JACK JOHNSON JOINS LŌKAHI: THE UKULELE COLLECTIVE, INSPIRING HAWAIʻI’S STUDENTS THROUGH MUSIC

Honolulu, HI – Lōkahi: The Ukulele Collective (Lōkahi), in partnership with two-time Grammy-nominated artist and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner, Jack Johnson, is bringing the power of music and songwriting to classrooms across Hawaiʻi. With support from local artists, teachers and students, the Ho’olōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge is reigniting music education in schools and fostering unity through creativity.

The Ho’olōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge, hosted by Lōkahi, aims to seed high-quality music programs in schools across Hawai’i. This year’s theme, “Unity through Music,” highlights the collaborative spirit of the initiative, connecting 28 schools across four islands (Oahu, Maui, Kaua’i and Hawai’i). More than 800 elementary through high school students are participating in this exciting interdisciplinary effort and integrating music and writing in meaningful ways.

Jack Johnson — Co-Founder of the Johnson ʻOhana Foundation, has long been a passionate advocate for performing arts, supporting music and arts organizations in Hawaiʻi and around the world. Jack is lending his voice to motivate students participating in the challenge. His inspiring advice for students encourages them to find creativity through their connection to the environment. 

”Writing a song is an empowering process for anyone. I’m excited to hear these keiki reflect on the world around them and put it into a melody.” said Jack Johnson

The challenge wraps up on March 15. The winning classroom will receive a visit from celebrated local artist Paula Fuga, who will share her own songwriting process and perform with students. Student entries will be featured in a video showcase, celebrating the incredible talent and hard work of Hawaiʻi’s aspiring artists. Plans are also underway for an in-person Ho’olōkahi Play Along event this spring, bringing students and musicians together for a collective celebration of music.

“We shared the news of our Ho’olōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge with Jack Johnson and he jumped at the opportunity,” said Mark Fukunaga, Executive Board Chair of Servco Pacific, Inc. (Servco). “His encouragement and advice has already inspired students to unleash their creativity as they compose their original lyrics for the challenge.”

Sponsored by Servco and in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Lōkahi is committed to expanding access to music education statewide. It plans to continue building partnerships with local artists and organizations, ensuring every student in Hawaiʻi has the opportunity to learn, play and create music in school.

"This exciting partnership reflects our commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic and creative growth," said Keith Hayashi, superintendent of Hawai‘i public schools. "Engaging in music and the arts offers students a powerful outlet for self-expression while also building essential cognitive skills such as memory, attention span, and logical reasoning. Mahalo to Lōkahi for their incredible dedication to supporting our public schools."

Interested schools can register for the Ho’olōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge before March 14 at https://lokahi.podia.com/hoochallengelandingpage. To learn more about Lōkahi: The Ukulele Collective, please visit lokahi.podia.com, email play@theukulelecollective.com or follow @lokahiukulele on Instagram.