News

Chairman's Reports Now Available

01/29/2025 - Chairman's Reports are presented at every HIMELE board meeting and summarized as a regular feature in Steel Trappings, the electronic publication of HIMELE. These reports recap activities and events that HIMELE and/or its chairman have been involved with since the prior board meeting and can be obtained by clicking on the "Chairman's Reports" button, above.

2024 Event Recap and 2025 Plans

12/29/2024 - The annual message to HIMELE supporters recapping HIMELE activities during 2024 and plans for 2025 activities is available here or by clicking on the "Annual Activity Recap" button, above.

Friends of HIMELE

10/29/2024 - A new section has been added to HIMELE's website. Friends of HIMELE recognizes and honors those individuals who have contributed selflessly over the years towards HIMELE's events and activities. These are volunteers who have devoted their time, energy, and resources in support of HIMELE's mission to promote and support Hawaiian music, culture, and the Hawaiian steel guitar.

HIMELE Announces Affiliation with Outrigger Resorts

02/11/2024 - HIMELE announces its affiliation with Outrigger Resorts for some Hawaiian Steel Guiitar festivals. The partnership began in 2023 with the Kona Steel Guitar Festival at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa in Keauhou, Hawai‘i. Subsequent to that, Outrigger Resorts acquired the former Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel on Maui and the Kaua‘i Beach Resort and Spa on Kaua‘i. Outrigger resorts has agreed to host the Maui Steel Guitar Festival at its rebranded Outrigger Ka‘anapali Beach Resort and the Kaua‘i Steel Guitar Festival at the rebranded Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort and Spa.

Due to the destruction of the Lahaina wildfires and ongoing rebuilding efforts, HIMELE and the Outrigger Ka‘anapali Beach Resort have collectively decided to postpone a full festival until 2025 or later. As expected, "My time and focus have been spent a little more in the present vs long term as I am sure you can understand," says Mike Masterson, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Maui property.

HIMELE is looking at an early May date for the Kaua"i Steel Guitar Festival. Discussions are ongoing to finalize details.