Southern California Slack Key Festival

Celebrating the Legacy of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar & Music

Kala Koa Entertainment celebrates 18 years of bringing the biggest and brightest names in Hawaiian music, taking fans on a Hawaiian musical journey showcasing GRAMMY-winning and Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) award-winning Hawaiian kiho’alu guitarists,along with vocal and hula performances and supporting musicians.

Hawaiian Slack Key guitar (ki ho`alu) is one of the world’s great acoustic guitar traditions.

Slack Key guitar is a Hawaiian fingerstyle guitar technique that originated in the 19th century when European sailors and Latin American cattlemen brought guitars to Hawaii which the Hawaiians then adapted to their traditional songs, by "slacking" the strings (the term "slack key" comes from the Hawaiian phrase k? h??alu, which means "loosen the [tuning] key"). The resulting lush, resonant, open sound is instantly identifiable as Hawaiian and guaranteed to transport the listener back to the islands. 

It's the biggest Hawaiian music event of the year! Played from the heart and soul and flowing with vivid tropical images, Hawaiian ki ho'alu (slack key) is one of the great acoustic guitar traditions of the world. 

Discover Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Music and Traditions

Kings, cattle and cowboys: Read about the fascinating history of Hawaiian ki ho'alu guitar and the musical pioneers who helped shape its sound and legacy. 

Island Marketplace

Browse a variety of island themed gifts, art, handmade crafts, home decor, accessories & apparel. Enjoy Hawaiian plate lunches, authentic island-style shave ice and goodies. 

Island Fair: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center 11am-4pm

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