Hawaii Symphony Orchestra Names New Music Director in Historic First for Local Talent

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has named Kainoa Keawe-Santos as its next music director, making the 34-year-old Honolulu native the first Hawaii-born conductor to lead the state’s premier orchestra in its 125-year history.

Keawe-Santos, currently an associate conductor at the San Francisco Symphony, will assume the role in September and lead the HSO’s full 2026-2027 season. The appointment caps a year-long international search that considered over 200 candidates from 30 countries.

“Growing up, I sat in the cheap seats at Blaisdell Concert Hall and dreamed about being on that stage,” Keawe-Santos said at a press conference at the concert hall. “To come home and lead this orchestra — I still can’t believe it.”

A graduate of Punahou School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Keawe-Santos trained under Michael Tilson Thomas in San Francisco and was a conducting fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center. Critics have praised his interpretive depth in both classical and contemporary repertoire, and his ability to build bridges between orchestral music and diverse audiences.

HSO board chair Patricia Loui said Keawe-Santos stood out for his artistic vision and his commitment to making the orchestra relevant to Hawaii’s multicultural community. His proposed programming includes commissioning new works from Pacific Islander and Asian American composers, and a “Symphony Under the Stars” series of free outdoor concerts in neighborhoods across Oahu.

The HSO has faced financial challenges in recent years, including a pandemic-era bankruptcy reorganization. Keawe-Santos acknowledged the challenges but said he sees enormous potential. “Hawaii is one of the most musical places on Earth. This orchestra should reflect that — every style, every voice, every neighborhood.”