Kāhuli Leo Leʻa invites you to gather once again for the Mele Conference and Mele Hula Festival—a three-day event dedicated to the cultural stewards of mele Hawaiʻi, and a space to connect, collaborate, and uplift this vital practice!
The conference will feature intergenerational panel discussions, followed by the Mele Hula Festival, a competition honoring the composition and performance of original mele and hula.
More details to come.

Experience the enchanting sounds that inspired White Lotus and Classic Exotica at the unforgettable HapaSymphony finale! Join Waitiki 7—a captivating fusion of Waikiki and Tiki—as they partner with Music and Artistic Director Dane Lam and your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra for an extraordinary evening that celebrates mid-century Exotica music. Inspired by legendary figures such as Les Baxter, Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman, Gene Rains, and Robert Drasnin from the late 1950s and 1960s, Waitiki 7 is dedicated to recreating the timeless Tiki sound, ambiance, and sheer joy that defined an era.

Piano virtuoso Joyce Yang joins CMH ensembles in two romantic-era gems that ripple with expressive beauty and emotional depth. Program: FARRENC Sextet in C Minor, Op. 40DVORAK Piano Quintet, Op. 81 Joyce Yang Blessed with “poetic and sensitive pianism” (Washington Post) and a “wondrous sense of color” (San Francisco Classical Voice), Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang...

Praised for his “brilliant technique and real emotional depth” by the Washington Post, Polish-American pianist Adam Golka performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23. Conductor Emeritus JoAnn Falletta returns to conduct a program of classical delights, including Michael Torke’s speed fueled Javelin, and Dvořák Symphony No. 6.

By popular demand, Hawaiʻi’s Favorite Entertainer, Johnny Valentine, returns for a special one-night-only Hapa Mama Celebration. Celebrate Mother’s Day early and treat mom to a night out with an unforgettable tribute that only Johnny can deliver! Composer-in-Residence Michael-Thomas Foumai conduct your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra for a mother-of-all HapaSymphony performance, featuring covers and original songs from Johnny's "Mom's I Love Forever" playlist!

NEW FESTIVAL DATE – May 9, 2026! Due to weather, the original April 11 date was postponed.

We invite artists and arts organizations to take to the streets, as we shut down Nuuanu Avenue in Chinatown and open it to pedestrian traffic for everyone to experience and enjoy the HEART of the Chinatown Arts District, including art, live music, food, creative local vendors, performances and more.

HEART is an acronym that stands for Heritage, Entertainment, Arts & Culture, Restaurants, and Theatre & Performing Arts. Together, these elements make up the core of the vibrant creative community that exists in the Bethel and Nuʻuanu Avenue district, between King Street and Beretania Avenue.

MAY 1, 2026 @ 7:30PM & MAY 3, 2026 @ 4PM & MAY 5, 2026 @ 7:30PM

Music by Herb Mahelona • Libretto by Victoria Kneubuhl • Directed by Patrick Makuakāne

KAMALEHUA: THE SHELTERING TREE tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III.  Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the opera reveals the little-known history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its early struggles to maintain independence. The focus is Haʻalilio's 1842-45 mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and France to secure treaties recognizing Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation with the goal of protecting the kingdom from annexation by foreigners.
The opera illustrates the sophistication and establishment of the Hawaiian government at the time, as well as the vigilance of Hawaiian leaders in dealing with the pressures and politics of the western world. While the story focuses on the unique culture, politics, and history of Hawaiʻi, its themes are universal.
Heading up the cast, in the lead role of Haʻalilio, will be internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey who started his career in opera as a member of the HOT chorus in 1991. Kelsey is now in-demand across the U.S. and Europe, notable for his dynamic interpretations of Verdi roles.

MAY 1, 2026 @ 7:30PM & MAY 3, 2026 @ 4PM & MAY 5, 2026 @ 7:30PM

Music by Herb Mahelona • Libretto by Victoria Kneubuhl • Directed by Patrick Makuakāne

KAMALEHUA: THE SHELTERING TREE tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III.  Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the opera reveals the little-known history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its early struggles to maintain independence. The focus is Haʻalilio's 1842-45 mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and France to secure treaties recognizing Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation with the goal of protecting the kingdom from annexation by foreigners.
The opera illustrates the sophistication and establishment of the Hawaiian government at the time, as well as the vigilance of Hawaiian leaders in dealing with the pressures and politics of the western world. While the story focuses on the unique culture, politics, and history of Hawaiʻi, its themes are universal.
Heading up the cast, in the lead role of Haʻalilio, will be internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey who started his career in opera as a member of the HOT chorus in 1991. Kelsey is now in-demand across the U.S. and Europe, notable for his dynamic interpretations of Verdi roles.

