National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Two-time platinum selling singer/songwriter Jack Johnson was host and headliner at this year's Kokua Festival, held over two nights on April 19th at the Maui Cultural Arts Center and April 22nd at Waikiki Shell in Hawaii.

The concert, now in its third year, also boasted Willie Nelson & the Planetary Bandits and soulful roots rocker Ben Harper, as well as local acts Harry Kapano and Paula Fuga and One Love Ohana Band. All the artists donated their performances to benefit for the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation, an organization that promotes environmental education in Hawaiian schools.

Founded in 2004 by Johnson and his wife Kim, the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation sponsors recycling programs, environmental education field trips and other interactive programs for local schools in Hawaii. The Kokua Festival is the foundation's annual benefit event that brings together environmental organizations, eco-friendly businesses, musicians, artists, teachers, and community leaders to promote environmental awareness in Hawaii. Kokua means "help" in the Hawaiian language.

Johnson, best known for his 2005 album In Between Dreams - which settled comfortably in the Billboard Top 10 for over a year - is a former professional surfer who grew up on Oahu's famed North Shore. In addition to his recording career, Johnson is also a producer and director of surfing films, including Thicker Than Water (1999) and The September Sessions (2000). Johnson's latest album Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George was released in February of 2006.