemble
2 p.m. Brad Bordessa
3 p.m. Sugar Cane Trio
Kings’ Shops, Center Stage
11 a.m. Kris Fuchigami
12 noon Micah & Friends
1 p.m. Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios
2 p.m. Hoku Pa’a Trio
3 p.m. Hawaii’s Diamond Collection
4 p.m. Mark Yamanaka