Alan Akaka demonstrates Hawaiian steel guitar technique. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALAN AKAKA.

KAANAPALI – The seventh annual Maui Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival will be held on April 24-26 at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

Presented by the nonprofit Arts Education for Children Group and produced by Ke Kula Mele Hawaiian School of Music, this three-day event brings together master steel guitar players and aficionados from around the world for a celebration of the music created on the Hawaiian steel guitar.

The festival is free and open to the public. It features performances, presentations, workshops and kani ka pila (jam sessions) focused on the Hawaiian steel guitar and its importance in the Hawaiian music genre.

In addition, an ongoing series of cultural activities (such as hula, lei making and ukulele instruction) takes place throughout the weekend.

Master steel players headlining this year’s festival include Alan Akaka, Jeff Au Hoy, Kiyoshi “Lion” Kobayashi from Japan, Eddie Palama, Ed Punua, Owana Salazar, Greg Sardinha and Maui steel guitarists Ross Ka’a’a, Joel Katz and Geri Valdriz.

Preceding the festival, on Wednesday and Thursday, April 22-23, two of Hawaii’s great steel guitar masters, Alan Akaka and Greg Sardinha, are conducting Hawaiian Steel Guitar Camp. Campers have an option of attending one day at $75 or both days for $100. To encourage students to participate in the camp, scholarships are available. For more information, and to register, visit www.hawaiiansteelguitarcamp.com.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.mauisteelguitarfestival.com, find the event on Facebook or call (808) 283-3576.