Hawaii Songwriting Festival Closes with All-Star Concert on September 12
The Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival will wrap up its three‑day run on September 12 with a single‑night showcase that brings together a constellation of celebrated songwriters. The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. in the Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort Ballroom, a spacious venue on the Kohala Coast that blends a grassy courtyard with an ocean‑view breezeway.
Tickets are on sale now, priced between $25 and $50, with a premium option that includes a backstage pass and a signed set list. Children ten years old and younger enter free, a policy that encourages family participation.
The finale adopts a Nashville‑style “songwriters‑in‑the‑round” format, letting performers and audience share the stage in an intimate setting. The bill reads like a who’s‑who of the craft: Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Greg Holden—co‑writer of Phillip Phillips’ 2012 hit “Home”—and Lehua Kalima of Nā Leo Pilimehana. Other names include John Cruz, Garrison Starr (known for “Better Thing Coming”), J. Lauryn (writer of “Goodbyes” for Post Malone and Young Thug), Bailey Bryan (“My Fault” for Shaboozey featuring Noah Cyrus), Zach Sorgen, and Jordyn Dodd. Selected participants from the festival’s concurrent music‑industry conference will also share the stories behind their songs.
From September 10 to 12, the festival’s conference has offered local musicians and emerging songwriters the chance to learn from more than 40 mentors—songwriters, producers, licensing agencies and music supervisors. Sessions cover songwriting technique, industry trends and career development, and participants can attend workshops, panel discussions, open‑mic performances and speed‑mentoring sessions designed to build connections and provide hands‑on experience.
Ticketing details are available on the Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival website. General admission costs $25, while the premium tier, which includes backstage access and a signed set list, is $50. Children aged ten and under attend free, a move that has broadened the event’s appeal.
The Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort Ballroom has long hosted conferences and concerts, and its layout supports an intimate, round‑table stage that brings performers close to the audience. As of today, September 11, 2026, tickets remain available and the event is scheduled to proceed as announced.
