Ukulele musician Jake Shimabukuro will perform at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for his Holidays In Hawaiʻi concert. The show features a mix of seasonal music and selections from his new holiday album, with Shimabukuro joined by bassist Jackson Waldhoff and singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young. The performance combines pieces from the new album with improvisation, offering both a holiday celebration and a showcase of Shimabukuro’s musical style.
Showtime, Tickets and Pre-Show Fun
Holidays In Hawaiʻi will take place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the MACC’s Castle Theater, with tickets priced from $37 to $97 and a limited number of $137 premium seats, according to GoHawaii. The concert is part of the MACC’s Hoʻonanea series, which often includes pre-show courtyard vendors and arts displays, as noted by the venue. Attendees are advised to check with the MACC box office for will-call information and parking guidance before traveling to Kahului.
New Holiday Album and Star-Studded Guests
This year, Shimabukuro released his first holiday album, Tis The Season. The official track listing includes contributions from Yo-Yo Ma, Michael McDonald, Paula Fuga, Kimié Miner, Ana Vee, Pure Heart, and the late Jimmy Buffett, as per tha Jake Shimabukuro Store. The album combines Shimabukuro’s instrumental performances with vocal and instrumental guest features: Yo-Yo Ma plays cello on “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” Michael McDonald appears on an instrumental version of “Winter Wonderland,” and Justin Kawika Young provides vocals on several tracks. These collaborations are expected to shape the arrangements for the live performance in Kahului.
Ambient Experiments and Forest Recordings
He also recorded native birds and other environmental sounds for a project called Sounds of Hakalau, capturing the sounds live in the studio rather than adding them as background effects, according to Maui News. These quieter, experimental projects accompany his holiday work and highlight a more meditative side of his music.
Local Voices and a Longer Island Run
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On stage in Kahului, Justin Kawika Young is expected to perform the vocal parts he recorded for the holiday album and include a few of his own originals, such as One Foot on Sand and Many Feathers, as reported by Maui Now. The MACC calendar also lists The Allman Betts Band for March 21, 2026, which could indicate a return for Shimabukuro to the Castle Theater next spring. Fans seeking tickets are advised to check the MACC box office and online listings for current availability and will-call details.
