Kapena at Waikiki Shell

Summer Festival 2025 : Kapena & The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra

Us here at the Waikīkī Shell in Honolulu, Hawai‘i are thrilled to welcome the local legends Kapena to the stage this summer for an unforgettable night under the stars — and this time, they’re backed by none other than the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra for a once-in-a-lifetime collaborative performance! Truly an unmissable one! All right here for Honolulu's 2025 Summer Festival! On Friday, July 25th, we’ll get the rare chance to experience one of the most beloved names in island music reimagined through full symphonic sound. This is a hometown celebration you do not want to miss.

Kapena is, quite simply, Hawai‘i music royalty. Born out of a high school talent competition in 1984 and led by frontman Kelly Boy! De Lima, Kapena has spent the last 40 years carving out a sound that bridges generations — blending traditional Hawaiian, reggae, pop, and rock into one infectious style that’s become the soundtrack to family BBQs, backyard kanikapilas, and big arena shows around the globe that include thousands of screaming fans and reggae ragers like ourselves. With countless Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards under their belt, a deep discography of hits like Masese, Tropical Lady, and Blue Darling, and a reputation for absolutely bringing that energy to every live show they have — they’ve earned their spot as icons in the local music scene and then some. And now, they’re taking things to a whole new level. Pairing with the Hawai‘i Symphony — one of the finest orchestras in the Pacific Ocean — this concert will breathe new life into all the songs we’ve all grown up with in the Kapena catalogue. Expect big string swells, reimagined harmonies, and arrangements that honor the original music while elevating it in ways you’ve never heard before.

It’s a perfect storm: one of Hawaii's most legendary groups performing at one of the island’s most iconic venues, with the full force of the Symphony behind them. You can already hear the crowd singing along. You can already smell the ocean breeze.

So, we’ll keep it straight for y’all — this might be the most magical night of the summer. So go ahead, grab your tickets early, and meet us at the Shell on July 25th. We’ll be dancing, swaying, and celebrating four decades of Kapena — the only way we know how: island style, all the way.