FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I do when I first arrive at the festival?
Our registration table will be set up outside of the Main Ballroom. Please pick up your name badge there (must be worn at all times during the entire festival) Your badge is your ticket into the concert on Saturday and all evening events on other nights. You also need to be wearing your badge to get into songwriting workshops and panel discussions, speed mentoring, and to pick up your lunch.
I’m not a songwriter, but I work in the music industry (or want to work in the music industry) as a producer, manager, publisher, licensing rep, etc. Should I register for the festival?
Yes! While the majority of our attendees are songwriters, we welcome attendees from all areas of the music industry. The panels, workshops, and speed mentoring sessions are valuable to anyone in the industry, not just songwriters. Plus, the networking opportunities are great for all!
I write lyrics, but not music. Should I register for the festival?
Yes! You can get feedback on your lyrics and, importantly, will have lots of networking opportunities to meet new people to collaborate with. There are lots of songwriters and producers looking for lyricists, and vice versa! Come improve your craft and grow your network.
I am part of a duo or group, do we all need to register to attend or can we share the registration?
Each person who plans to actively participate in the festival must register individually and have an attendee badge.
I am a parent/guardian of a minor attendee, do I need to register as an attendee too?
We require that all minors under 18, or anyone still in high school attend with a chaperone. As a parent/guardian/chaperone of a minor attendee you do not need to pay for an extra registration, we will provide you with a “chaperone” badge. However, if you intend to participate in the workshops, seminars where you play a song on behalf of your child or represent their music in any way, we do ask that you pay for a separate registration. “Momagers” and “Dadagers” should register separately. As a chaperone, you should just be there as an observer and to keep your child safe. Lunch is not included for chaperones, so please plan accordingly.
Are meals included in the cost of registration?
Breakfast and Dinner are not included - click here for Hapuna restaurant options and hours. Lunch is provided with registration (you will submit your lunch order with your registration form).
Where should I park? Is there a fee for parking?
If you're staying at the Westin Hapuna, our understanding is that self-parking and valet are both half-off of the usual $35/night fee.
If you're not staying at the Westin Hapuna overnight, parking is free for the day. You can park in the self-park lot if the gate is lifted, or if the gate is down you can valet at no cost (but please tip your valet, we recommend $5-10 per visit)
What is a speed mentoring session? How do I sign up?
In a speed mentoring session you have an opportunity to spend 15 minutes one-on-one with one of the mentors to play your song, get advice, or even just to introduce yourself and establish a relationship. We will email out a sign-up form a few weeks before the conference, so keep an eye out! Preference will be given in the order that you registered for the conference, so register online early!
What is a breakout songwriting workshop? How do I sign up?
HSF has always had daily songwriting workshops, where 10-15 attendee songwriters are assigned to a group led by 1-2 professional songwriter mentors. Each attendee plays a bit of a song (usually verse and chorus) for feedback from the mentors in front of the group. It's a great way to meet people, hear lots of music, and learn from the feedback the mentors provide to others as well as yourself. NEW THIS YEAR: These workshops were previously randomly assigned, but we're trying something new this year and allowing attendees to sign up for the mentors they prefer to be placed with in these groups. A couple weeks before the conference, we will email a sign up form to all registered attendees to indicate their preference of songwriting mentors. We will assign these workshops based on the order in which you registered, so register early!
Will there be day passes available?
Yes! Available now.
How can I purchase tickets for the Saturday night concert?
Concert tickets can be purchased on our website.
Where should I stay?
We recognize that staying at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort may not work for everybody's budget. There are many other options nearby as well, including hotels, condos, and airbnb/VRBO options in Puako (3 minutes away), Mauna Lani resort area (5 minutes away), Waikoloa resort area (7 minutes away), Waikoloa village (10 minutes away), and Waimea town (15-20 minutes away). We recommend staying at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort if at all possible because lots of networking and the evening events go into the night. It also gives you the opportunity to easily take breaks in the comfort of your own room.
I am traveling from off island/out of state, do I need to rent a car?
Uber/Lyft is NOT reliable on the Big Island, so we suggest you rent a car if you are not staying at the Westin.
I am looking to see if there’s anyone who may be interested in sharing a room with me. Do you have a group where I could post my inquiry?
There is a Facebook group called “Hawaii Songwriting Festival Attendees” where you can post your inquiry.
What is the expected attendance for the festival?
We limit the festival to 200 attendees. The Hawai’i Songwriting Festival is unique from other music conferences because its small size and the relaxed island atmosphere create an intimate experience where amateurs, professionals and everyone in-between can develop meaningful relationships through the one thing that unites us all: music. Our mentors are carefully chosen because they want to give back to the songwriting community and share the knowledge they have. They remember what it was like to be first starting out and want to help our attendees learn from their experiences.
