Laupāhoehoe Music Festival Returns March 7 to Support School, Train Museum

Laupāhoehoe Train Museum will host the paniolo-themed Laupāhoehoe Music Festival at Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., raising funds for Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School (LCPCS) and the museum’s programs. Online advance tickets are $15 at laupahoehoemusicfestival.org, gate admission will be $20 cash, and keiki 10 and under get in free; organizers warn it is a cash-only event due to limited cell service.

The daylong lineup features a mix of Hawaiian and paniolo-focused performances, line dancing, and student showcases. Big Island Now notes “Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award‑winning artists Kalaʻe and Kalena” will perform, and the festival bill includes LCPCS kumu Todd Otake — also billed as Todd with the Crooked Hat — and his LCPCS music students. Additional acts listed on the festival page include Eʻelele Tiana, Kūhiō Travis, Hālau Ha’a Kea O Nā Wai Hua Lani, Chase Wood, and Tommy Hanohano and Friends, with programming described as a “boot-stomping good time.”

Beyond music, organizers say the festival will host local food vendors, craft booths, games, and line dancing throughout the day; the schedule lists continuous family-friendly performances and community activities. The festival’s social post urges attendees: “Grab your tickets online now for $15 on our website (they’ll be $20 cash at the gate) … Don’t sleep on the Silent Auction 👀 … Every bid helps support programs at LCPCS.” Silent-auction items will be available for in-person bidding only, and the festival has confirmed gift-certificate donors including Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Botanical World Adventures, and Hilo Bike Hub.

Organizers set clear event policies for safety and logistics: the festival will run rain or shine, is drug- and alcohol-free, and prohibits coolers and dogs. The festival page also posts a “quick checklist” for attendees: “Bring your chairs or blankets, sun protection, and definitely cash — this is a cash-only event due to limited cell service. We’re rain or shine, drug and alcohol free, and can’t wait to see you there!”

Local businesses and community partners backing the festival include Walters Electric; C & A Generator Services, INC; Niki Hubbard – Loan Officer with Pacific Isle Lending Group, LLC; Papaaloa Country Store & Cafe; Walmart; Pacific Media Group; DD Ranch Services; Mango Tree Events; Rosie Rainbow Ranch; and Ron Rigg with Coldwell Banker Island Properties. For ticketing and event questions, contact Doug Connors at the Laupāhoehoe Train Museum, (808) 962-6300, or visit laupahoehoemusicfestival.org. Proceeds from admissions, vendor sales, and the silent auction will support LCPCS programs and continued operations at the Laupāhoehoe Train Museum.