Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i was launched in 2009, and held at the Kaka’ako Waterfront Park where the Ehime Maru memorial was peacefully laid to rest. Its passionate mission was to further strenghen the Hawai’i-Japan friendship. In 2010, the event was awarded of a certificate of appreciation both from the State of Hawai’i and City of Honolulu. Then, in 2013, the 5th annual Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i grew by leaps and bounds as a number of famous guest performers from around the world were invited to perform. As a result, the annual event grew to a massive celebration of ukulele music and has been recognized as a week-long of “Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Week.” The event continues to go strong, and will be celebrating its 10th year in 2018. Visitors come from all over the world including mainland US, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, and Australia to participate in this celebration. Backed with the full support of the local ukulele industry and musicians, Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i continues to spread the “Aloha” spirit every year with every breath sung and every string strummed. The one-day event now draws 5000 to 6000 visitors every year.
Proceeds from the Picnic will benefit the ‘UKULELE FOUNDATION OF HAWAI’I, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose primary objective is to support music in education, as well as various charities and the arts in Hawai’i, Japan and around the world, through collective interest and awareness of the ‘ukulele. The mission of the Foundation is to establish an ‘Ukulele Museum that will facilitate social, educational and cultural activities in a friendly environment that perpetuates the happiness and joy that the ‘ukulele creates.