Catch Henry Kapono and other legends in September concerts

The Henry Kapono Foundation has launched its Home in the Islands Music Festival, which includes more than 50 live events across the islands featuring musical legends and rising stars this month.

In addition to events such as Duke’s on Sundays which feature Kapono and friends, there will also be a series of concerts that put the spotlight on up-and-coming singers and musicians. These artists are part of the foundation’s On the Rise program, which launches the careers of young entertainers based in Hawaiʻi through professional shows, mentorship, masterclasses and publicity opportunities.

The legendary singer and songwriter Henry Kapono, who founded the foundation, performed for many years with Cecilio David Rodriguez, before launching a solo career. Now, he performs regularly from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Duke’s Waikīkī as part of a series Duke’s on Sunday. For the last hour of each performance, music is livestreamed on Facebook. The Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist just released the extended play “Summertime,” on July 11, and has several upcoming performances on Oʻahu.

“Home in the Islands isn’t just a festival – it’s a movement,” said Kapono, in a written statement. “It’s about celebrating the music, people and spirit of Hawai‘i, while creating opportunities for musicians to build fulfilling careers here at home or abroad – by choice, not necessity.” 

The foundation was created in 2018. The Home in the Islands Music Festival launched in 2025. Some of the upcoming music festival events include performances by On the Rise artists at Duke’s Waikīkī on Oʻahu; Don’s Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant on Hawaiʻi Island; and Duke’s Beach House Maui, among other locations. Seveal involve group performances, including these events:

Saturday, Sept. 13: On the Rise singers and musicians will perfom at the Center Stage at Ala Moana Center to celebrate the release of their “On the Rise” CD. Performances run from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 17: Kapono joins Steven Kealohapauʻole Hong-Ming Wong, known as Kealoha, the first poet laureate of Hawaiʻi, to present “The Wild Hawaiian. ” The album mixes ʻŌleleo Hawaiʻi and traditional oli with electric guitar and rock rhythms. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Mānoa Valley Theatre. Get tickets.

Saturday, Sept. 20: The foundation will also host its inaugural In the Key of Aloha fundraiser gala, which features Kapono, Jerry Santos, Brother Noland, Kimié Miner, Tavana, and artists from the On the Rise program at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. Get tickets.

Read the full list of events.  

Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.