For the first time, a four-day Hawaiian music festival will precede the annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards ceremony on May 30.

State tourism officials, along with the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, said today they are looking at the ā Hōkū Hanohano O Hawai‘i Music Festival, May 27-May 30, as a way to increase tourism while also showcasing the state’s best Hawaiian music and artisans.
“We want to elevate the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards to a new level and provide an event that delves deeply into the essence and importance of Hawaiian music,” said Dawn Kaniaupio, a partner in 4 Miles LLC, which is putting on the festival. “We anticipate an attendance of 5,000 people.”
In November, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority earmarked a $150,000 grant to help bring the festival together.
“HTA sees the Nā Hōkū O Hawai’i Music Festival not only as a way to boost travel to Hawai‘i during a typically slower season, but also as way to showcase our talented artisans and musicians on a global scale,” Mike McCartney, president & CEO, Hawaii Tourism Authority stated in the news release. “Through this festival, visitors and residents will have an opportunity to experience and develop a deeper understanding of Hawai‘i’s rich musical and artistic heritage.
Details such as which acts will be playing each day and where haven’t been finalized, but a news conference was held today outlining each day of festival, which will take place at the Hawai’i Convention Center and throughout Waikīkī.
The festival will kick off with an opening-night cocktail party on May 27. Breakout sessions are scheduled throughout each the day with music planned in the evening throughout satellite stages across Waikīkī.
More breakout sessions will take place on the festival’s third day and the Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon will be held. The 2010 Lifetime honorees include Ida Keliʻi Chun, Isaacs Ohana (Alvin Sr., Alvin “Barney” Jr., Norman, and Leland), George Kainapau, Makaha Sons of Niʻihau, and Boyce Rodrigues.
The festival culminates on Day 4 with the 33rd annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the biggest annual entertainment event in Hawai’i. It will be broadcast live in high definition this year, including thre Red Carpet event.