Aloha Jazz Fest 2025 Brings Jazz and Island Magic Together in an Unforgettable Debut

By Doug D. Sims

The first-ever Aloha Jazz Fest swept into Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach this August 21–25, 2025, and left an indelible mark on the jazz world. With five days of music, culture, and connection, the festival proved it’s more than a new addition to the calendar—it’s the beginning of a tradition that feels destined to last.

The Sound of Paradise

The Hilton Hawaiian Village set the stage for an atmosphere that was as breathtaking as it was soulful. Jazz floated across the ocean as sunsets painted the sky, creating an ambiance unlike any other.

Lin Rountree’s trumpet soared with fire and finesse, Nathan Mitchell’s keys pulsed with warmth, and Phillip Doc Martin electrified with saxophone power. Add the elegance of Heidi Tann and the ethereal artistry of Kim Scott’s flute, and audiences were treated to a lineup that resonated long after the final note.

“Hearing Lin Rountree’s trumpet with the ocean behind him—it felt like the music and the island were one.” —Festivalgoer

Beyond the Stage

What set the Aloha Jazz Fest apart was the way it fused music with the soul of Hawaiʻi. Festivalgoers weren’t just spectators—they were participants in an immersive cultural journey.

• A sunset jazz cruise offered rhythm on the waves.

   

• A traditional luau and fireworks lit the night with both spectacle and spirit.

   

• The Taste of the Island excursion paired authentic cuisine with live jazz, pleasing ears and palates alike.

   

• A jazz walk on the beach and soulful brunch sessions added intimacy, reminding fans that jazz thrives in every setting.

   

“This wasn’t just about performing—it was about connecting with the fans, with each other, and with the spirit of Hawaii.” —Nathan Mitchell

Luxury Meets Soul

The Hilton’s 22 acres of gardens, pools, and dining created the perfect environment for the festival’s balance of leisure and artistry. Attendees could catch a world-class set, then stroll barefoot on the sand or dine with views of the Pacific. It was an elegant reminder that jazz isn’t confined to dark clubs—it can thrive under starlit skies and palm trees too.

A Tradition in the Making

For organizers Jacob Webb and Phylicia Rae, the Aloha Jazz Fest was the realization of a vision: to create a festival that blended music, culture, and community into one seamless experience. Judging by the rave reviews, they succeeded.

By the festival’s close, fans were already asking about next year. The buzz online and the glow in attendees’ voices told the same story: the Aloha Jazz Fest had raised the bar, setting a new global standard for what a jazz festival can be.

As the last notes faded into the Waikiki night, one thing was certain—the Aloha Jazz Fest didn’t just arrive, it announced itself as a must-experience event for jazz lovers worldwide.

Photos by Staff Photographer Ronald Parker