Kamaehu Kawa‘a loves his daughter, Ceralena, to sing and dance hula as a student of award-winning Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi under the direction of Iliahi and Haunani Paredes. His winning song — an original composition written for his wife, Madi — likens her to the Pulelehua (butterfly).

KAPALUA — The 19th annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest was held live-streamed from The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Saturday night, Sept. 18.

The competition featured five contestants, and at the end, Kamaehu Kawa’a of Waiehu was named the champion.

Hosted by Alakai Paleka. the contest in its entirety can be viewed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos/909604719932169/.

“Due to Covid, our work crew was cut down to limit the number of people in the room while filming. I missed them, my Aunty Nani Watanabe ‘ohana and Tina Thompson ‘ohana. We all worked so hard,” shared Daryl Fujiwara, event coordinator.

“The staff at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua really went above and beyond — Hawaiian Cultural Advisor Clifford Naeole and General Manager Andrew Rogers, the judges, the house band, our sound tech David Nakamura and film crew. We couldn’t have done it without everyone doing their part, big and even small. The event was amazing because of all of you, If you love Hawaiian music, I highly encourage everyone to watch it.”

Kawa’a took home the Hawaiian Language Award presented by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, two nights at their resort along with breakfast, and the Sheldon Keahiawakea Brown Music Award for his musicality.

His prize package includes a wood award, Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate, Makana donated by 2016 Champion Gregory Juan, A Makaku Maui shirt and bag designed by Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona, lei hulu by Leonani Meyer, opportunity to record a single with Kimie Miner’s Haku Collective team and $600 cash.

Second place went to Micah Manzano of Maui, who took home a wood award, Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate and $400 cash.

Third place went to Kaliko Pascua of Hanapepe, Kauai. He received a wood award, Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate and $300 cash.

The other contestants were Troy Alika Hussey from Lahaina and David James Kealoha Auna from Laie, Oahu.

The contest is among the Maui County events in Festivals of Aloha. For more information on remaining events, visit festivalsofaloha.com and “like” the festivals on Facebook.