Hawaii Songwriting Festival Closes with All-Star Concert on September 12
The Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival will finish its three‑day run on September 12 with a single‑night concert featuring a roster of well‑known songwriters. The show will begin at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast.
The event is billed as a “songwriters‑in‑the‑round” performance, a stripped‑back format that allows the writers to play their own songs and share the stories behind them. Attendees will hear the musicians behind hits such as Phillip Phillips’ “Home,” Post Malone’s “Goodbyes,” and Shaboozey’s “My Fault.” The lineup includes:
Kristian Bush, member of the country duo Sugarland Greg Holden, co‑writer of “Home” for Phillip Phillips Lehua Kalima of Nā Leo Pilimehana John Cruz Garrison Starr, known for “Better Thing Coming” J. Lauryn, co‑writer of “Goodbyes” for Post Malone and Young Thug Bailey Bryan, co‑writer of “My Fault” for Shaboozey featuring Noah Cyrus Zach Sorgen * Jordyn Dodd
The concert will also feature select attendees of the festival’s music‑industry conference, giving the audience a behind‑the‑scenes look at the creative process.
Tickets are on sale now. Prices range from $25 to $50, and children ten years old and younger enter free. The festival website lists the event as the closing highlight of the conference, which ran from September 10 to 12.
The Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival is an annual gathering that brings songwriters, artists, producers, licensing agencies, and music supervisors together. Over the three days, participants can attend small workshops, panel discussions, open‑mic sessions, and speed‑mentoring sessions. The program is designed to help writers of all experience levels learn about current industry trends and build connections that can advance their careers locally and beyond.
The Westin Hāpuna Ballroom, the venue for the finale, is a spacious setting on the Kohala Coast. The resort’s location on the island’s northern shore provides a scenic backdrop for the event.
According to the festival’s official website, the concert is a “must‑see” for music fans who want to hear the writers perform their own material in an intimate setting. The event is also intended to showcase new music and give attendees insight into the songwriting process.
The festival’s 2026 edition follows the same format used in previous years, where the final night is a showcase of the writers who have participated in the conference. The event is part of a broader effort to support the local music community and promote songwriting as a craft.
For more information about the conference schedule, ticketing, and the final concert, visitors can consult the Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival website.
The festival’s closing concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. on September 12, 2026, at the Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort Ballroom. Tickets are available in two price tiers, and children under ten enter free. The event will feature a lineup of established songwriters who have written for well‑known artists, offering fans a chance to hear the songs in a new context and learn the stories behind them.
The Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival’s three‑day conference provides local music entrepreneurs with opportunities to collaborate with and learn from more than 40 mentors, including songwriters, artists, producers, licensing agencies, and music supervisors. The program includes workshops, panels, open‑mic performances, and speed‑mentoring sessions aimed at helping participants develop their craft and gain industry knowledge.
The final concert is the culmination of the festival’s efforts to bring together a community of writers and industry professionals. It offers a unique opportunity for Hawaiʻi’s musicians—both seasoned and emerging—to connect with top talent and gain exposure to national and international audiences.
The Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival’s official website lists the final concert as a highlight of the event, and tickets are currently on sale. The festival’s organizers encourage fans to secure seats early, as the venue’s capacity is limited.
The event will conclude the festival’s three‑day run, which began on September 10 and will end on September 12. The festival’s website provides additional details about the conference and the finale concert, as well as a link to purchase tickets.
The Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival’s final concert is a key moment for the island’s music community, bringing together a diverse group of songwriters and industry professionals in a setting that encourages collaboration and learning.