HONOLULU — The final ballot has been announced for this year’s 42nd Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which includes the names of some of Hawaii’s most iconic musicians, songwriters and producers.
The annual awards show will spotlight standout artists in 36 different categories, including two new categories, Hawaiian EP Release of the Year and Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year.
“In its 42nd year, the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards show has evolved into more than just an awards show. The event represents an annual gathering of the biggest names in Hawaii’s music industry coming together to celebrate one another’s success on and off the stage,” said Pali Ka‘aihue, president of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts. “From artists to composers, Hawaii is home to a growing list of talented individuals in music and we look forward to another memorable evening honoring their accomplishments as they continue to represent the beautiful state of Hawaii.”
Winners from each category will be recognized on May 25 at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Finalists are selected by just under 600 members of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts.
A selection of this year’s 2019 Na Hoku Hanohano finalists are included below.
Album of the Year – Best album release of the year
• ALOHA FROM NA HOA, NA Hoa (NH Records), Ikaika Blackburn, Keoni Souza, and Halehaku Seabury, producers
• LEI LEHUA, Mark Yamanaka (Hulu Kupuna Productions), Mark Yamanaka and Kellen Paik, producers
• NA WAI ‘EHA, Na Wai ‘Eha (NWE Records), Dave Tucciarone and Na Wai ‘Eha, producers
• NO ‘ANE‘I, Kalani Pe‘a (Kalani Pe‘a Music, LLC), Dave Tucciarone, Kalani Pe‘a, and Allan B. Cool, producers
• UA KO, UA ‘AINA, Keauhou (Keauhou), Keauhou, producer
Single of the Year – Best-recorded performance of a song released as a single in either physical (CD) or digital format
• HEARTSTRINGS, Kolohe Kai (RKD Inc.)
• MORNING DRIVE, Mark Yamanaka (Hulu Kupuna Productions)
• MY HAWAII (WILL ALWAYS BE HERE), Kamuela Kahoanao (Green Light Go HI Productions)
• PU‘U KEKA‘A, Mondokane/Amy Hanaiali‘i (Coconut Gold Records)
• TALK WITH YOU AGAIN, John Keawe (John Keawe – Homestead Productions)
Female Vocalist of the Year – Best performance by a female artist
• AJA, for Pilina (no label listed)
• ANUHEA, for Follow Me: Deluxe Hawaii Edition (Sono Record Group/AnuheaJams)
• KARLIE G, for Have Fun (Karlie Goya)
• MAGGIE HERRON, for Ton of Trouble, A (Herron Song Records)
• CINDY PAULOS, for Peace, Music, and Poems (Bright Light Productions)
Male Vocalist of the Year – Best performance by a male artist
• NATHAN AWEAU, for Mau Loa (Bass Plus Music Arts)
• SEAN NA‘AUAO, for Na Keiki O Hawai‘i (Maliona Records)
• CYRIL PAHINUI, for Marketplace (Pahinui Productions)
• KALANI PE‘A, for No ‘Ano‘i (Kalani Pe‘a Music LLC)
• MARK YAMANAKA, for Lei Lehua (Hulu Kūpuna Productions)
Group of the Year – Best performance by a vocal duo or group
• EKOLU, for Ekolu Music 3: For Hawai‘i (Waiehu Records)
• KEAUHOU, for Ua Ko, Ua ‘Aina (Keauhou)
• NA HOA, for Aloha from Na Hoa (NH Records)
• NA WAI ‘EHA, for Na Wai ‘Eha (NWE Records)
• WAIPUNA, for Waipuna (Poki Records)
Most Promising Artist of the Year – Most promising first-recorded effort as a featured artist or group
• POMAIKA‘I BROWN, for Pomai Duets – At the Piano with Legendary Friends (Pomai Records)
• DESHANNON HIGA, for Words Cannot Express (Wind and Song Productions)
• KEONI KU, for Keoni Ku (Tribal Treble Records)
• NA WAI ‘EHA, for Na Wai ‘Eha (NWE Records)
• KALEO PHILLIPS, for E Mama (Maui Tribe Records)
• LEATO S. SAVINI, for Ku‘u Home ‘O Wai‘anae (Tulipa Style LLC)
The public is encouraged to cast their vote for Favorite Entertainer of the Year “People’s Choice” Award which is awarded to the public’s favorite solo artist or music group. Voting is open to the public now, online at www.nahokuhanohano.org/vote2019, and closes on April 12.
Tickets typically sell out and start at $180 for general admission, $150 for kama‘aina, and are $250 for premium seats. To purchase call (808) 593-9424.