The Doris Duke Theatre is thrilled to present Pahelī—a vibrant evening of Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood performances, rhythms and choreographies from around the world, vocals, instrumentals, and much more! Pahelī means a puzzle, riddle, or an enigma, and this production invites you into the mystery and magic of music and movement with your favorite classics and exciting new spins.  

Presented by Sai Bhatawadekar and her team of talented dancers, musicians, and guest artists in and outside of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Enjoy the dance concert as you smile, sing, clap, and tap along! 

Come and visit the many organizations and agencies featuring crafts, games, and activities at the 11th Annual Manu o Kū Festival at the 'Iolani Palace Grounds.
20 Community partners, organizations, and agencies on site to share their work through family friendly crafts, games, and activities.

The largest celebration of Filipino culture on the island of Oʻahu

Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta is a full day celebrating Filipino culture and heritage with authentic food, non-stop entertainment, activities for all ages, immersive cultural experiences, and a marketplace featuring local businesses and community organizations.

This year’s theme invites everyone to connect with Filipino heritage, discover and honor the cultural meaning behind this beloved staple, and celebrate the power of community.

Throughout Fiesta, you’ll see this theme come to life through cultural performances, educational activities, interactive games, and creative vendor offerings — all honoring the stories woven into every grain of rice.

MAY 1, 2026 @ 7:30PM & MAY 3, 2026 @ 4PM & MAY 5, 2026 @ 7:30PM

Music by Herb Mahelona • Libretto by Victoria Kneubuhl • Directed by Patrick Makuakāne

KAMALEHUA: THE SHELTERING TREE tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III.  Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the opera reveals the little-known history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its early struggles to maintain independence. The focus is Haʻalilio's 1842-45 mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and France to secure treaties recognizing Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation with the goal of protecting the kingdom from annexation by foreigners.
The opera illustrates the sophistication and establishment of the Hawaiian government at the time, as well as the vigilance of Hawaiian leaders in dealing with the pressures and politics of the western world. While the story focuses on the unique culture, politics, and history of Hawaiʻi, its themes are universal.
Heading up the cast, in the lead role of Haʻalilio, will be internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey who started his career in opera as a member of the HOT chorus in 1991. Kelsey is now in-demand across the U.S. and Europe, notable for his dynamic interpretations of Verdi roles.

Hawaiian Airlines May Day 2026 presented by Bishop Museum continues the annual Lei Day tradition by the Brothers Cazimero with Keauhou, the 19-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group, returning to headline the concert experience alongside special guests, including Robert Cazimero, Kealiʻi Reichel, Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua, Hālau Keʻalaokamaile and co-hosts, Billy V. and Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, director of community & cultural relations at Hawaiian Airlines.

Pierce The Veil debuted atop Billboard’s Top Rock Albums, Alternative Albums, and Hard Rock Albums charts twice – first with Collide with the Sky (2012) and its follow-up, Misadventures (2016). A decade after its release, the already platinum “King for a Day” shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Streaming chart, driven by the viral #KingForADay hashtag on TikTok.

Punchbowl Music Festival is a two-day music festival established in 2002 that showcases approximately 200 young musicians from the band programs of nearby Title I public schools: Kawananakoa, Ke'elikolani, Stevenson, and Washington Middle School. Offered at no cost to schools or attendees, the festival provides students from underserved communities the opportunity to perform in an acoustically excellent venue for their peers, teachers, and families.

Pierce The Veil debuted atop Billboard’s Top Rock Albums, Alternative Albums, and Hard Rock Albums charts twice – first with Collide with the Sky (2012) and its follow-up, Misadventures (2016). A decade after its release, the already platinum “King for a Day” shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Streaming chart, driven by the viral #KingForADay hashtag on TikTok.

Punchbowl Music Festival is a two-day music festival established in 2002 that showcases approximately 200 young musicians from the band programs of nearby Title I public schools: Kawananakoa, Ke'elikolani, Stevenson, and Washington Middle School. Offered at no cost to schools or attendees, the festival provides students from underserved communities the opportunity to perform in an acoustically excellent venue for their peers, teachers, and families.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hōkūleʻa's maiden voyage to Tahiti, the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra joins forces with conductor Anthony Parnther, the Oʻahu Choral Society and the Polynesian Voyaging Society to present, for the first time, Michael-Thomas Foumai’s complete choral symphony, Raise Hawaiki. Inspired by the legendary voyages of Hōkūleʻa and the powerful words of Eddie Aikau and Nainoa Thompson, experience the trials and triumphs of Polynesian voyaging with captivating visual projections of historical photos alongside video from the current Moananuiākea voyage. The performance opens with Britten’s seaworthy Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes.

