ABOUT
No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival, A unique event designed to bring top performing songwriters from Nashville and beyond to entertain by performing their hit songs and share the stories behind the songs. Intimate settings, many free shows.
About Lele Aloha Foundation
The Lele Aloha Foundation embodies a commitment to Hawaii's rich genealogy, safeguarding land, ocean, and water resources, and fostering robust communities, starting with Lahaina. Led by Archie Kalepa, a revered waterman, lifeguard, and iconic surfer, the foundation champions collective healing and Lahaina's recovery journey. Archie, a steward of the community, spearheads initiatives to address housing challenges, enabling displaced Lahaina 'Ohana to reclaim their homes.
Through advocacy and action, Lele Aloha amplifies the voices of the community, advocating for sustainable practices and cultural preservation. By honoring tradition while embracing innovation, the foundation serves as a beacon of hope, weaving together the past, present, and future to build a healthier, more resilient Lahaina and beyond.
About the Maui Family YMCA Music Programs
Unlock the melody of possibility with the No Ka 'Oi Songwriters Festival, where music becomes a lifeline for Maui's youth. By supporting the festival, you're harmonizing with a cause that resonates deeply, benefiting the Maui Family YMCA Music Programs.
Danny Goodfellow, fueled by his love for music, has embarked on a mission to enrich the Maui community through music. Upon initiating discussions with the Maui Family YMCA, he proposed the establishment of music programs for local children. To date, over 542 ukulele and piano lessons have already struck a chord with elementary school children in after-school and Lahaina day camp programs. Additionally, ongoing music tutelage embraces over 100 eager learners, both young and old.
Equipped with 25 ukuleles, 16 keyboard stations, and computers, the YMCA Music Programs boast a dedicated staff of teachers offering continuous music education now spanning both children and adults. Danny's vision has thus transformed into a reality, nurturing musical talents, and fostering community engagement.
Learning an instrument at a tender age orchestrates numerous benefits: fostering discipline, enhancing cognitive skills, boosting confidence, and nurturing a lifelong love for music. Join us in composing a symphony of change—one note at a time.
Proceeds from the festival support two organizations doing transformative work on the island:
Lele Aloha Foundation, led by Lahaina-born waterman Archie Kalepa, is providing direct aid including housing solutions and essential supplies and support for families affected by the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
Maui Family YMCA Music Programs have delivered more than 600 free music lessons in piano and ukulele—thanks in part to the festival’s contributions of instruments, instructors, and operational support.
“Music is powerful but pairing it with purpose is where the real magic happens,” says festival co-founder Danny Goodfellow. “This is more than a festival—it’s a cultural bridge between Nashville and Maui, and a way to give back to a community that inspires us.”
The festival is presented by the Heart and Hook Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is made possible through the support of Warner Chappell Music, Grand Wailea Resort, The D&C Goodfellow Foundation, TAG Group, HD Radio, Countryline TV, The BIG 615, Doric, Inc., and the Wailea Resort Association.