Over 400 kupuna from around the island gathered in Hilo on Tuesday to share their ukulele skills with 10 performances from Hawaii County senior center classes.
Seniors who have been learning how to play the ukulele joined together for the Hawaii Senior Ukulele Festival at Sangha Hall. The annual event gives kupuna the chance to socialize, learn more music and perform in front of hundreds of people.
Classes that performed included Calvin Enoki’s Kamana Class, Honoka‘a Senior Club, Waimea Senior Club, Ukulele Kanikapila Kamana Class, Kulaimano Senior Center, Nohea Akioka-Sarong’s Keaau and Pahoa Class, Stanford Regidor’s Kamana Class, Pahala Senior Club’s Na Hauloli Au, Albert Rodrigues Jr.’s Kamana Class and Kohala Hawaii County Nutrition Program.
The festival is not competitive, but serves a time to get together with other clubs and bond over the love of ukulele and Hawaiian music. During performances, attendees can play along with the groups on stage with sheet music printed on the programs.
“I think the only festival I’ve missed is the first one. I’ve been taking classes forever it feels like,” said Pua Conley, a student of Nohea Akioka-Sarong’s Keaau and Pahoa Class. “I like that it’s not a competition. It’s the Hawaiian way. Everyone wins, and it’s just so fun to be part of.”
Randy Navares was excited to perform for the first time after spending only four months so far in the Pahala Senior Club’s Na Hauloli Au.
“This is so fun to spend time with my aunty and learn how to play with everyone each week,” Navares said. “I’ve learned a lot in class, and I’m excited to perform this afternoon.”
The Ukulele Festival began in 2016 after Elderly Recreation Services, or ERS, noticed the growing popularity and broad reach of its ukulele classes.
“I have played for 10 years, and I just love it,” said Roy Yamamato, member of the Ukulele ‘Mo Fun Band. “My favorite part is being able to see everyone every week and to meet people at the festival every year. It is so fun.”
According to Iris Higa, program director for ERS, socialization is key when it comes to the health of seniors, and the annual Senior Ukulele Festival gives them an even wider net for conversation and connection.
“Socialization is number one. I’m a firm believer that socialization helps keep seniors healthy for a longer period of time, even with underlying health conditions,” Higa said. “We had about 425 seniors register for the event, which is amazing. It’s great to see them all here having a good time.”
Lunch provided along with entertainment from Darlene Ahuna. Seniors also entered a raffle to win prizes, which included a few new ukulele.
Socialization and recreation activities of various types are provided by ERS staff at 24 senior centers established around the Big Island. The minimum age for participation is 55.
The spring schedule for senior classes at the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo, the Hamakua District, the Keaau Community Center — which serves Puna and Ka‘u — and the West Hawaii Senior Center runs until Sunday, June 9.
Those interested can begin register for summer session classes from Monday, June 17, to Friday, July 19. The session will begin on July 8.
More information can be found on the county’s website at tinyurl.com/3a8bmbxx.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.