Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival draws a crowd

WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT – The melodic sound of ukuleles were heard throughout Waikoloa Resort for the 16th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival on Saturday.

Roy and Kathy Sakuma presented a free ukulele workshop geared to students of all skill levels. Roy taught students with a combination of wit and heartfelt personal stories. Students were invited to join him on stage to perform songs they just learned.

East Anchorage High School Ukulele “Thunderbirds” Orchestra made the trip to the Big Island to attend the festival so students could “see the roots of the ukulele” according to teacher Kiel Schweizer. “We have lots of Pacific Islanders in our class. It’s good to be exposed to the culture.” Schweitzer added the high school holds the distinction of being the most culturally diverse school in the nation.

“They sold lots of popcorn to get here” laughed Schweizer.

HPA sponsored the students who stayed at the Waimea school’s dorm.

The orchestra performed their unique style for students at HPA and Parker School in between beach time.

The school performed twice at the festival joining popular musicians Taimane, Ohta-san, Brittni Paiva, Brian Vasquez and many more on three stages at the Queens’ MarketPlace and King’s Shops.