Join us for an evening of melody, morsels, and mixology! Under the direction of Maestro Joseph Stepec, enjoy Youth Symphony I (YSI), Hawai‘i’s premier youth orchestra of 80+ students representing 20 schools and homeschool programs across the state, who will fill the beautiful Halekulani Garden Courtyard with unforgettable music. As the sun sets over Waikīkī, you’ll love exquisite hors d’oeuvres from Halekulani’s award-winning culinary team. And don’t miss the specialty cocktails and mocktails their bartenders have masterfully crafted solely for our 62nd season. 

Whether you’re a lover of music or looking for a unique night out, this event has something special for everyone. Come celebrate with us and experience Hawaiʻi’s top student musicians in one of the most beautiful venues on the island, all in support of our vision of a Hawai‘i where Music Is A Right.

Your Support of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony

When you attend He Makana O Nā Mele, you’re helping the Hawai’i Youth Symphony share the joy of music throughout our entire community, beyond just our students and our programs. Your support allows us to keep the majority of our concerts free to the public all year long, giving everyone access to high-quality live music regardless of their ability to pay.

We’re especially proud of our Side-by-Side Concert initiatives, where our passionate students perform alongside professional musicians, bringing world-class performances to our community at no cost. Our Listen & Learn Concerts take this mission even further, offering educational musical experiences directly to schools and kūpuna care centers across the islands. And through our Harmonizing Intergenerational Engagement (HIE) initiative, HYS students bring live chamber music to kūpuna in senior communities, building meaningful connections across generations while developing compassionate, community-minded musicians. Your attendance at our Sunset Soirée helps make all of this possible!

Extend Your Evening Out

The night doesn’t have to end there. For a full evening supporting music education throughout Hawai‘i, our full event – He Makana O Na Mele: The Gift of Music – features a fine-dining dinner and a show! Enjoy a three-course meal crafted by Executive Chef Shadon Sato, as well as music by special guest Maggie Herron with a chamber ensemble featuring Youth Symphony I strings and Jazz I students.