Mission Statement:
Ukulele Festival Hawaii is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization established in 2004 by Roy and Kathy Sakuma who have dedicated their life's work to preserving interest and spreading the joy of the ukulele through free ukulele festivals, lessons, community events, college scholarships and the donation of ukulele to the underprivileged.
Ukulele Festival Hawaii's biggest contribution is the presentation of free annual ukulele festivals on Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. Approximately 20,000 locals and tourists enjoy the festivals that last about 5 hours each and where 100 ukulele are given away. Performers include ukulele artists and celebrities from Hawaii and the world including Japan, Canada, England, Guam, the mainland U.S. and an ukulele band of over 800, mostly children. Grammy Award pop singer, James Ingram and Jack Johnson have highlighted the festivals. Jazz saxophonist Gabe Baltazar, Santana's bass player Benny Rietveld, drummer Noel Okimoto and the late jazz guitarist Howard Roberts have guest appeared with the Festival's ukulele band. The ukulele unites everyone in friendship and appreciation by the simple and pure melodies of this remarkable instrument.
Although Ukulele Festival Hawaii was established in 2004, Roy Sakuma organized the 1st Annual Ukulele Festival in 1971 while a maintenance worker for the City and County of Honolulu. Today, the annual Ukulele Festival on Oahu is the largest international ukulele festival of its kind in the world bringing laughter, love and hope.
