Hawai'i Songwriting Festival: A Songwriter's Home Away from Home

Founded in 2002 as the Kaua'i Music Festival, the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival has evolved into a respected destination for songwriters seeking mentorship, education, and meaningful industry connections. After operating on Kaua'i for twelve years, the nonprofit organization relocated to Hawaii's Big Island in 2015, where it continues its mission to foster musical collaboration and professional development.

The festival represents a deliberate alternative to massive, impersonal songwriting conferences. Capped at just 200 attendees, the event prioritizes intimate networking and relationship-building over scale. This deliberate sizing creates an environment where "amateurs, professionals, and everyone in between can develop meaningful relationships through the one thing that unites us all: music." The organization emphasizes that "the panels, workshops, and speed mentoring sessions are valuable to anyone in the industry, not just songwriters," welcoming lyricists, composers, producers, managers, publishers, and licensing representatives.

Core Programming and Activities

The three-day festival features a carefully curated program structure. Speed mentoring sessions provide 15-minute one-on-one meetings with "carefully chosen" mentors who "want to give back to the songwriting community." Small-group songwriting workshops limited to 10-15 people allow attendees to share work and receive collaborative feedback. Panel discussions and seminars cover essential professional topics including music publishing, licensing, film/television/advertising composition, artist development strategies, and recording production methods.

Beyond structured programming, the festival includes a Saturday night concert, open mic performances, and ample informal networking time. Lunch is provided with conference registration, and participants benefit from free valet parking at the resort (with cash tips of $5-10 recommended).

The Big Island Experience

Held at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort in Waikoloa, the festival combines professional development with access to Hawaii's natural and cultural treasures. Attendees have free time to explore volcanic landscapes, snorkel, scuba dive, participate in zipline canopy tours, hike to waterfalls, and visit historic Hawaiian cultural sites. The "relaxed island atmosphere" encourages informal networking that extends beyond conference sessions, with many participants forming lasting creative partnerships and friendships.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

The festival welcomes songwriters across all genres—rock, pop, R&B, country, urban, contemporary Hawaiian, and beyond—and at all experience levels, from hobbyists beginning their songwriting journey to established professionals. The organization notes that minors under 18 or high school students must attend with a chaperone. Day passes are available for those unable to commit to the full three-day experience, increasing accessibility for local participants or those with scheduling constraints.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization embodies its stated mission: developing, supporting, sharing, and promoting education and collaboration among musicians and music professionals through the Aloha spirit.