Ki Ho'Alu

Slack Key Guitar is a unique form of music found only in the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian name for this music is called, Ki Ho'Alu, which literally means loosen the keys. This unique style of music was developed when guitars were brought to Hawai'i by the Spanish Vaqueros in 1832

In 1832, King Kamehameha III, hired Spanish Vaqueros from Mexico to help manage the wild cattle roaming the Hawaiian Islands. The Vaqueros brought their guitars with them and the Hawaiians loved the music. Just like when the Portuguese brought their 4 stringed guitar like instruments called the Braguinho to Hawai'i, the Ukulele, like the guitar was adopted as mainstream Hawaiian music. The Hawaiians used the six string guitar and invented string tunings that developed into a unique form of music called Slack Key.


Today, we celebrate Slack Key Guitar in Hawai'i with festivals all across Hawaii. This celebration of Slack Key Guitar took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Keauhou, on the Big Island of Hawai'i. The music is beautiful like the Hawaiian language.



The festivals are more than just music, it's also about food. With good music, you need good food. With Slack Key Hawaiian music, you need good Hawaiian food. Lomi Lomi Salmon, Kalua Pork, Lau Lau, Teri Yaki Mahi Mahi, Fried Rice, Huli Huli Chicken, Haupia and much, much more. You will not go home hungry.

Aloha