12th Annual Maui Songwriters Festival returns to the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Jan. 6-9, 2027

Award-winning artists, chart-topping  songwriters, and music fans from around the world will gather at The Ritz-Carlton Maui,  Kapalua for the 12th Annual Maui Songwriters Festival, Jan. 6-9, 2027. Headlined by  two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Lauren Daigle, Diamond-certified country star Brett  Young, and award-winning group The Band Perry, the four-day festival combines  unforgettable live performances, intimate songwriter sessions, and behind-the-song storytelling  in one of Hawaiʻi’s most spectacular settings.  

Hosted by radio personality Katie Neal of Katie & Company, the Maui Songwriters Festival  showcases the artistry of songwriting through performances that celebrate the stories,  experiences, and inspiration behind today’s biggest hits. Unlike traditional music festivals, it offers guests a rare opportunity to experience music in an intimate setting where artists share not  only their songs, but also the personal stories behind them. The 2027 lineup also includes  acclaimed country soul artist Drake White, GRAMMY®-winning songwriter Chris DeStefano,  and an exceptional roster of Nashville hitmakers whose songs have shaped some of country  music’s most recognizable artists and recordings. 

“Music has a remarkable ability to bring people together, and we’re honored to once again  welcome the Maui Songwriters Festival to Kapalua,” said Melissa Lee, Hotel Manager at The  Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. “The festival embodies the spirit of connection, storytelling, and  shared experiences that align seamlessly with our commitment to creating meaningful moments  for our guests and community.”  

Festival packages, accommodations and ticket information are available at  www.mauisongwritersfestival.com. 

FESTIVAL EVENTS  

Wednesday, Jan. 6  

• Maui “Alaloa Live” Songwriter Showcase  
  • 6-9 p.m. | Alaloa Lounge | Complimentary 
  • Kick off festival week with an evening showcasing Maui’s singer-songwriters Akoni  Palomino, Tripp Wilson, and Kehlemi. No reservations required.  

Thursday, Jan. 7  

• Maui Songwriters Festival Snorkel & Whale Watch 
  • 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Aliʻi Nui | $319 
  • Sun, sea, and song: Aliʻi Class Yachts welcomes Maui songwriters aboard the Aliʻi Kai.  The excursion sails to Olowalu, home to Maui’s oldest reef, where guests can enjoy whale watching, snorkeling, a relaxed lunch, and an open bar. This unique experience  offers the opportunity to spend the day with the voices behind the island’s music while  soaking in the beauty of Maui’s coastline. Reservations are available at this link.  
• Maui Songwriters Festival (MSWF) FIND Showcase  
  • 6-7 p.m. | Alaloa Lounge | Complimentary 
  • MSWF FIND highlights an emerging independent singer-songwriter with the talent and  potential to become the next generation of hitmaker. This year’s featured artist is Tiera  Kennedy, a genre-crossing talent recognized for her fresh and distinctive sound. No  reservations required. 
• Nashville “Alaloa Live” Songwriter Showcase  
  • 7-9 p.m. | Alaloa Lounge | Complimentary 
  • Enjoy an intimate evening with rising Nashville artists Payton Sullivan, Aniston Pate,  Alex Lambert, and Grace Tyler. No reservations required. 

Friday, Jan. 8 

• “These Are The Days” – An Evening Beachside with Lauren Daigle, Chris DeStefano &  Friends 
  • Beach House Lawn 
  • Doors Open: 5:15 p.m. (Golden Hour Cocktails) 
  • Event: 6-9:30 p.m. 
  • Beverages and chef bites available for purchase 
  • Tickets (all-ages): General Admission $150 | VIP Seating $250 

Featured Artists  

• Lauren Daigle: Two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Lauren Daigle is one of today’s  most celebrated artists, earning multiple Billboard Music, American Music, and Dove  Awards. Her modern, powerful vocals have garnered more than a billion streams and  captivated audiences on sold-out tours worldwide.
• Drake White: Known as the “Country Soul Troubadour,” Drake White has amassed  nearly half a billion streams through fan-favorite albums including Spark, The  Optimystic, and Low Country High Road. Rolling Stone named him one of its “10  Country Artists You Need to Know.” 
• Chris DeStefano: GRAMMY®-winning songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist  Chris DeStefano has written 18 No. 1 hits for artists including Carrie Underwood, Dan +  Shay, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Aldean. 
• Trannie Anderson: GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter Trannie Anderson is a three time No. 1 hitmaker whose songs have been recorded by Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson,  Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, and Reba McEntire. Her credits include the award-winning  hit “Heart Like a Truck.” 
• Jon Nite: GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter Jon Nite is a CMA and ACM Award  winner with 18 No. 1 songs and more than 30 country radio hits. His catalog includes  favorites recorded by Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, and  Gabby Barrett. 
• Jimmy Robbins: ACM, CMA, and GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter and producer  Jimmy Robbins has penned 10 No. 1 hits, including songs for Maren Morris, Thomas  Rhett, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kenny Chesney. He is also an acclaimed  producer with multiple chart-topping records to his credit. 

Saturday, Jan. 9  

• “Here Tonight” with Brett Young & The Band Perry 
  • Aloha Garden Pavilion 
  • Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. 
  • Concert: 6:30-10 p.m. 
  • Beverages and chef bites available for purchase  
  • Tickets (all-ages): General Admission $150 | VIP Seating $250 

Featured Artists  

• Brett Young: With more than 8.5 billion global streams and seven consecutive No. 1  singles, Brett Young has established himself as one of country music’s most successful  contemporary artists. His catalog includes fan favorites such as “In Case You Didn’t  Know,” “Mercy,” “Like I Loved You,” and “Here Tonight.” 
• The Band Perry: The GRAMMY®, CMA and ACM Award-winning group rose to  international fame with the 9x Platinum hit “If I Die Young.” Following their highly  anticipated return, the group continues to captivate audiences with its signature sound and  bold new musical chapter. 
• Opening performances by local artists: Akoni Palomino, 94Tunez of Rebel Souljahz, and Kamalani Kawaʻa 

A silent auction held during the evening will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, with 100%  of proceeds supporting youth programs across Maui.  

Maui Songwriters Festival Ultimate Experience 

For an unforgettable weekend of music, storytelling, and island hospitality, guests can reserve  the Ultimate Experience package, which includes:

• Luxury accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua  
• Two All-Access Passes to Maui Songwriters Festival events, with preferred seating at “These Are The Days” – An Evening Beachside with Lauren Daigle, Chris DeStefano &  Friends and “Here Tonight” with Brett Young & The Band Perry 
• One-time $1,000 resort credit 
• One-day use of a Luxury Pool Cabana 
• Daily Club Lounge access for two 
• Signed Maui Songwriters Festival poster 

Click this link to reserve the Ultimate Experience. 

Produced by Renate Event & Design, the Maui Songwriters Festival has earned a reputation as  one of Hawaiʻi’s premier music experiences, pairing world-class talent with exceptional  hospitality while supporting charitable initiatives that benefit the Maui community.  

The partners that help make the 2027 Maui Songwriters Festival possible include Sony Music  Publishing, PMG, KCountry 106.1FM, KPOA 93.5FM, Maui Brewing, Maui Hard Seltzer, Aliʻi  Nui, Bounty Music Maui, Tommy Bahama, Maui Kuʻia Estate Chocolate, Boys & Girls Clubs of  Maui, Vitalitea, Ocean Vodka, and Aloha Cowboy. 

For information about The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/maui.