HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Roy Sakuma, founder of the world’s first and longest-running ukulele festival, will be inducted into the Ukulele Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 27, during the International Ukulele Festival of Hawaii at Kapiolani Park.
Sakuma is being honored for his dedication to promoting and preserving the ukulele for more than 50 years.
His efforts include founding the Ukulele Festival Hawaii, teaching tens of thousands of students at the Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios, and mentoring aspiring musicians.
He has also contributed significantly through charitable work.
The induction ceremony will add Sakuma to a prestigious list of honorees, including King David Kalakaua, Herb Ohta, Sam Kamaka Jr., Fred Kamaka Sr., and Eddie Kamae.
A full list of past inductees can be found here.
Although the Ukulele Festival Hawaii held its final festival in 2022 after 52 successful years, it continues its mission to support ukulele education and events across Hawaii and beyond.
The organization maintains an annual scholarship program and promotes interest in the ukulele through various projects.
The event is scheduled to take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27 with a Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studio performance with Keiki, another performance by Jake Shimabukuro and finally at 3:25 p.m. the Ukulele Hall of Fame Ceremony.
Attendees can experience the event at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand.