
You ask. We answer.
A couple of readers wrote, lamenting that they couldn’t attend Jack Johnson's Kokua Festival shows in Waikiki this weekend.
This
is the fifth-annual go-round of Johnson’s music festival, happening
this Saturday and Sunday at the Waikiki Shell. Johnson, Dave Matthews
and Tim Reynolds headline, with Mason Jennings and Hawaii acts Paula
Fuga and Go Jimmy Go as support.
Tickets for the fest sold out
mere hours after going on sale in February. We’re sad for our readers
that, unlike previous years, this year’s concerts won’t be streamed
live on the Web.
Ally Estrada of Wichita, Kansas, asked which
music acts had played each Kokua Festival, and whether we thought
attending next year was worth a trip to Hawaii.
Let's answer those two questions in reverse order, Ally.
We
think exploring the scenic wonders, cultures, food, activities and
everything else we have to offer in Hawaii is always worth a visit, period. However, as
long-term residents, we may be biased.
You might also be swayed by
the fact that all the cash (minus Ticketmaster fees) goes to the
Kokua
Hawaii Foundation—the nonprofit founded by Johnson and his wife Kim to
support Hawaii-based environmental education programs.
Hope that helps, Ally.

The
four words of advice you really need if you want to go to Kokua
Festival 2009, tho? BUY. TICKETS. RIGHT. AWAY. We're talking the-minute-they-go-on-sale.
We'll post the date as soon as we know.
And here’s the answer to your first question, Ally. Jack, no surprise, played every one of the fests.
Kokua Festival 2007April 21 & 22 @ The Waikiki ShellEddie Vedder, Ernie Cruz Jr., Matt Costa, The Girlas
Kokua Festival 2006April 19 @ Maui Arts & Cultural Center, April 22 @ The Waikiki ShellWillie
Nelson & The Planetary Bandits, Ben Harper, Henry Kapono, Paula
Fuga & The One Love Ohana Band, Animal Liberation Orchestra
Kokua Festival 2005April 13 @ Maui Arts & Cultural Center, April 16 @ The Waikiki ShellJackson Browne, John Cruz, Ozomatli, G. Love & The Special Sauce, Kawika Kahiapo & Kaukahi
Kokua Festival 2004
January 3 @ Blaisdell Arena (original location at Kualoa Ranch was rained out)Amy Hanaialii Gilliom & Willie K, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Makana, DJ Logic
For more Kokua Festival information, click
here.
Photo of Jack Johnson and Eddie Vedder at Kokua Festival 2007: Associated Press