Play Hanalei: Music for Every Child
Since 2022, Play Hanalei has been creating year-round camps for ages 5—16 to explore music through songwriting, surf, art and community.
Our Story & Vision
The story of Play Hanalei begins with founder and singer-songwriter Kassie Johnson (Kazi Jay), raised on the North Shore of Kaua’i. In July 2022, while touring, she realized she wanted to give back to her community in a more meaningful way to the kieki. Six months later, she created her first camp that merged surfing, art, and songwriting into something unique and unlike any other camp program on Kaua’i. This vision became Play Hanalei—a creative ecosystem where children thrive through collaboration in songwriting, and exploration through surf, art and a whole lot of play!
Camps & Creative Exploration
Since its founding, Play Hanalei has evolved into year-round camps for ages 5—16, offering immersive 3- to 7-day sessions that combine songwriting, instrumentation, and musical literacy. Children from across the United States have joined in Hanalei to experience this unique program, composing nearly 40 original songs alongside local keiki and visiting artists. Each camp is designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and community, filling a crucial gap in areas where access to music education is scarce.
Access, Scholarships & Impact
At the heart of Play Hanalei is a commitment to access and opportunity for all. Through partnerships with INCF and a strong scholarship program, we ensure that children from single-income households and underserved families can participate in high-quality music education. Donations directly sustain camp programs, insurance, and tuition support—making it possible for more young musicians to discover the transformative power of music. Every contribution helps us continue building a space where creativity flourishes and every child has the chance to find their voice.
For more information on what we offer, please visit www.playhanalei.com