Music and culture will once again unite under the Hawaiian sun as All Nippon Airways (ANA) brings back its celebrated ʻAha Mele festival to Honolulu from November 19–22, 2025. The festival will feature a dynamic blend of Japanese and Hawaiian talent, environmental initiatives, and community engagement, continuing ANA’s tradition of showcasing the deep bonds between Hawaii and Japan.
Locals and visitors can look forward to world-class performances, cultural exchanges, and the warmth of aloha that defines the festival. This year’s event highlights the return of world-renowned pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, who will perform alongside his closest musical collaborators and for the first time with beloved Hawaiian vocalist Raiatea Helm. Their collaboration reflects the festival’s mission to create harmony between diverse musical traditions while nurturing cultural connections across the Pacific.
Festival Highlights and Performances
The ANA ʻAha Mele 2025 program includes two major concerts designed to appeal to music enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike:
- Blue Note Hawaii Concert (November 19): An intimate evening of music featuring Nobuyuki Tsujii, jazz trumpeter Shutaro Matsui, and pianist Kento Tsubosaka. Guests can enjoy a close-up performance in one of Honolulu’s most iconic live music venues, paired with a memorable dinner experience. Tickets available here.
- Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell Gala (November 22): A large-scale outdoor concert under the stars featuring Tsujii and his musical friends, joined by Raiatea Helm. The evening will showcase classical and Hawaiian melodies in a setting that captures the spirit of the islands. Tickets available here.
Beyond the public concerts, the festival incorporates special community and educational programs. Tsujii will lead a music workshop for local students, providing an opportunity for young learners to explore creative expression and experience world-class performance up close.
Cultural and Environmental Commitment
ANA ʻAha Mele is more than a music festival; it reflects the airline’s commitment to giving back to the Hawaiian community and its natural environment. Since its inception in 2019, the festival has included initiatives that promote sustainability and cultural stewardship. In 2025, ANA employees will once again participate in tree planting at the ANA Legacy Forest, focusing on native Milo trees—a species historically used to craft instruments like the ukulele.
This act of environmental stewardship aligns with ANA’s goal of preserving Hawaii’s ecological and cultural future. By linking music, culture, and conservation, the festival offers a holistic experience that appeals to both international travelers and local residents.
Immersive Travel Experience with ANA
Travelers from Japan can fully immerse themselves in the festival experience with ANA’s Dynamic Package tour aboard the FLYING HONU, the airline’s iconic sea turtle–themed Airbus A380. This package combines flights, festival access, and the chance to explore Honolulu’s vibrant cultural scene.
Tomoji Ishii, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience at ANA, emphasized the festival’s role in bridging cultures. “Since ANA ʻAha Mele’s inception in 2019, it has nurtured the loving relationship between Hawaii and Japan, becoming a meaningful bridge through music and education,” he said. “This year’s festival continues that legacy by giving back to the community and promoting conservation.”
A Celebration of Music, Culture, and Aloha
As the festival approaches, excitement is building among music fans, cultural travelers, and the Hawaiian community. Whether enjoying an intimate jazz night at Blue Note Hawaii or an outdoor gala beneath the Waikiki sky, attendees will experience the magic of live music paired with the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality.
By combining internationally acclaimed performances, local traditions, and environmental stewardship, ANA ʻAha Mele 2025 reaffirms its role as a one-of-a-kind celebration of music, culture, and aloha—strengthening the ties between Japan and Hawaii while leaving a lasting impact on the community.
