Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival
- Dates
- Jun 27, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- A&B Amphitheater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 25, 2026
Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival returns to Kahului, HI, Jun 27, 2027. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Kī Hōʻalu Guitar Festival is a free afternoon concert of Hawaiian slack key guitar at the Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, held each June. The 2026 show was the 35th annual. Kī hōʻalu means "loosen the key", the tuning technique behind slack key, a tradition dating to 19th-century paniolo who played around the campfire after ranch work. Some of Hawaiʻi's best slack key players perform, and Hawaiian arts and crafts vendors sell their wares. The next festival is on Sunday 27 June 2027.
How it works
Admission is free for Maui residents and visitors. At the 2026 festival the gates opened at 1:30 pm and the concert began at 2:00 pm on the Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater lawn. Food vendors sell from 1:30 to 6:00 pm, with beverages also on sale, and outside food and drink are not allowed. Craft vendors are on site. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is at One Cameron Way, Kahului, and the show is livestreamed on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Who it suits
The organizer calls it one of Maui's favorite family events, and as it is free it suits visitors and residents of any age. It is a good fit for anyone who wants to hear Hawaiian acoustic music played live by established slack key players, and for people who like browsing local arts and crafts between sets. Those off island can follow the livestream.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport OGG.
How do I get to Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival. The nearest major airport is OGG, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
Cost Free for indoor (Castle Theater/McCoy Studio) shows; outdoor events (which the A&B Amphitheater, this festival's venue, would count as) carry a parking charge per the MACC's own site. Per mauiarts.org/parking (official source): complimentary parking applies to indoor Castle Theater/McCoy Studio Theater shows, but outdoor events (A&B Amphitheater, where this festival is held) have a parking charge, specific dollar figure not shown on the static page, confirm via Box Office (808-242-7469) closer to a confirmed date. Overflow parking is available across the street at UH Maui College when the main MACC lot fills (that overflow lot closes 11pm on show nights). ADA parking/blue-curb areas are arranged in advance through the Box Office.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at OGG
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Kahului. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
130 West Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMid-range hotels 3
170 W Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates100 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates532 Keolani Place, Kahului, HI 96732
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirbnb & private camping
Maui-wide Airbnb inventory is large and well-documented as having strong seasonal surge pricing generally (a well-known statewide pattern).
Search AirbnbHipcamp has a genuine, confirmed presence on Maui (Camp Maui X in Wailuku, Secluded Upcountry Maui Camping in Makawao, Eco Camp Maui in Haiku, and roughly 10 glamping listings from ~$70/night), none within walking distance of Kahului/MACC, but a realistic car-hire-adjacent alternative for attendees combining the festival with a wider Maui trip.
Search HipcampSearch all hotels near A&B Amphitheater, Maui Arts & Cultural…
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
Got fresher info? Tell us, a real person checks every tip, and we love fresh info.
Quick answers
When is Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival 2027?
Jun 27, 2027
How much are Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is Kī Hōʻalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival held?
A&B Amphitheater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului, HI.