Richard Ho‘opi‘i Falsetto Contest set for Saturday
KAPALUA — Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii, the culmination of the 2023 Festivals of Aloha approaches with the highly anticipated 21st Richard Ho’opi’i Falsetto Contest and captivating events on the island of Moloka’i.
The 21st annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with music by the group Hoaka, featuring contest champion Kason Gomes and Kalani Miles.
The contest will commence at 6 p.m. with a performance by ‘Ohana Ho’opi’i. The Afterglow will run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Salon Pre-function area with music by Nuff Sedd.
The recipient of the ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i award will enjoy a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. The 2023 champion will receive a Kanile’a ‘Ukulele, $600 cash sponsored by Honua Consulting, a wooden award, Hawaiian Island Creations Lifestyle Apparel, a $150 Pulelehua Gift certificate, lei hulu by Hulunani Leo Meyer and a performance opportunity at Keauhou Shopping Center on Hawaii Island.
Second place will receive $400 cash, and third place will receive $200 cash from Honua Consulting.
Local artists will be showcasing in the Salon Foyer from 1 to 8 p.m. Featured artists include Missing Polynesia, Kapa Curious, Hulunani, Art by Tioni, and Pearls by Eke.
To get you warmed up, view last year’s competition on the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos/1171868633738535.
To learn more about Festivals of Aloha, visit festivalsofaloha.com and “like” them on Facebook.