The falsetto contest provides a championship opportunity for amateur singers and perpetuates the art form. , as well as to provide a dynamic platform for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiʻi’s unique falsetto traditions.

KAPALUA — The 19th annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest is seeking contestants.

The contest will be held live-streamed from The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. Applicants may apply online at https://forms.gle/FUaN3VrHV5hrQJ8u6 or festivalsofaloha.com/falsetto-contest.

Due to enhanced COVID-19 regulations, the committee is not offering seating to the public. Spectators are asked to tune in to Facebook LIVE on facebook.com/festivalsofaloha.

“We were not able to hold the contest last year, and I don’t want to cancel again. What would have been our 20th contest this year is the 19th. Safety first, we are moving forward with our traditions within the parameters of the ‘new norm,’ “ shared Daryl Fujiwara, event coordinator.

The purpose of this event is to provide a championship opportunity for amateur falsetto singers, as well as to provide a dynamic platform for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaii’s unique falsetto traditions.

Additionally, it is designed to honor and uphold the cultural and entertainment ideals and integrity as modeled by the late Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i, a Hawaiian falsetto legend, member of the renowned musical duo The Ho’opi’i Brothers, a Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner and Lifetime Achievement Award co-recipient, a National Endowment of the Arts Folk Heritage Fellowship co-recipient, a Grammy Award co-recipient and the founder of the contest, now a tradition in Maui’s Festivals of Aloha.

This year, enjoy the Festivals of Aloha 2020-21 Virtual Ho’olaule’a. Below are links to watch the episodes.

Watch Festivals of Aloha Hana at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2130215463785807. Head to Hana and enjoy performances by the Kula Kaiapuni ma Hana, Fawn Helekahi and ‘Ohana, CJ Helekahi, Lahela Park, Ata Pata, Josh Martin, Keoni Darisay, and Ian Aquino with Kealaheleikapo Tau’a and Teresann Makaiwi Tau’a. Learn to make a lauhala craft and pohole salad with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and check out the farmers’ market open Fridays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Check out Festivals of Aloha Molokai at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos/220726786407703. Molokai no ka heke! Taste Anahaki Farms’ proprietary tea, gather flowers and make lei at Molokai Plumeria, weave coconut fronds with Maui Grown 808, check in on Hawaiian fashion house Kealopiko’s Summer 2021 Collection, and get Kanemitsu Hot Bread! The episode features music by Pa’apono, Keaka, Uncle Mango, Taye and Esther, Melia, and Heli Ducaroy Silva.

Festivals of Aloha Maui is at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos/153722286818497. Head to the kitchen at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua with Executive Sous Chef Meredith Maneé and Hawaiian Cultural Advisor Clifford Naeole, who talk story and prepare luau ravioli with he’e (octopus), learn to make headbands out of coconut fronds with U’i Kahue and Romeo Siatris, make ogo salad with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and enjoy music by CJ Helekahi at Lona Ridge and Josh Tatofi at the Cliff House at Montage Kapalua Bay.

Festivals of Aloha Lanai ia available at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos/889553458568947. On Lanai, go sightseeing with local boy Makani Tabura; talk story with Phoenix, the owner of Blue Ginger; learn about Lanai honey from Ono Loa Lanai Fine Foods and enjoy music by Kapua Entertainment.

Check out Festivals of Aloha’s Aloha Friday at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos/318592819736269.

2021 Festival Ribbons are now available. Proceeds generated from sale of ribbons help to produce the events. Call or text (808) 268-9285 for information.

For the most up-to-date information, visit festivalsofaloha.com.