Big Island’s top talent to shine on upcoming episode of ‘Hawai‘i to the World’ competition

Hawai’i Island’s deep creativity, heritage and heart will be broadcast throughout the state Nov. 30 — and Big Island residents are called to tune in and cheer them on — as 8 finalists from the island perform in a statewide talent competition.

“Hawai‘i to the World, Hawai‘i Island Auditions” airs at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 on Hawai‘i News Now, simulcast on K5 and KHNL and streaming on all Hawai‘i News Now platforms. The competition showcases Hawai‘i’s rising artists, musicians, dancers and creators, and with their powerful vocals and standout instrumental and cultural performances, the finalists from Moku o Keawe are going to lay it all out on stage.

The eight finalists representing Moku o Keawe are:

• JsLyfe & Kona Town’s Finest.
• Kapono Lopes.
• Uncle Kealoha Kelekolio.
• Kalei Aukai Reginald Webster.
• Bridge Hartman.
• Danny “Kahi” Williams.
• Patrice Kaohi.
• Pohai.

This week’s guest judge is Alaka‘i Paleka, who joins the show’s judging spanel alongside Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom, Patrick Makuakāne, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (Kumu Hina) and Lehua Kalima.

The show is hosted by McKenna Maduli, with Shawn Kekoa Pimental serving as music producer.

“Hawai‘i to the World is about more than competition, it’s about connection,” said Hawaiian Council Chief Executive Officer Kūhiō Lewis, who is also the show’s co-creator, in announcing the upcoming episode. “The show helps lift Hawai‘i’s artists and performers, giving them the visibility and support they deserve.”

Each week, “Hawai‘i to the World” spotlights one island before the grand finale — when the top acts from Kaua‘i, Maui, Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu will take the stage to compete for the $10,000 grand prize.

The show also features a Fan Favorite award — determined by online voting — celebrating the contestant who receives the most community support.

Voting for Fan Favorite remains open 24 hours after each show airs.

Remaining shows will air weekly at 7 p.m. on Hawai‘i News Now, immediately following Sunday Night Football:

• Dec. 7: O‘ahu Auditions (Jake Shimabukuro, guest judge).
• Dec. 14: Finale.

The nonprofit Hawaiian Council develops programs that celebrate Native Hawaiian people and culture as well as strengthen local communities through education, cultural exchange and storytelling.

“Hawai‘i to the World” reflects that purpose by uplifting Native Hawaiians and Hawai‘i through culture, creativity and community — providing a platform for artists and creators from every island to share their voices, celebrate their culture and inspire pride and connection among future generations.

“By investing in local creativity, we’re helping to strengthen the next generation of storytellers who will carry our voices far beyond these islands,” Lewis said.

Visit the “Hawai‘i to the World” website for additional information and to vote for Fan Favorite.