Jim Brickman is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 22 number one albums, 33 Top 20 radio hits, 2 Grammy nominations and he’s a member of Pandora’s “2 Billion Streams” club. His first album release was 1994’s “No Words,” and he’s gone on to sell over ten million albums worldwide.

Beyond the Music proudly returns to honor the 50th anniversary of HŌKŪLEʻA’s historic maiden voyage to Tahiti. Experience the captivating story of Hōkūleʻa and the art of Polynesian wayfinding, from her monumental first voyage to the inspiring current voyages of Moananuiākea, all brought to life through powerful symphonic music. Join esteemed guest conductor Anthony Parnther, HSO Composer in Residence Michael-Thomas Foumai, and the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra as they present excerpts from "Raise Hawaiki." Presented with narration, storytelling, and projected visuals, this concert offers a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to explore the connections between music and Polynesian navigation. The concert will last approximately one hour.

This concert, in cooperation with community partner the East-West Center, will commemorate 55 years of blowing shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute). The program ranges from ancient meditative shakuhachi solo works (Kyorei and Tsuru no Sugomori), a lively Edo Period nagauta ensemble masterpiece (Azuma Hakkei), two contemporary compositions, and an exciting improvisatory piece for shakuhachi and piano. The featured musicians are violinist Iggy Jang, pianist Tommy James, vocalist-shamisen performer Sakio Kineya (Bryson Goda), and vocalist Mika Kimula. Prominent ethnomusicologist Dr. Ricardo Trimillos will serve as program host. Please join us for an afternoon that musically recalls the past, enlivens the present, and points to the future in our eclectic, diverse and aloha-infused environment of Hawaiʻi. 

Save the date for our next HEART of Honolulu Art Street Festival, Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! We invite artists and arts organizations to take to the streets, as we shut down Nuuanu Avenue in Chinatown and open it to pedestrian traffic for everyone to experience and enjoy the HEART of the Chinatown Arts District, including art, live music, food, creative local vendors, performances and more.

HEART is an acronym that stands for Heritage, Entertainment, Arts & Culture, Restaurants, and Theatre & Performing Arts. Together, these elements make up the core of the vibrant creative community that exists in the Bethel and Nuʻuanu Avenue district, between King Street and Beretania Avenue.

From whimsical pizzicatos to the lush textures of Debussy and Ravel, this program explores the expressive power of the plucked and the poetic. Program: ANDERSON Plink, Plank, Plunk!, Lanzilotti Translating Myself and Others, DEBUSSY Sonate BEACH Theme & Variations, RAVEL Introduction & Allegro

Megan Conley Harpist Megan Conley was raised in a musical family in Austin, Texas. She performed...

“Oh, I am fortuneʻs fool!”

Passions double and toil in trouble with a Tchaikovsky double feature! Dane Lam conducts the lovestruck Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture in collaboration with Ballet Hawaii;. Silver Medalist of the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, pianist George Li, performs Piano Concerto No. 1. The Shakespeare Festival comes full circle, concluding with violent delights and violent ends, including Michael-Thomas Foumai’s Lady Dark, inspired by the Dark Lady Sonnets.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

The Shakespeare Festival is back, showcasing all things tragic. From the Merry Wives of Windsor to the story of star-crossed lovers, emotions run high in a Prokofiev double feature. Conductor Dane Lam leads selections from the composer's ballet Romeo and Juliet, and Gramophone Young Artist of the Year, violinist Stella Chen, performs Violin Concerto No. 2.

Saddle up for an Americana journey that’s bold, brassy, and cinematic. From prairie plains to Hollywood hills, the brass take the reins. Featuring compositions by Copland, Ives, Ewazen, and our very own Gabe Cruz. Program: EWAZEN A Western Fanfare, MCKEE Iron Horse Suite, CHEETHAM Scherzo, BRIGHT Western Suite for Brass Quintet, Morris Blazing Saddles, CRUZ West Coast Fanfare, COPLAND Grover’s Corner, IVES…

Saddle up for an Americana journey that’s bold, brassy, and cinematic. From prairie plains to Hollywood hills, the brass take the reins. Featuring compositions by Copland, Ives, Ewazen, and our very own Gabe Cruz. Program: EWAZEN A Western Fanfare, MCKEE Iron Horse Suite, CHEETHAM Scherzo, BRIGHT Western Suite for Brass Quintet, Morris Blazing Saddles, CRUZ West Coast Fanfare, COPLAND Grover’s CornerIVES…

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”

Beware the Ides of March! Shakespeare Festival kicks off with all things Bard at your HSO. Dane Lam leads Mendelssohn’s enchanted incidental music from A Midsummer Night Dream in collaboration with Manoa Valley Theatre. Get your tickets before they vanish “into thin air.”