HONOLULU — The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, through a Friday press release, invites Kauai’s top talent to take center stage as the Council launches “Hawaii to the World,” a first-of-its-kind statewide talent showcase and television series that celebrates the spirit, voice, and culture of Hawaii’s people.
“This is more than a talent show. It’s a cultural movement,” said Blaine Miyasato, the CNHA Chief
Brand Officer and Executive Producer in the release. “Our greatest asset is our people, and there is no better way to represent Hawaii than by uplifting the beauty, talent, and spirit of those who live it every day. We’re redefining how the world sees us through authentic stories told by the people who truly make Hawaii special.”
“Hawaii to the World, Kauai Calls” is the second stop, following “Maui Calls,” with episodes still to come on Hawaii Island, Oahu, and beyond.
More than a competition, “Hawaii to the World, Kauai Calls” is a celebration of community where the spirit of Hawaii is defined not by marketing campaigns but by the people who live its values every day.
Individuals and groups of up to six people from Kauai are encouraged to submit audition videos online at hawaiiancouncil.org/auditions by June 19, 2025.
Complete contest rules, eligibility details, and updates are available at hawaiiancouncil.org/auditions.
Eight finalists will be selected to perform at the live taping on July 20 at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. The show’s core panel of celebrated artists and cultural leaders include Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom, a six-time GRAMMY nominee and 18-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner; Patrick Makuakane, a MacArthur Fellow, kumu hula, and cultural innovator; Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, or Kumu Hina, an Emmy winner, composer, and cultural ambassador; and Lehua Kalima, a Founding member of Na Leo Pilimehana, and award-winning musician.
Additionally, Shawn Kekoa Pimental, a GRAMMY-nominated producer and 11-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, will serve as the show’s talent advisor.
The show will be hosted by McKenna Maduli, Emmy-winning host of “Talk Story with McKenna Maduli.”
Kauai Calls and episodes of the “Hawaii to the World” television series will air on local news television show “Hawaii News Now” and culminate in a live finale at the Ko Olina Resort on Dec. 14. More information on broadcast time, public voting, and tickets will be announced at a later date.
Winners will be invited to represent Hawaii on a global cultural ambassador tour, showcasing the richness of what our islands have to offer the world. They will also receive cash and prizes.
For information about the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, visit hawaiiancouncil.org.
Source: The Garden Island
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