What is there to do when I’m not at the conference?
We strongly recommend that attendees spend as much time as possible hanging out at the Westin Hapuna during the conference. The schedule is packed and in between sessions are valuable networking opportunities as well.
The Big Island of Hawai'i has infinite adventures in store for visitors who want to explore! This beautiful and unique island is overflowing (literally! check out the active Kilauea volcano) with experiences just waiting to be enjoyed by all types of visitors. If you want to relax, head out for a round of golf, lounge on one of many gorgeous sandy beaches, and enjoy delicious island cuisine. Looking for adventure? You can zipline through the tree canopies of Kohala, hike to stunning waterfalls on the Hamakua coast, explore miles of beaches that can only be accessed by foot, dive into Hawai'i's clearest waters for scuba and snorkeling fun, and go night-swimming with manta rays in Kona! Everywhere you go, you will find yourself immersed in Hawaii's traditional and contemporary culture. Check out the ancient Heiau, the Honaunau city of refuge, walk along the King's Trail to find ancient petroglyphs.
Can I sign up to be an exhibitor at the festival?
Please send your inquiry to [email protected]
How can I get informed about future festival dates?
Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on our social media pages.
How can I sign up to volunteer at the festival?
Contact us at [email protected].
How do I submit a song for submission in the songwriting contest?
Instructions will be released on our website as the conference draws near.
How many songs can I play at the open mic?
We ask that each attendee perform one original song at the open mic so that we have time for everyone to participate. We try to let everyone play once before anyone plays again.
What should I bring with me to the festival?
Most people bring their songs on some sort of device so people can easily listen to it. Earphones. Lyric sheets. An instrument - guitars, ukuleles etc. are common. Cards with your contact information. Deodorant - the days are long and it gets hot on the coast! Cash to tip your valet, servers, and bartenders. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a positive attitude!
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
We are very casual and comfortable. No dress code. Something on your feet please. Plan for both hot and humid (outdoors) and air condition (indoors).
What are your Covid/illness protocols?
Although we are not requiring vaccinations or mask-wearing, we are encouraging everyone to think about keeping our event and our island community as safe as possible. If you feel sick, please put on a mask or stay home. If you are in a conversation with someone who is wearing a mask, put a mask on out of respect. Use common courtesy. We will have Covid test kits and masks at the registration table if you need them. There is an Urgent Care facility on the hotel property that can help you if you don’t feel well.
What do I do when I first arrive at the festival?
Our registration table will be set up outside of the Main Ballroom. Please pick up your name badge there (must be worn at all times during the entire festival) Your badge is your ticket into the concert on Saturday and all evening events on other nights. You also need to be wearing your badge to get into songwriting workshops and panel discussions, speed mentoring, and to pick up your lunch.
I’m not a songwriter, but I work in the music industry (or want to work in the music industry) as a producer, manager, publisher, licensing rep, etc. Should I register for the festival?
Yes! While the majority of our attendees are songwriters, we welcome attendees from all areas of the music industry. The panels, workshops, and speed mentoring sessions are valuable to anyone in the industry, not just songwriters. Plus, the networking opportunities are great for all!
I write lyrics, but not music. Should I register for the festival?
Yes! You can get feedback on your lyrics and, importantly, will have lots of networking opportunities to meet new people to collaborate with. There are lots of songwriters and producers looking for lyricists, and vice versa! Come improve your craft and grow your network.
I am part of a duo or group, do we all need to register to attend or can we share the registration?
Each person who plans to actively participate in the festival must register individually and have an attendee badge.
I am a parent/guardian of a minor attendee, do I need to register as an attendee too?
We require that all minors under 18, or anyone still in high school attend with a chaperone. As a parent/guardian/chaperone of a minor attendee you do not need to pay for an extra registration, we will provide you with a “chaperone” badge. However, if you intend to participate in the workshops, seminars where you play a song on behalf of your child or represent their music in any way, we do ask that you pay for a separate registration. “Momagers” and “Dadagers” should register separately. As a chaperone, you should just be there as an observer and to keep your child safe. Lunch is not included for chaperones, so please plan accordingly.
Are meals included in the cost of registration?
Breakfast and Dinner are not included - click here for Hapuna restaurant options and hours. Lunch is provided with registration (you will submit your lunch order with your registration form).
Where should I park? Is there a fee for parking?
If you're staying at the Westin Hapuna, our understanding is that self-parking and valet are both half-off of the usual $35/night fee.
If you're not staying at the Westin Hapuna overnight, parking is free for the day. You can park in the self-park lot if the gate is lifted, or if the gate is down you can valet at no cost (but please tip your valet, we recommend $5-10 per visit)
What is a speed mentoring session? How do I sign up?
