The languid, sliding notes of the steel guitar helped Hawaiian music develop its iconic sound. This three-day music festival, held in April at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, celebrates what many believe is the only musical instrument indigenous to Hawaii.
The Maui Steel Guitar Festival attracts luminaries of Hawaiian music for performances and presentations, as well as workshops on steel guitar playing and recording techniques, and other cultural topics, like hula and lei making.
Everyone is invited to pick up an instrument and play or sing along with public “kanikapila” jam sessions hosted by master steel guitar players on Friday and Saturday nights.