Discover the soulful sounds of Hawaiian slack key guitar at the Slack Key Guitar Festival - Kona Style 2025, a family-friendly event celebrating this treasured tradition. Enjoy live performances, cultural activities, and more in a festive atmosphere. Perfect for all ages, this is an experience you won't want to miss.

Hawaiian slack key guitar, known as ki ho'alu in Hawaiian (meaning "loosen the key"), represents one of the world's most distinctive guitar techniques. This fingerstyle method involves changing the tuning of guitar strings to create open chord harmonies, allowing players to produce complex melodies and bass lines simultaneously. The 28th annual festival continues a tradition of preserving and celebrating this uniquely Hawaiian art form that emerged in the 19th century when Mexican and Spanish cowboys (vaqueros) brought guitars to the islands.

For music enthusiasts, the festival offers opportunities to connect with Hawaii's broader musical community. Many attendees are local musicians themselves, creating an environment where visitors can learn about other musical events, jam sessions, and educational opportunities throughout the islands. The festival often serves as a gateway for visitors to discover other aspects of Hawaiian music culture.

Get your tickets HERE.
Turn the festival into a weekend getaway and book your room here. All the fun happens on property! 

Doors open at 12:00 PM, with the main performances beginning at 1:00 PM and continuing until 5:00 PM. The festival welcomes all ages, making it a perfect family event for those wanting to experience authentic Hawaiian culture. Paid venue parking is available at the resort.