In a speed mentoring session you have an opportunity to spend 15 minutes one-on-one with one of the mentors to play your song, get advice, or even just to introduce yourself and establish a relationship. We will email out a sign-up form a few weeks before the conference, so keep an eye out! Preference will be given in the order that you registered for the conference, so register online early!
What is a breakout songwriting workshop? How do I sign up?
HSF has always had daily songwriting workshops, where 10-15 attendee songwriters are assigned to a group led by 1-2 professional songwriter mentors. Each attendee plays a bit of a song (usually verse and chorus) for feedback from the mentors in front of the group. It's a great way to meet people, hear lots of music, and learn from the feedback the mentors provide to others as well as yourself. NEW THIS YEAR: These workshops were previously randomly assigned, but we're trying something new this year and allowing attendees to sign up for the mentors they prefer to be placed with in these groups. A couple weeks before the conference, we will email a sign up form to all registered attendees to indicate their preference of songwriting mentors. We will assign these workshops based on the order in which you registered, so register early!
Will there be day passes available?
Yes! Available now.
How can I purchase tickets for the Saturday night concert?
Concert tickets can be purchased on our website.
Where should I stay?
We recognize that staying at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort may not work for everybody's budget. There are many other options nearby as well, including hotels, condos, and airbnb/VRBO options in Puako (3 minutes away), Mauna Lani resort area (5 minutes away), Waikoloa resort area (7 minutes away), Waikoloa village (10 minutes away), and Waimea town (15-20 minutes away). We recommend staying at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort if at all possible because lots of networking and the evening events go into the night. It also gives you the opportunity to easily take breaks in the comfort of your own room.
I am traveling from off island/out of state, do I need to rent a car?
Uber/Lyft is NOT reliable on the Big Island, so we suggest you rent a car if you are not staying at the Westin.
I am looking to see if there’s anyone who may be interested in sharing a room with me. Do you have a group where I could post my inquiry?
There is a Facebook group called “Hawaii Songwriting Festival Attendees” where you can post your inquiry.
What is the expected attendance for the festival?
We limit the festival to 200 attendees. The Hawai’i Songwriting Festival is unique from other music conferences because its small size and the relaxed island atmosphere create an intimate experience where amateurs, professionals and everyone in-between can develop meaningful relationships through the one thing that unites us all: music. Our mentors are carefully chosen because they want to give back to the songwriting community and share the knowledge they have. They remember what it was like to be first starting out and want to help our attendees learn from their experiences.
What is there to do when I’m not at the conference?
We strongly recommend that attendees spend as much time as possible hanging out at the Westin Hapuna during the conference. The schedule is packed and in between sessions are valuable networking opportunities as well.
The Big Island of Hawai'i has infinite adventures in store for visitors who want to explore! This beautiful and unique island is overflowing (literally! check out the active Kilauea volcano) with experiences just waiting to be enjoyed by all types of visitors. If you want to relax, head out for a round of golf, lounge on one of many gorgeous sandy beaches, and enjoy delicious island cuisine. Looking for adventure? You can zipline through the tree canopies of Kohala, hike to stunning waterfalls on the Hamakua coast, explore miles of beaches that can only be accessed by foot, dive into Hawai'i's clearest waters for scuba and snorkeling fun, and go night-swimming with manta rays in Kona! Everywhere you go, you will find yourself immersed in Hawaii's traditional and contemporary culture. Check out the ancient Heiau, the Honaunau city of refuge, walk along the King's Trail to find ancient petroglyphs.
Can I sign up to be an exhibitor at the festival?
Please send your inquiry to [email protected]
How can I get informed about future festival dates?
Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on our social media pages.
How can I sign up to volunteer at the festival?
Contact us at [email protected].
How do I submit a song for submission in the songwriting contest?
Instructions will be released on our website as the conference draws near.
How many songs can I play at the open mic?
We ask that each attendee perform one original song at the open mic so that we have time for everyone to participate. We try to let everyone play once before anyone plays again.
What should I bring with me to the festival?
Most people bring their songs on some sort of device so people can easily listen to it. Earphones. Lyric sheets. An instrument - guitars, ukuleles etc. are common. Cards with your contact information. Deodorant - the days are long and it gets hot on the coast! Cash to tip your valet, servers, and bartenders. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a positive attitude!
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
We are very casual and comfortable. No dress code. Something on your feet please. Plan for both hot and humid (outdoors) and air condition (indoors).
What are your Covid/illness protocols?
Although we are not requiring vaccinations or mask-wearing, we are encouraging everyone to think about keeping our event and our island community as safe as possible. If you feel sick, please put on a mask or stay home. If you are in a conversation with someone who is wearing a mask, put a mask on out of respect. Use common courtesy. We will have Covid test kits and masks at the registration table if you need them. There is an Urgent Care facility on the hotel property that can help you if you don’t feel well.