Kamaehu Kawa‘a of Waiehu (center) won the 2021 contest.

KAPALUA — The 20th annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest is seeking contestants. The contest will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.

Applicants may apply online at https://forms.gle/FUaN3VrHV5hrQJ8u6 or festivalsofaloha.com by Sept. 9, 2022.

“Twenty years of leo ki’eki’e in the name of Richard Ho’opi’i. We are so honored to have known him and his talents. The journey to keep this event alive has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. We hope to continue for another 20 and beyond. Mahalo to the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua for their unwavering support — we couldn’t have made it this far without them,” shared Coordinator Daryl Fujiwara.

“Our prize chest is growing, and so in addition to our cash prize and recording opportunity, our 2022 champion will receive a Kanile’a Ukulele.”

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 — Hawaiian falsetto legend, member of the renowned musical duo The Ho’opi’i Brothers, a Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, a Na Hoku Hanohano 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.

2022 Festival Ribbons are now available. Proceeds generated from sales of ribbons help to produce the events. Call or text (808) 268-9285 for more information.

For the most up-to-date information, visit festivalsofaloha.com and “like” the event on Facebook.

Mahalo to the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hana-Maui Resort, Jaydon Isobe, Hana Arts, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui Health, Kanile’a Ukulele, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, Maui Disposal, Haku Collective, Papa Ola Lokahi, Old Lahaina Luau and Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.